Tilgear any good?

[Armagh]

I've been looking through a tilgear catalogue and noticed they sell a 311 plane labelled as "Brook" and a copy of the 52e vice also sold as Brook. They're considerably cheaper than paying for a Clifton 311 or Irwin 52e. Would it be fair enough to assume they're not great quality?

 

[johnnyb]

there made in India. my no10 rebate plane is OK its flat and reasonable finish. the blade is to hard and can chip and is hard to sharpen.

 

[Armagh]

there made in India. my no10 rebate plane is OK its flat and reasonable finish. the blade is to hard and can chip and is hard to sharpen.

Thanks. I don't want to "buy cheap, buy twice".

 

[johnnyb]

my only real advice is don't buy a vintage carriage makers rebate unless you can check it's flat and the sides at 90. the 311 may be an OK bet. I reckon axminster rider are made in the same factory( they certainly have a similar standard of finish) of course if you want fancy you must pay but but my rebate works a treat and was £30

 

[Armagh]

Circling back on this, I would not recommend Tilgear for their 311 plane. Ordered 2, 1 came with the adjustment screw drilled into the wrong place so it doesn't even make contact with the blade. The second I was able to file into something approaching useable, but presents the blade at a skewed angle and has a piece of the casing missing where it meets the lever cap.