Thanks for the advice guys. I just got back from the Dr.'s office, Broncitice and inflamation from moving in the winter in WY
, and on the way back to the office, descided I needed a little "Me Time." So I stopped into Woodcraft and compared the LN #7 ($426), the Wood River #6 ($139, they don't make a #7 yet), a Stanley Sweetheart low angle #62 ($175), and the Gronz #7 ($66), all side by side. I have to say that the Gronz really doesn't measure up in any way to the other 3.
The sole was noticably wavy and very light weight compared to the WR and the Stanley #6's both smaller but heavier. I'll be honest that I've seen card scrapers that were thicker than the Gronz iron. There is no way I'm wasting good money on a Gronz.
I've used some Wood River (WR) stuff before, and never considered them bad for the price. Some of the WR stuff is re-manufactured, like their clamps that are really Bessy clamps that are green instead of red.
Their Router bits aren't horribly bad, but they are certainly not CMT's or Amana's or Infinity's. They are cheap and work OK but nothing to write home about. However, I was plesantly surprised at the fit and finish of the WR #6. It was heavy, very flat on the sole and had an iron that was almost as thick as the LN. Though made in China, they look like somebody really took their time in producing a good plane for the money. Now if they could just pull out a #7 or #8, I'd be sold. Granted, the iron would have to be sharpened and honed, but what do you want for $140. I don't have a problem with sharpening, so long as the sole is flat and the parts all work and fit properly. From what I've just seen, the WR is just that. A good looking heafty plane with a good iron at a reasonable price.
No, I didn't buy a plane yet, but I am seriously considering the WR#6 as a stop-gap until I can lay my hands on a good Stanley #7. I'm also SERIOUSLY considering going ahead with saving a little more and going for the Veritas low angle jointer. It is 22" long, and for an additional $38 I can get a fence for it to keep the edge square to the face, if you've ever seen me with a plane in my hand you'd know that this is a problem with me
.
Oh, before I forget, What is the purpose of a corrigated sole on some of the mid to large sized planes? Reduction of friction?
Anyway, still weighing my options and you're opinions are very helpful. I'll let you know how it goes and if you have any more pointers, keep them coming.
_________________
Frank
WWACOAUX#1
"I love the smell of Sawdust in the morning, it smells like, victory."
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