Nicholas Lawrence
12-24-2016, 6:16 PM
I have started a project with a lot of mortise and tenon joints, and decided a shoulder plane would come in handy. I know the Lie-Nielsen and Lee Valley are clearly the best (as they are in most things they make). However, Amazon had the new Stanley 92 for sale for $62, with free shipping, and a $10 coupon on top of that. For $52, and with Amazon's solid return policy, I decided to take a chance. Since there is not a lot of information here about the new Stanleys I thought I would post a couple of observations.
If you look at the Amazon reviews there are two main criticisms I saw: (1) not square, and (2) not finished, in that the machining left sharp edges to cut yourself on. One of the posts I saw here had some issues with the screws not being properly cut as well.
The one I have is square. I don't know if I just got lucky or if the QC problems have been solved. Both screws seem to work fine.
It is an odd design, and comes apart in the middle. I thought there might be issues in getting everything lined up properly when you take it apart and put it back together. However, the machining on the one I have at any rate was pretty well done, and everything goes back together tightly and lines up properly.
The edges on the outside have been eased on the one I have, and are not sharp enough to cut. However, the edges on the insides have not been eased, and are very sharp. I can only see this being an issue when you take the blade out for sharpening, but it is something to watch out for. I may take a little fine sandpaper one day and see if I can improve that.
My biggest criticism of the design is that it is a little finicky in adjustment, and sharpening and replacing the cutter is an awkward process. I may appreciate the design more with time (I gather it is basically a copy of the one Stanley sold forever), but my first impression is that there ought to be a better way to take the blade out, sharpen, and replace it.
Overall, it is square, appears to be well made if not perfectly designed or finished, and works. If money is no object, I would imagine Lee Valley or Lie Nielsen are still the obvious choice, but for those on a budget, or who will use one only occasionally, the Stanley appears to be a workable option. I plan to keep mine at any rate.
If you look at the Amazon reviews there are two main criticisms I saw: (1) not square, and (2) not finished, in that the machining left sharp edges to cut yourself on. One of the posts I saw here had some issues with the screws not being properly cut as well.
The one I have is square. I don't know if I just got lucky or if the QC problems have been solved. Both screws seem to work fine.
It is an odd design, and comes apart in the middle. I thought there might be issues in getting everything lined up properly when you take it apart and put it back together. However, the machining on the one I have at any rate was pretty well done, and everything goes back together tightly and lines up properly.
The edges on the outside have been eased on the one I have, and are not sharp enough to cut. However, the edges on the insides have not been eased, and are very sharp. I can only see this being an issue when you take the blade out for sharpening, but it is something to watch out for. I may take a little fine sandpaper one day and see if I can improve that.
My biggest criticism of the design is that it is a little finicky in adjustment, and sharpening and replacing the cutter is an awkward process. I may appreciate the design more with time (I gather it is basically a copy of the one Stanley sold forever), but my first impression is that there ought to be a better way to take the blade out, sharpen, and replace it.
Overall, it is square, appears to be well made if not perfectly designed or finished, and works. If money is no object, I would imagine Lee Valley or Lie Nielsen are still the obvious choice, but for those on a budget, or who will use one only occasionally, the Stanley appears to be a workable option. I plan to keep mine at any rate.