E.C. Emmerich Primus Adjustable Block Plane

[Michael Hammers]

I was wondering if anyone has used this little block plane? I am upgrading and as much as I like LN & LV I am fascinated with wooden planes. All the magazine blurbs are positive however I am curious if anyone has actually put it through the paces. Any and all input on this little guy would be great.
Cheers, Michael

[Manny Hernandez]

Hi Michael,
I used to own one a few years back. If I remember correctly it was comfortable to use. My only dislikes were (1) it's typically used one-handed so the large knob fits in palm of your hand. During use I would always inadvertently change the depth setting with the slightest rotation of my palm. That got to be very annoying. and (2) I had to sharpen the iron more often than any of my LN blades. It took and held a decent edge, but just didn't hold it as long as my other plane irons.
Hope that helps.

Manny

[Mark Singer]

Michael,
It is a good rough block plane, not as adjustable as a 60 1/2 the mouth is fixed...I like it, thought it is not my first choice for detail work

[Michael Hammers]

Thanks Mark and Manny,
I guess I was hoping to fill the bill with a wooden block plane but aside from the Primus the only other one I have come across is a low angle block from Crown Hand Tool Co. and I have not heard anything about them either.
I think for its use though the LN or LV is the way to go.
Why is it everytime I set out to buy a new hand tool it is always a hundred more than I want to pay?
Curse this slippery slope.......:o

[Andrew Homan]

Hi,

I have memories that we had one of these wooden block planes in the basement when I was a kid but my father doesn't remember it... perhaps a figment of my imagination.

I like wooden planes, too, but one of the uses of a block plane (for me) is chamfering corners of boards. I use a metal block plane for this. Over time, this would really take its toll on a wooden block plane. With wooden planes, I really try to avoid doing anything but work on a flat edge, end, or face of a board. So if you plan to use a block plane for chamfering, this might be a job for a metal plane!
-Andy

[Roger Bell]

It is a very well made and crafted plane, as are all the ECE products. Yes, if you put your hand on the adjusting knob during use, you run the risk of rotating the knob....but I place my hand on the heel of the plane itself....so I have overcome that problem. Even with that, I find it far more comfortable than any of the Stanleys except for the knuckle-joints (#18 and #65). The adjustment mechanism is superior to any of the Stanleys. I agree that the iron is not in the same class as LN, Hock, etc. but it is better than the ordinary Stanley. Yes, it does have a fixed mouth, but I can get reasonably fine shavings with mine, but not quite as fine as a well-made adjustable mouth, such as the LN or LV versions. What I like the best is the lignum vitae sole. You can't beat the smooth glide of that sole on wood....in that regard, the metallic soles of the others don't even rate.

If you really want an adjustable mouth (hammer adjusted, of course), consider one of Steve Knight's smaller planes in a wood of your choice. You will definitely get fine shavings with his.

[Mark Singer]

The ECE Primus Smoother711 is the top dog! That is the premier wood plane they make and is one of my favorites...

[Pam Niedermayer]

You may want to check out the HNT Gordon palm smoother ( http://www.hntgordon.com.au/prodcatpalm.htm ), it's one of my most used planes. I don't know that it officially fits in the block plane category.

Pam

[Ken Bryant]

I have the ECE block plane, a LV block plane, and an LN block plane. The ECE and the LV sit on the shelf.

[Martin Cash]

I am delighted with my ECE block plane. It fits the shape of my hand comfortably, and with a well prepared blade takes beautiful full width shavings.
The mouth is of course not adjustable, but I find that its shaping is excellent and I have never experienced any choking or blockages.
This is one of my favourite planes.
Regards
MC:):):)

[Bruce Branson]

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8897/dsc00542ir6.jpgThe Japan Woodworker sells a Muji. short plane that is only 4 in.long.It is made out of Ebony and is at 45°.Along with my LN 102 at 37° and a Steve Knight pocket plane at 55° all of my small plane needs are covered.

[Adriaan Schepel]

I have a mix of block planes that I use for different things. I do admit to liking the Mujingfang mini smoother, which is almost identical to the HNT Gordon which Pam mentioned except it's way cheaper. Okay, the blade isn't as thick, but it's still a good chunk of steel and holds an edge extremely well.

The body is rosewood, and it has a brass mouth strip. Mine cost me about $US20.

Cheers,
Adriaan

[Pam Niedermayer]

That's good to hear, Adriaan, I've heard several people say they like the Muninfang planes a lot. One of these days I'll get around to trying one. $20 huh? That's pretty cheap...

I don't think they're identical to the HNT, but similar in that they are both wooden and both reputed to work very, very well. For example, the HNT has: no brass rod for holding a subblade; a wedge with no subblade; removeable/adjustable handles; and a thicker blade. And you can use the HNT's as scrapers by turning the blades around. Other than that, they're identical. :)

Pam

[Bruce Branson]

The Mujingfang short smoother has a steel rod and wedge and no subblade.

[Michael Hammers]

Maybe I am missing something, but I went to the Japan Wood Worker site and cannot find the Mujingfang plane? Am I just missing it or do they still carry the plane?

[Manny Hernandez]

Michael,
Go to the JWW website and click the following sequence:
Woodworking Tools -> Handplanes -> Rosewood and Ebony Planes
You'll find them there.

Manny

[Michael Pilla]

I went to check it out too. Looks like a sweet little plane, especially for $33.
It's here (http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=98.100.2155&dept_id=13602)
Made of ebony. To those folks who have it, is it easy to adjust with the steel wedge?

Michael

[Manny Hernandez]

I went to check it out too. Looks like a sweet little plane, especially for $33.
It's here (http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=98.100.2155&dept_id=13602)
Made of ebony. To those folks who have it, is it easy to adjust with the steel wedge?

Michael

That's interesting. I just noticed that the sub-blade (chipper?) is what holds the blade in place. On a Japanese plane the sides of the iron fit in grooves on the inside of the body (dai). The wedge shape of the blade is what holds the iron in the dai. On the Mujingfang it looks like the tension can be fine tuned by bending those little "ears" at the top of the sub-blade. I'll have to check it out next time I'm at the Japan Woodworker.

Manny

[Michael Pilla]

It looks more like a Krenov style plane; a wedge and crosspin hold the iron tight on the bed. The bent ears at the top of the metal plate form a wedge. Based on the few responses here I think I'll grab one :)

Michael

[Michael Hammers]

Just got off the phone with Steve and ordered the pocket plane with the levercap. Just to keep life interesting I left it up to him as to which wood to use! :p I will go with the LN102 next. And who can pass up the price on the Muji?
I think Bruce is spot on with his choices for the angles. I do not think I will miss the adjustable mouth.
This will make #4 of Steve's planes, and you cannot deal with a nicer fellow.
Cheers!