If you do decide to go to the show at Peach State, you may want to visit their website, www.peachstatelumber.com, before you go. They have a nice selection of hardwoods.
"Non illegitimis corborundum"
I think you'd be better off with something that has better bones to start with, whether via an older Millers Falls, Record, Bailey, Bedrock, Union, Sargent, or a newer Lie Nielsen/Veritas, which all have superior precision and metal choices in key areas than the inexpensive modern planes made overseas. Compare almost any part of a new Groz, Footprint, or even a new Stanley Sweetheart to the parts used on a plane made prior to 1950...everything from screws, levers, caps, adjusters, soles and totes is either thinner, sloppier, softer, lower grade, cheaper, or all of the above.
Last edited by scott spencer; 04-12-2010 at 7:46 AM.
Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....
Thing is,a beginner may not know what to do o a cheap plane to make it better. He may also not have the tool skills to file the frog flat,etc..