No. 7 vs. No. 8 jointer

[derekcohen]

Thanks for the replies so far.  I guess I'm leaning towards the no.7, despite one full-throated endorsement of the 8.

I was considering the LV as well, but since they make a magnetic fence, I figure I could just add this to the LN jointer if I find it necessary.

BTW, I am discovering all of these muscles I don't get to use with power tools.  My right arm was quite sore after the first few workouts with the jack plane.

Hi Edward

Unless you are 8'6" and coloured green with arms that Popeye would envy, I would give a #8 a miss. It is heavy and tiring for most mortals.

As an alternative the to LN #7, I can heartedly recommend the Custom Veritas #7. It is a superb plane.

I have a full review of the Custom planes below. This is really more than a review, and in fact an examination or ergonomics in handplanes. Three articles in one ...
http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/VeritasCustomPlanes1.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[ear3]

Thanks [member=4358]derekcohen[/member] I actually went with the LN no.7, and am very happy so far.

 

[derekcohen]

You did well. It's a great plane, and one that will satisfy your needs lifelong.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[ear3]

And I would add [member=4358]derekcohen[/member] , having just discovered your website through the direction of others, your work is giving me great inspiration.  So thanks for all the time you have taken to document your work.

You did well. It's a great plane, and one that will satisfy your needs lifelong.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[ear3]

It was a good summer for me work wise, so I ended up reinvesting some of the profits in a LN no. 8.  And I will say that after a month of use I actually prefer to reach for it over the no. 7 whenever possible.  For me the extra mass/weight helps me feel plumb better, and it plows through the end of the cut like a beast.  For edge jointing, I have found that I sometimes get more removal at the front and end of the board with the no. 7 -- I assume it has something to do with my technique/stance that I'm still trying to diagnose.  With the no. 8, however, I have yet to get an edge that was not perfectly, Starrett-edge straight.

 

[ScotF]

It was a good summer for me work wise, so I ended up reinvesting some of the profits in a LN no. 8.  And I will say that after a month of use I actually prefer to reach for it over the no. 7 whenever possible.  For me the extra mass/weight helps me feel plumb better, and it plows through the end of the cut like a beast.  For edge jointing, I have found that I sometimes get more removal at the front and end of the board with the no. 7 -- I assume it has something to do with my technique/stance that I'm still trying to diagnose.  With the no. 8, however, I have yet to get an edge that was not perfectly, Starrett-edge straight.

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

The LN#8 is one of my favorite planes for sure - that, the low-angle jack and the small bronze block plane are my go-to set for most things.