Router Plane

Wooden Skye

Wooden Skye

Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
1,173
I was thinking about getting a router plane, but wanted to know if people find them a worthwhile addition to their shops/arsenal?
 
I was given the lil mini one from Lee Valley for Xmas as a novelty gift.  The one for $30.  Despite its miniature size, I found it indispensable when fitting hinges in a couple of humidors I'm building.  I was blown away.  I will definitely but a larger one for fitting tenons.
 
Get the Veritas large router plane. As well as a whole range of imperial and metric cutter sizes, you can get an inlay cutter head too. It's a tremendous tool, and very accurate and efficient. Absolutely one of my favourite tools, and I only regret that I didn't get it earlier.
 
Jim a shoulder plane is awesome on tenons. If you ever get to a hand tool event give that a try as well.
 
I use mine quite often, especially for hinge and strike plate mortises where a router would be too clumsy, or I don't happen to have the right templates. I set the mortise outline with a chisel, hog out most of the wood with same chisel, then finish to depth with the router plane. Quick and easy--and the only dust extractor I need is a drywall knife! (A Festool drywall knife, of course)
 
The job that you need a router plane for will dictate what size you need.  I have several shoulder planes a router plane is clearly best for a consistent tenon thickness.  You reference off of the face of the apron.  If you have a series of tenons to size, once you get the depth set for one tenon, the rest of the tenons will come out exactly the same.  With a shoulder plane, you have to use trial and error for each tenon.
 
i have a small veritas one. its great . i use it all the time. well worth the money
 
Like the others said, definitely worth it.  I have the Veritas router plane and as Richard pointed out, they have a lot of accessories for it now for stringing and inlay; makes it a more useful tool.
 
If you're doing hinge and strike plate mortises, also try the Lie-Nielsen Butt Mortise plane. I did 17 interior poplar doors with one and it was a real pleasure to use. I bought the open mouth L-N router plane and I wish I would have waited for the new closed mouth design. I would think it would be better for narrow stock work.
 
Thanks everyone, I am leaning towards the veritas large model and the metric narrow blades, maybe will include the inlay cutter or get that accessory at a later date.
 
I noticed the free shipping, but they are out of stock until end of April.  I wonder if I order now since it is out of stock, if free shipping will still apply.
 
I had a similar situation last year, and they honoured the offer. It's best to phone the order in to be sure. Their customer service is on a par with Festool's.
 
Well, I ordered my router plane today and even though it is back ordered, the will honor the free shipping.  I also got the Narrow plane blade set. Once I get familiar with it, I may order the inlay cutterhead.
 
Wooden Skye said:
Well, I ordered my router plane today and even though it is back ordered, the will honor the free shipping.  I also got the Narrow plane blade set. Once I get familiar with it, I may order the inlay cutterhead.
Click to expand...

I order a router plane from LV as well (on the last day of free shipping.) I was torn between the LV and LN. I also ordered a 60-1/2 low angle adjustable bolck plane from LN, I will have it tomorrow (Friday!) These will be my fist planes and I'm sure more will follow  [big grin]  Probably be ordering a LN #4 or #4-1/2 as soon as I can make my mind up.

Daniel
 
I absolutely adore my LV router plane - also have the inlay cutterhead for it, which works well in my testing but I haven't put it through its paces on a real project yet.  The only downside to the inlay cutterhead IMHO is that you need to reposition the fence if you are switching between inlay head and blade as they won't be in the same spot.
 
You'll love this plane. I was using mine earlier this evening and was reminded what a jewel it is.

Be aware that after you set the blade depth, tightening the locking knob will lower it slightly more, so take this into account.
 
If you can't afford a new one, eBay always has a couple on auction at any given time.  It's one tool that you can purchase used and not have to worry if it runs. Parts are easily found also
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

derekcohen
Chamfer plane
Replies
13
Views
3K
hdv
hdv
B
Woodpeckers Router Plane
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
smorgasbord
S
A
Plow Router Bit?
Replies
5
Views
709
alltracman78
A
R
Flush trim bit frustration
Replies
13
Views
1K
Crazyraceguy
Crazyraceguy
I
Question to people familiar with the OF1400.. Need to widen door jamb
Replies
2
Views
365
Crazyraceguy
Crazyraceguy
Back
Top