Worth a try?

[rburkett1]

Would these be a complete waste of money, or do you think one would be worth a try?

http://www.rockler.com/Rockler/images/25792-lg.jpg

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product...36&filter=groz

Ron

[Kendemp]

Here's what I think...

They look good and sturdy. I couldn't find a weight listed, but they look pretty beefy. The shavings that they use to adorn the picture are awfully thick. Couldn't they do any better than that?

My vote is to get one and give us a thorough review :)

Ken

[Sawduster]

Welllll, don't know myself, but apparently someone likes em as they are all "oversold" or could it be "underpurchased"?

[Kendemp]

>Welllll, don't know myself, but apparently someone likes em
>as they are all "oversold" or could it be "underpurchased"?

LOL :)

I was curious, so I googled Groz and found that Highland Hardware has them, and they have a bit more info:



"Groz, an established Indian precision toolmaker, now gives woodworkers another affordable choice for planes based on classic Stanley designs. Castings are hefty: the #4 smoother weighs a full quarter pound more than our 1930's-vintage Stanley original. Finish and refinement are superior to current production Bailey pattern planes, with all adjustments fluid and precise. Smooth and Jack planes have nicely mated surfaces on frog bottom and sole. The lever caps for these block planes put positive pressure closer to the cutting edge than some other block planes, which prevents the iron from chattering. Both block planes have beds machined back far enough to prevent blade flex, a perennial problem for these designs. These planes are easily tuned to give solid, competent performance. The #4 Smooth and the #5 Jack come with wooden handles."

So there you go.

Ken

EDIT: here's the link if anyone's interested http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com...S&Category=485

[Limey]

Looks as if they have "rebadged" the Anants to give them a more European sounding name..
If they are then the reviews are mixed but if I didn't have enough planes already I would seriously risk trying one as I'm sure Highland or whoever would stand by the customer if the beef was legitimate.

Limey

[rburkett1]

Thanks for the quick replies. I have a birthday coming up at the end of the month, think I'll add one to my wish list and see what happens.

Ron

[Sawduster]

Limey said, ". . . if I didn't have enough planes already . . . "

Come now, Limey, you know one can never have enough planes, or even other tools, for that matter.

Yeah, both Rockler and Highland have very good names and respectablity in customer service to protect, so I think it would be a safe bet to try one out. I'd do it, but I, too, have enough planes. LOL

[mosthumbleone]

I won't profess to know much about planes, but in the knife world Indian and Pakistani(sp) steel is crap...way to soft to even put a good edge on it, much less keep one. I wouldn't think that soft metal would be good anywhere on a plane.

[Dario]

I agree. I used to buy some knives and those from Pakistan & India may look good but should be categorized as "disposable" or "toys." You are right on the money about sharpening them and keeping their edge.

For anything that has blades...I usually stick with those made in USA, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and UK (if I can afford them :D). Most of the time I am willing to buy used items made in these countries than new ones from other places.

Not meaning to bash this plane brand...it may be of good quality since the distributor carrying it is reputable.

EDIT: There are always some exceptions...one example...most items made in China are also cr@p but I bought a cheap Harbor Freight HSS woodturning set (made in China) and very happy with it. ;)

Dario :)
[h4][font color = "blue"] Innovate or Stagnate[/font]
[font color = "red"]"I count my blessings more than my misfortunes"[/font][/h4]

[rburkett1]

If this makes a difference - (quoted from the ad)

"High quality carbon steel blades hold an edge longer than standard plane blades! Blades are 95% carbon with a hardness of 58-62HRC."

Ron