I've got some pre-WW2 Stanley hand planes that I've reconditioned and really enjoy the history behind these tools. They perform well for me, but I'm curious about others' opinions! For those who have used both Lie Nielsen and pre-WW2 Stanleys, do you think Lie Nielsen planes are a significant upgrade? Is there enough of a difference that justifies their higher price?
3 Answers
When focusing on bench planes, it really depends on your needs. A sharp, well-tuned Stanley can do anything you require. However, I found that my Lie Nielsen planes are perfectly square and don’t have the same issues I faced with my Stanleys on my shooting board. Plus, there's that option for different frog angles on the LN for tougher woods, which is a nice bonus.
Absolutely, Lie Nielsen planes are considered an upgrade by many. Even a well-tuned Stanley can be a joy to use, but Lie Nielsen tools are just in a class of their own. If you frequently use your planes, the investment in a Lie Nielsen is worth it, but for occasional use, a good Stanley will do the job just fine.
Thank you.
Stanleys are solid tools, especially the Bedrocks, but Lie Nielsen is on another level. It’s like comparing a Mercedes to a Toyota; they’re built to be over-engineered for performance and work incredibly well, albeit at a higher price.
Thank you!
I ran into that issue on the shooting board too! Thought my sled was off. Good to know it might be the plane.