Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for a plough plane to make my life easier—I've really had enough of using saws and chisels for grooving and rabbiting. My first choice is a Veritas, but shipping costs are crazy from Canada to my island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, ending up at around $585 after everything. UK and SA retailers don't offer the same good deals either, despite cheaper shipping. So, should I go for a vintage Record 43 or 50 instead? Is there a chance I could find one without sifting through endless eBay listings? Would getting a vintage plane save me cash in the long run, or should I just bite the bullet and get the new Veritas? For about $300 more, I could get a Veritas small plough plane with a complete conversion kit and different blades. What's everyone's thoughts?
3 Answers
Definitely consider the Record 44 or others like the Rapier or Marples if you're expanding your search. These vintage options usually do the job well without breaking the bank. Plus, if you’re only going to need a couple of specific blades, you can save a lot more in the long run!
I highly recommend looking for a second-hand Record 044 plough plane. It’s known to be a reliable little workhorse and you can find new blades for it fairly easily. Plus, it might save you some cash compared to the Veritas!
I have one and can confirm, it’s solid! Definitely worth checking out.
I found a great deal too—it’s more accessible than some other models. You should look into beading irons for it as well; you'll end up saving a ton compared to the Veritas.
If you're considering getting a new plough, just make sure you think about what you really plan to use it for. I bought a fancy one thinking I'd use all the cutters, but I've found I mostly just need a 1/4" groove for drawer bottoms. Vintage tools can be a treasure hunt—definitely worth looking into if you can find a good one. But if you're leaning towards the Veritas, it’s also a great choice!
Yeah, my first vintage purchase didn't get too much use at first either, but now I'm on the lookout for another one since they're quite handy!
Good idea! I started searching for some great vintage tools in the UK last night after reading your comment. Definitely focusing on acquiring a Record 50!