003 Router Plane

This is an excellent product, I was particularly impressed with the quality, even the cutter was sharp enough to use out of the box.I went for the lever option, included in the box, I found it simple to use.Used it twice so far, I followed the video cowryman put online and it worked like a dream. I cut a dado and a recess for a hinge - simple

Took it straight out of the box and used it to clean up a rebate. It worked perfectly. The iron is sharp enough but a tickle with a strop wouldn't do any harm. The maker included a link to a site showing how to use the plane and also how to sharpen the iron.It seems as the maker is also taking in feedback as there are now two locking screw options (both included in the box) and the base is now ground to a flat polish.Very impressed with it but obviously can't comment on durability other than to say it's solidly built and well machined.

Bottom line is that this works very well.BUT....It does need a bit of fettling to get it to the point where you would want it to be. Don't get me wrong, right out of the box it does cut reasonably well and as a cheapish router plane when compared to the Veritas ones this is a real steal.But is is lazer cut stainless steel that benefits from a bit of TLC to get that nice feel you have when using a premium tool. For instance the base has been ground at right angles to the direction you will use it and the grit has clearly been a bit coarse. Now, this does mean its flat but when in use you can feel the resistance of the grinding lines against the run of the router plane direction.The edges are sharp and the locking screw is a simple wingnut not a knurled screw.The blade is angled unlike most types but this seems to work well I can report out of the box. Adjustment is easy with the screw but you need to make sure you go in the right direction to ensure the backlash is taken out.So, for many of us we need to roll our sleeves up and do some work when we get this. First thing is to take it apart which is easy using Allen keys leaving you with a base and the handles only.Then using your preferred grinding method you smooth off the bottom and take away the grinding lines. I used a granite top and a long run of grinding paper.Then knock off the sharp edges. This was done with a Dremmel and a small grinding wheel and left me with a nice smooth to feel edge. This also helps stop the plate from digging into the wood in use.Then I honed the cutter to my standards on a wetstone.Reassemble and you have a router plane that will easily be as good as a far more expensive one and it will last a long, long time.

The tool arrived a day early, which was great. It was well packaged, with a nice note explaining how the designer had responded to users' feedback and so had included an extra, larger adjustment lever to use instead of the wingnut. I have tried both, and prefer the new lever.I am absolutely delighted with this tool. I'm using it to level some very large rebates (I'm making a Paul Sellers workbench) so i had to make a wider wooden base for the plane. It didn't take long to attach this. The plane is extremely sharp out of the box - this is impressive and unusual (new tools newrly always need honing). I actually haven't sharpened it yet and I have already levelled two large rebates. It is really straightforward to set up and use.This is has been a very good purchase - I recommend it without hesitation!

This is the first plane that I have not had to sharpen or flatten so that I could you it. Can be used straight from the box and works very well.

I’m only a amateur wood worker, so for me it was ideal for the money.I had never used a router before, but it did the job fine.

Worth every penny; well engineered and came supplied with 2 different tightening screws butterfly and long handle one. Blade is sharp but needs that little bit more horning .

Great little router plane for the money. A nice, useful size for all manner of rebates and grooves in small projects. The blade was razor sharp out of the box, and the replacement tightening screw is perfect. I fitted this straight away and have not considered using the wing-nut type since.My only (not really) criticism is that it might be a little too small for use in some joinery. So I am seriously considering saving up my pennies for it's big brother.