Josh Mackintosh Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 Has anyone had experience with Quansheng hand planes. It is my belief that that are the UK equivelent to WoodRiver planes. They are a reasonable price and am just wondering if anyone has used them before? and if so which plane? I am looking to purchase a low angle jack plane. Many Thanks Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 Josh, I have not used a QS and the LAJ is not up for grabs in the US to the best of my knowledge. The one offered by workshop heaven http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/Quangsheng_No._62_Low_Angle_Jack_Plane.html#SID=4 is still on a discounted rate although I don't think that offer will last. Comes with three blades too! It's incredible value and if you are not happy WSH offer very good service and sort any issues quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhl.verona Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 I bought the Qiangsheng block plane a couple of years ago from Workshop Heaven, and more recently the LAJ, branded as Alex from a shop in Cremona. Did a little review of it. The pictures are readable. I had to do a little work to it, clean up the mouth, nothing too dramatic, and it works very well indeed. Living in Italy, the postage costs for vintage planes on the UK Ebay means that the QS (or equivalent) prices are becoming more and more interesting. Dictum in Germany also sell them under the Dick brand name - which I find unfortunate, especially if someone asks you 'what make of plane is that?'. John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 John, I'm fighting the urge to make childish comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 I only have one Quangsheng plane it being the specialist small chisel plane http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/Quangsheng_Chisel_Plane.html It is very well made and solid. It worked straight out of the box with no additional honing required. It comes in a nice polished hardwood box and if you were buying a chisel plane I advise you keep it in that. The design of a chisel plane doesn't warrant storing it alongside other tools as you can damage the blade quite easily. If this is a reflection of Quangsheng quaility I'm sure other planes in their range will be top quality too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Mackintosh Posted January 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 question to G S HAYDON? Does your company happen to bring on apprentices? Are you aware of any woodworking companies in the UK that do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 Josh yes we do and we have two at the present time, one of their experiences can be found here . At the present time we have all we need. The UK still offers many apprentice oppertunties for young people. Many will deride the slip in standards as they see it, however, as anything in life you get out what you put in. If you want to get working at a bench getting a job as a Joiner will be your easiest route. Traditional cabinet making can be done too but your are moving closer to "art" and with that comes the chance of making a living are very slim. And besides many small joinery businesses make furniture, built in units and kitchens too. The CITB would be a good place to start. Although the CITB are construction based, joinery is classed as construction, even though in my opinion it is more like manafacturing. They will put you in touch with your local rep. Also, your local College would be a good place to start looking. Also search for "joiner's" in your area. If you want a job offer yourself up for free work experience, if even one takes you up on it grasp it. Be polite, tidy and on time, help and be interested but don't get in the way and try to be part of the team. Practice in your own time too, make some stuff for the family, even if it ends up junk, make the basic mistakes in your time so you demonstrate some skill when you get some work experience. Did you order the QS LAJ from WSH. The main benefit is they have 3 blades with that thing, if you buy a Stanley or buy the QS from Rutlands you will only get one. To make the best out of a LAJ the 3 blades (IMO) would be a huge help. Bet of luck :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkirby Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 I have the Jack plane and am very happy with it, the sides are not square to the sole which is annoying as i wanted to use it as a dedicated shooting plane. It works great the only real issue is that i have to keep on top of the sharpening, mind i am working with english oak I think its a good purchase and would buy it again, i got mine from workshop heaven and would contact them next time if it was out of square again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkirby Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 oh and british hardwoods take on apprenticeships i believe, or at least they always seem to have a few around the place, if you are more interested in the lumber yard side of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.