Reply To: Axminster Rider No4 plane
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It’s an old thread, but I have gained some experience since then that I thought I could share.
Since I started this thread, I have acquired a couple of old planes. My current collection is:
– A new Stanley No3
– A new Axminster Rider No4
– Stanley No5 around 1950 to 1960
– Record No4 around 1950 to 1960
Also, my hand planing skills have improved a bit.
First of all, the Axminster really holds its ground against the older planes. It is well made, and the finish is pretty decent. I fixed it up as Paul shows in his recent video (I did it with all the planes), and it is a joy to use. Compared to the Record No4, I can’t feel any difference. The Axminster weights around 1850g while the Record is around 1750g. Difficult to feel the difference just by lifting them. The Rider is not a bedrock pattern plane. It is exactly the same pattern as the post WW2 Stanleys. The blade is thicker.
I don’t think the Stanley No5 is that much better than the Record or the Rider, only bigger.
About the Stanly No3. I don’t use it much, as I got it for my kids, but it produces very good results. I don’t like the feel of the plastic handles, but it is functional.
I give you these reflections as a beginner. A life long craftsman would probably notice more differences than me, but I don’t think the Rider would fall through compared to the older planes, which was my original question.
So, that’s it.
Cheers,
Kjell