Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
My memory was that the Marcou i tried in 2009 was 9 lbs, but looking at the current specifications on his website, it may have been 8 lbs, 6 oz.

I think for a hand tool worker it is more important to have lightweight jack and try planes; mine are 2 lb 12 oz and 5 lb 8 oz.

Here is one factor that greatly favors expensive planes: If a guy is having trouble using a Stanley Handyman that he bought for $11 he is likely to blame the tool. If he is having trouble with a $2000 tool, he is much more likely to realize that he has done a poor job sharpening or adjusting or whatever.

Warren, you are missing the point of my original post here. Either that, or I am misunderstanding yours (I doubt that).

I am not advocating a heavy plane. Indeed, I made the point that I prefer lighter smoothers.

It was interesting returning to the heavy planes on hard Australian wood (your mileage may vary here) after some years away. What was evident was that they performed extremely well, and effortlessly. The reason why they may be preferred by the less experienced is that they stay in the cut so well. One can get there with a well-sharpened blade and attention to feedback, but there is something to be learned here (that is, what is required to stay in the cut?).

It is not the us-versus-them situation I perceive you turning this thread into. You do recognise the issue with tuning, but can you discuss it without cynicism.

Regards from Perth

Derek