Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
What are your thoughts about its proportions and the feel in use vs. a stanley 271?

David, as you know, these SJB kits are really rough. One has to be dead keen to machine them, especially without machine tools

I do not have a Stanley #271. I had one years ago and replaced it with the Veritas Small Router. They are dinky things. I find it a little small, preferring something with more registration area.

I have the Large Veritas, which is the best router plane on the market in my opinion, and it gets quite a bit of use. I could have just purchased their Medium version for smaller work, but I just fancied the looks of the SJB. I plan to make a few extra blades in different (smaller) sizes.

Regards from Perth

Derek