HNT Gordon Try plane vs Stanley #7
Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
>I recently purchased a HNT Gordon Try plane (in ironwood) and it has now replaced my Stanley #7, which uses a Japanese laminated blade.
Both are capable of fluffy shavings, but this is not the issue here.
What I have noticed is that I get absolutely FLAT surfaces from the Gordon. I have always had a problem with the Stanley #7, finding on long lengths (say 1 metre) that I get a slight dip in the centre. This is only noticeable when I place two edges together. Planing the two adjoining edges similtaneously did not eradicate this problem. My understanding is that I (unconsciously) press downward harder at the point, which cause the slightly deeper cut. Clearly the HNT Gordon Try plane has a different action. I push it from the rear, forwards, and this is different from pushing the handle of the #7, since the push here is angled downward (?). Since the Gordon is rectangular, the front is held in two fingers, one above and one below the plane. Again, this is a different action to holding a front tote on the #7.
Anyone with similar/differing observations? Cures for the #7?
Regards from Perth
Derek