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HNT Gordon smoothers

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HNT Gordon smoothers

#1

HNT Gordon smoothers

Doug Maynard, WV

>Does anyone who uses HNT Gordon planes have a preference between ebony and ironwood? Are there any advantages like stability, adjustment, or anything else, or is it just that the ebony looks better? I am looking for a finish smoother for planing thick shop-cut veneers where there is still not a lot of wiggle room, and have had problems with trying to use a tuned Bailey. I noticed that Hartville has them on closeout for $103, about half of some other places, so unless there is a significant difference, I would probably go with ironwood. (No afilliation, not even a customer.) This would be my first wooden bench plane, but I have used wooden molders, and don't think I would have problems getting used to it.

TIA!

Doug

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

#2

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>The ironwood version has been used as part of the study for over a year now. It's an excellent plane that is at least as easy to adjust as any other wooden plane. There have been no stability issues and the blade was easy to tune for good performance. I like the shape of this style of plane, which is much the same as the Mujingfang smoother. The Mujingfang has a little taller body which might be preferable for larger hands. They both work well in either push or pull mode. As you likely know, the Gordon is bedded at 60 degrees, the Mujingfang slightly higher at 62-3.

I don't have a Gordon in ebony, but I do have two medium angle (actually about 40 degrees) Mujingfangs in ebony. I don't find either wood to have a problem with movement or wear in the SF Bay Area where I live. I know that long ago there were some movement problems with some Gordon planes that had been shipped directly from Australia to the U.S. Northeast in Winter. I suspect the ironwood may actually be a bit heavier and denser than the ebony. Personally I find the ironwood to be attractive as a plane wood, though it is not as flashy as my Rosewood Mujingfang.

Anyway, I think it will offer great performance and be a bargain at that price. Your best alternatives in a similar angle IMO are the more expensive Knight Coffin Smoother prepared at 60-63 degrees, and the cheaper Mujingfang at 63 degrees. All have comparable performance.

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

#3

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>Doug

I have nothing but praise for the HNT Gordon planes. All mine are ironwood.

I wholeheartedly support all that Lyn has said and, interestingly, I also have the Mujingfang medium angle plane as well in rosewood. I do have one Mujingfang plane, the mini smoother, in ebony. None have them have any wear or sustained any damage, so I cannot say which is the more durable wood type.

My preference is the ironwood over the rosewood for looks and durability. But I must say that I like the cosmetics of the little ebony mini smoother.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

#4

Thanks, guys!

Doug Maynard, WV

>Seems like ironwood is the way to go here. Thanks for the replies!

Doug

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

#5

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

Mark Harrison -- in Sydney, Australia

>According to Terry Gordon -- the maker -- the only difference is aesthetics. The ebony looks very nice but I also like the ironwood. I think you would be happy with either.

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

#6

Re: HNT Gordon smoothers

ValRose

>Doug, I have 4 ironwood HNTs and enjoy them all. I came across an extra Ebony Palm Smoothing Plane that I put on ebay. If you are interested:

HNT Gordon Palm Smoothing Plane

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...e=STRK:MESSE:IT

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