Gloating again...
James Watriss
>A few months back, I posted a pic of an infill plane I picked up online. Didn't have the original blade, so I was able to afford it. It had a Hock replacement in it at the time, but I've since upgraded to a Holtey S53 blade, 3/16" thick, that is simply WONDERFUL.
Since buying it, I've noticed a few quirks. The Lever cap that tightens the blade down to the bed isn't quite square across the plane, giving a little bit of quirk to the lateral adjustment on the plane, and I had to flatten the sole out a little bit to make it work a little better. I also found out that the blade was 2 1/8" across, so I had to grind 1/16" off of the sides of the holtey blade to make it work. It wasn't needed on the full length of the blade, because it's a curved-side plane, so I only had to bring in the first 3/4" or so, half of which was along the bevel anyway, so it wasn't too bad.
I've been gradually getting used to it, and I'm using it today to flatten an 18" wide plank of cherry that's being used as a lid on a blanket chest that I'm building.
This plane rules. I've managed to take a few full-width shavings that ran the length of the board. (48") I've rarely been this happy about a tool. Even my L-N 4c with the 50 degree frog takes second place to this thing, and that's a mighty plane in it's own right.
Speaking of the infill, I may give it an infill bun in front... I think they're more comfortable. And will keep the sides of that plane from digging into the edge of my hand...
Having a great day, just felt like sharing.