[cell class=spoiler]Hi -
Have been following this (and other) threads for a few days now, and am at a bit of a loss for words as to how to reply to some of the posts... so I'll just make a few observations and comments, and continue to watch the discussion.
This product release was a huge one for us - five completely new designs (and supporting parts etc.) released simultaneously. It represents 3 1/2 years of work, hundreds of thousands of dollars in tooling and fixtures, backed up by several months of production. Additionally, we had to create completely new order flow processes to support on demand machining and assembly, where the goods are sold in one firm, but the parts are produced in another. In total, there are just shy of 10,000 permutations at this time (and that will undoubtedly grow). All done in complete secrecy too. Backing up retail delivery of these planes, we have designed and built a unique delivery experience – training staff in all stores to assemble each plane in front of the customer – explaining how all components work, and are set up. In essence, a lesson is delivered with every plane.
This release also represents a move to bring the production of the wood components in-house – conversion of raw material, machining, and finishing. We have switched to a domestic torrefied-maple in place of bubinga. The commitment to manufacturing in wood from domestic material will bootstrap many other products, as we have now extended and enhanced our manufacturing capabilities.
We have integrated many of the features found across our line into these planes, creating a feature set that is unique – while extending a range of choices that is unparalleled in any production plane. Each of these planes has an adjustable throat, throat stop, side set screws, interchangeable frogs, choice of three knobs, choice of two handle styles in three sizes, an optional “slow” adjuster, and the capability to order any bed angle from 40 degrees, to 65 degrees in ½ degree increments. Each plane will also accept fences from the Jack Rabbet and Skew Rabbet planes. Blade shapes have been re-worked to minimize material, while still giving the same useable length found in traditional blade styles. All of this, at a price which is competitive with existing choices in our line, or others.
These planes can be used bevel down, with or without a chip breaker (cap iron), as the adjuster engages a repositionable blade carrier that is independent of chip breaker. It does not have to be removed for honing, and the carrier also registers the chip breaker – preserving the last location. If the bed angle is low – the blade can also be used bevel up, for high angle applications (though we do not claim this as a feature). These planes represent another distinct choice (or 10,000) in the range of choices available – either new or used.
I get that if you’re happy with whatever planes you have – there’s no reason to buy any one of these. There are few hand tools that are ever made redundant by newer versions. At the same time – newer versions of many tools have much to offer people who have yet to make a choice.
Cheers –
Rob [/cell:50cc29cb]
Sono proprio curioso di vedere qualche foto del gruppo di taglio
