GrizzlyH7566 14-Inch Smoothing Plane

I wasn't expecting a plane at this price to be as well made, flat sole, attractive handle/look, or to preform as well as it did out of box. Granted you gotta put a real edge on it. By which I mean chamfered crazy sharp with a nice micro bevel. I did spend a lil extra time making the sole true flat. It had some spots but it wasn't that hard or time consuming.I can say mine is like the plane in picture but it doesn't use the lever it had a screw which I think I prefer after all. Still worth the mention.I think I like this one over my stanley bailey patent number 5 from the mid 30's. Which I paid about 15 more bucks for used from ebay. Also this Grizzly weighs more which is great for getting that effect...oh it's Japanese word. Something that happens when you are basically building up heat leaves the wood with certain finish look. I forgot the word and was unable to find it.I should have saved that money and instead gotten a decent scrub plane. What can I do with 2 num 5 jack/ smoothing planes? Any suggestions please message me let me know ty.

So this was my first bevel down hand plane and I will say that I'm pretty darn happy with it. I could not give it five stars though for a couple things that were initially cons that through learning have become no big deals and also helped me learn.Cons- 1. My lateral adjustment on this doesn't really work as the tab that engages with the blade is bent down at an angle and does not really engage. I am not sure if it came this way or I did it but placing the blade in improperly and pressed it down. I would have tried to bend it back but honestly I couldn't see how as there wasn't really any room to work and I didn't want to break it. Not a huge deal as I've learned to just adjust it by hand when setting up or with very slight taps to get it where it needs to be.2. The blade is a bit thin/soft and needs regular sharpening. I've been able to get this blade very very sharp and I softened the corners up very very slightly . I've mostly used soft woods and it works wonderfully, however hit any kind of knot and it dulled or got a nick in the edge. So I am regularly pulling it apart to sharpen. Some people would be annoyed with this but I wasn't very good at sharpening and now it is no big deal and takes no real time to get a keen edge on it. Was a bummer at first but forced me to learn a valuable skill in the meantime.Pros- Flat sole, good quality, very good price and affordable compared to even used beat down ebay specials that I would need to restore myself, I use this thing all the time and don't regret the purchase. It also feels good in the hands so that is always a plus with hand tools.Eventually I will get a better blade for it but for now this tool does the job just fine.

Great plane for the money! I have had them a year now so its not a unboxing and can't wait to use it review. Yes you will want to tune it, and expect to spend and evening or so doing it. The sole was relatively flat, so only about 30 minutes of 120-180-220 and 400 for a good polished sole (yes that's 2 hours 220 and 400 were wet). The blade and chip breaker needed more work, some hollow on the back, and a lot of time on the diamond plate and followed up to 8000 with a micro bevel. These cut whisper thin shavings and the blades don't drift. It is not a Lie Nielsen, so don't expect it to come out of the box like one. It doesn't cost $350, its a wood river and costs $53. It's made in India, and is a very good quality tool. The tote, ball handle are made of a nice hardwood, and well finished..Put a little time into tuning it, and learning how to use it, and you will have something to hand down to children or grand children. I have several blades so its easy to switch out keep working without stoping to sharpen. You can buy good quality from Hock, or like me buy old Stanly/Bailey to switch out. Buying this and the 22 inch joiner for a table build taught me a lot, not only how to tune, and sharpen but also has gotten me into making planes, and other tools.

I watched an evaluation of this plane by Rex Kruger on Youtube. The quality of reasonably priced hand tools has decreased dramatically in recent decade. I have returned a number of items because of various performance issues. Most wood workers have resorted to refurbishing old planes or buying very expensive items. On the basis of Rex's evaluation, I decided to give this one a try.As you can tell by my rating I am delighted with the results. As with any new tool you will need to do a tune up before you use it, if not you will be disappointed. First I checked that the sides were square to the base. Perfect. Next I degreased it and flattened the sole with 120 grit sand paper. Then I sharpened and stropped the blade. I didn't mess with the cap iron. A light coat of oil on the exposed metal parts and reassembly.I tested it on pine, oak and walnut. Works beautifully giving very fine shavings. I then used it to "rough flatten and edge" 20, 6 x 40 inch 5/4 walnut boards (I do not own a jointer). At the end of this work the blade is still sharp. So, if you will excuse me, I have a number of walnut boards that need to be prepped...

Let's just get this out of the way up front, this is not a Veritas or a Lie-Nielsen, or a Bedrock. Its also no where nearly as expensive as any of those planes. If you are just getting into hand planes this is a great one to start with. It requires no more tuning than any of the other planes I've owned and requires a lot less work than some of the used planes that you'll find. It will need the iron honed and the handles tightened but the sole is flat the totes are solid and well finished and for the price this is a great product and will take very nice shavings. I have enjoyed this plane tremendously and while I have other "nicer" brands I have never felt the need to replace this no. 5 and it is still my everyday user.