Customer Reviews

Stanley 21-296 Surform Plane, Regular Cut Blade

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I also have this planes little brother (see review) and like its little brother, I really love this tool. For initial smoothing on a board face it pretty much is my tool of choice. It has a long enough footprint to work well as a smoothing plane, especially on highly figured hardwoods. The multiple cutting edges glide thru those hard to cut knots and wild grain patterns, leaving a pretty smooth surface that your smoothing plane can finish up with ease. For initial shaping and round overs it is the weapon of choice and you can really remove a lot of material quickly and effortlessly, maintaining control the whole time. This is a very useful and inexpensive tool and I recommend it to all woodworkers.

For any kind of wood shaping or removal, this tool will get the job done in record time. I use it in my shop on the sailboat I am building... Lots of pieces of this boat need to be trimmed, shaped, planed, etc and the surform shaper makes quick work of it. Plus, you get a highly aerobic workout! Buy one now, and make sure to get an extra blade or two.

Handle broke the first time I used it. I was still able to use it, but the handle is pretty weak. Blade worked fine though.

Item came without the blade. I called and a blade was eventually sent out. The planer works well for small items which was why I purchased it. Easy to use.

I am not big or strong or young, but in less than a minute the handle of this tool just tore off. The handle is cheap thin plastic and is not repairable. I need the plane, so I spent a couple of hours or so fashioning a handle out of scrap oak, and I expect it will work fine. So if you are up for this type of make-your-own plane, buy this one and a piece of oak or ash.

It does what it should, but I think I would have been happier with a smaller rasp, maybe one with and edge to guide the action of using it. I don't think I would purchase another one. I'll probably find one a bit more compact.