Bed Rock planes are a cornerstone of woodworking, offering stability and precision. This article delves into the quality and consistency of the Taylor Toolworks Bed Rock planes, specifically examining the No. 3 and No. 4 models. Following a previous review of the No. 4, concerns arose regarding potential inconsistencies in manufacturing. To address these concerns, a comparative analysis was undertaken.
Examining Two Taylor Toolworks Bed Rock Planes: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Both a newly purchased Taylor Toolworks Bed Rock No. 3 and a previously reviewed No. 4 were examined. Initial observations revealed striking similarities in packaging, lubrication, and overall finish. Both planes exhibited crisp machining, but also shared a common issue: sharp edges requiring filing to prevent injury.
alt text: Taylor Toolworks Bed Rock Plane No. 3 in packaging.
After addressing the sharp edges, the planes were disassembled for further inspection. The irons of both planes displayed similar fine milling on the back, allowing for quick polishing. Both irons sharpened readily, presenting no significant challenges.
alt text: The back of the bed rock plane iron after polishing on a 1000 grit stone.
The Chipbreaker Challenge: A Critical Difference in Bed Rock Plane Performance
While the irons presented no significant issues, the chipbreakers revealed a critical difference between the two bed rock planes. The No. 4’s chipbreaker, though not perfectly flat, functioned adequately with the lever cap compensating for minor gaps. However, the No. 3’s chipbreaker exhibited excessive convexity, preventing proper seating on the iron. This necessitated filing down the middle of the breaker to achieve functionality.
alt text: Filing the underside of the chipbreaker to ensure a proper fit with the bed rock plane iron.
This discrepancy in chipbreaker quality highlights a potential inconsistency in the manufacturing process of Taylor Toolworks Bed Rock planes. While initial impressions suggest consistent external qualities, the functionality of critical components like the chipbreaker appears to vary. Further investigation and comparison with a user-reported problematic No. 4 are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about the overall consistency and quality of these bed rock planes.
