toy264

Has anyone used the GP power plane? I'm gearing up to build an old kit with lots of carving involved and wonder if the plane is usefull or just a gimic?
Thanks

MAJSteve

My Feedback: (-1)

My wife bought me one for my birthday at the beginning of last month.

1. I've used full sized Makita power planes with straight blades for carpentry and cabinet work. This has a spiral cutter and leaves less marking on the wood.

2. It WILL cut a 3/32 cut on balsa - hard or soft. That's one advantage over a hand plane.

3. Its very easy to get carried away with it. Still better to inch up on the final surface and finish with coarse sandpaper.

4. The two switches are tiring to hold after a minute or two. Fortunately, that's about all you have to do with it. Make a pass, relax your fingers, push the switches and make another pass.

5. I've had a double-edged razor plane from Hobby Lobby for 4 years - on straigh grained woods its a dream, on C-grade its a pain.

Conclusion - the power plane has its uses, but you won't be using it all that much except for cutting wingtips and other balsa blocks.

toy264

Thanks, that's kind of what I thought. While I don't need much of an excuse to buy a new power tool, I think I'll hold off until I run into a situation where a razor plane or the belt sander won't get the job done.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I have one. I hardly ever use it, but when I need it, it's a Godsend!