Originally Posted by
John Sanford
End result does not define "better" by itself. That, in fact, is much of David's argument. The Reader's Digest version: A properly fettled vintage plane can get the same results as a modern premium plane, and will likely cost less money. Therefore, the vintage plane is "better."
Now, David having introduced a consideration other than simply the results into the equation, we are free to introduce other considerations as well.
Send five noobs out with instructions to purchase the first vintage Jack Plane they come across, and the first new LN #5 they come across. Have each of them return with the planes, have a competent sharpening dude touch up all of the blades, and set them to work. Remember, these are 5 vintage planes chosen by noobs, versus 5 fresh out of the box LNs. The odds are very high that every one of the LNs will work great out of the box. The vintage planes, chosen by noobs? Not so good odds. So, it takes a certain amount of knowledge and experience to pick out decent vintage planes. The more knowledge, the fewer turkeys. For some, that makes them "better", but for most folks wanting to get on with the matter of butchering wood, not so much of a plus.
Now, simulate the effects of a modest herd of young boys thundering through one's workshop. Oh, my. The planes have been subjected to sudden deceleration upon hitting the floor. New plane, ductile iron. Old plane, simple cast iron. New plane, dents floor, little dent on nose of plane. Old plane, dents floor, cracked body. Is cracked better? Is the heightened risk, because not every drop ends in keeee-rack, of being cracked better? In an absolute sense, no, unless you're looking for a source of cast iron to recycle. For some though, the risk may be worth it given the lower cost of the vintage plane.
IF you are good enough with your tools, you can build a Chippendale highboy using nothing more than a healthy supply of rocks and your own skills. Thankfully for those of us who are not Uber-Neanderbubbas, our ancestors spent thousands of years improving tools so that things are easier and more pleasant to accomplish. While an LN vis a vis a vintage Bailey doesn't represent as much of an improvement as the first plane does over a handheld chisel, it's better durability, superior adjustability, and greater "ease of getting into service" (i.e. finding & fettling to a serviceable level) makes it a "better plane." Better value? Well, that's another question entirely, related, but different, and the answer depends on what the potential owner/user values. Time? Money? Heritage, aesthetics, the environment, etc, etc.
The results are the same, it's just a bit easier to get there with the new plane. And that's what tools are about. Making life easier.
btw, before somebody goes down the "well, you've got to know how your plane works to get the best results" route, let me ask you this: do you know machine language? Or is knowing how to type and maybe a bit more sufficient for you to get the results you want out of your computer? It can certainly be handy to know more about your tool, but it beyond a certain point, it isn't necessary to get the results one desires.