Let's start a new thread instead of burying it at the end of another one.
To start, I am impressed. A complete new line of planes. Bevel down WITH chipbreaker! In light of my recent bit of research it won't be a surprise that I like that. And a 55 degree frog for those people who hate the chipbreaker with a deep and lasting hate. The price is very reasonable, just a little over the bevel up planes, so there is now really no reason to continue that line of planes anymore
There are some points of critique though and questions. Just a first impression of course.
-I don't see a 50 degree frog. I think that would be more usefull then a 55 degree one. I really like my 49 degree Ullmia smoother. It makes setting the chipbreaker a bit more forgiving without adding a whole lot resistance.
- The instructions say to position the chipbreaker at 1/64" or 0.5mm. That's not helpfull. We know that you won't get too much help from the chipbreaker at that point, it merely helps to limit the amount of tearout. It's better to write a number in the manual that really does something spectaculair, like 1/128" or less.
- I see many little bits and pieces and wonder how complex it is?
- Can you set the chipbreaker outside of the plane so you can actually see what you are doing? The manual suggest that you set it inside the plane.
- A 40 degree frog for shooting? Hmmm, anyone going to switch frogs for shooting? Or just sharpen the blade and get on with work.