Anyone passing through my area is more than welcomed to stop in, and try both their NIB plane AND and plane or three older than I am. Be glad to show them HOW to set their plane up and how to use it.
Since I doubt a Brand new plane also has a "How-to" manual packed in the box with it......who will be there to show them how? One can read all they want, here and other places, but once the plane is in their hands?
At least with a rehabbed, set up old plane, the learning curve isn't quite so steep.
Have also noticed...placing a new, thicker blade in an older plane as a "cure-all" for not actually set the plane up right.......more actual trouble than the $ is worth. Set up the plane the way it was designed to work.
Note: All of the Millers Falls planes in my shop still have their original irons...and not one has ever "chattered"
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A #14,#11, #9, and the #8 ( stanley sizes: #5, #5-1/4, #4 and #3) can't find a better set.