By contrast Stephen, I have a UK-made #3, and it is a good plane. I have had a UK-made #4 1/2, and it was excellent. I had a Oz-made #7 - reputedly less good than scraping with finger nails - and it was a beauty! I sold the #4 1/2 and #7 because I had too many planes. Shoulda kept the #7.

UK-made planes are variable. Some excellent, and sone boat anchors. Worth a look.

Regards from Perth

Derek