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Quangsheng Luban No. 102 Bronze Apron Plane Reviews

4.8 Rating 31 Reviews
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Cast in bronze, this delightful little block plane is traditionally carried in the apron pocket, ready for immediate and frequent use.Compact and easy to use with one hand, it has a 25 degree T10 bevel up blade bedded at 12 degrees. Like it's larger cousins it has a super smooth, low ratio, type 3 adjuster.In the early stages of a piece, an apron plane might be used to make small adjustments to the ends of squared timber blanks, or to create chamfers on waste material before it is cut away, both to aid visibility and prevent breakout.In the later stages it may be used to fine tune joinery or sliding components to achieve the desired fit; or to take tiny threads off sharp corners to strengthen them. In some cases it may even be needed after a piece is finished, to correct the odd squeak or binding drawer.Specifications:
Body: Cast bronze (so it won't rust)
Weight 470g / 1lb
Conforms to British Standard
3mm thick, 32mm wide cutting iron cutting iron made from T10 carbon steel hardened to RC60-63
Sole dimensions 137mm x 35 - 40mm (coffin sided)
Notes on use:
To adjust the blade, loosen the cap wheel until it is just beginning to exert the lightest possible pressure on the blade.
Position the blade laterally with finger and thumb and then, with the plane sole down on a piece of timber, advance the blade until it just makes contact with the surface.
Wind the cap iron screw twice (about half a rotation) and take a test shaving and adjust if necessary.
You don't need to apply all of the tension that the thumbwheel is capable of, it has the mechanical advantage of a screw thread and a 2:1 lever advantage, so two twists is plenty.
Please note that we are unable to ship Quangsheng products to North America due to retail exclusivity restrictions.

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I have a number of these planes in my teaching workshop tool kits. Great balance of quality versus value. Students are able to try and compare with other types. This one, I spent a few minutes honing the blade and the it worked beautifully. Reel posted on my Instagram page. Good value little planes.
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Posted 3 weeks ago
Received and well packaged. The opening on the plane bottom was too small and wouldn't allow shaving to go through. A slight filing and blade sharpend everything was fine and performed well
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Posted 5 months ago
Lovely little bronze plane feels right in your hand.
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Posted 10 months ago
I own three Luban Bronze Block Planes. Over the past few years they have really worked hard in my workshop. I have consistently been impressed with the edge retention on the blades on all three. These planes are the best value block planes on the market by far. Thet set I own comprises the #101, #102 and #103 in bronze. I recommened them all to new woodworkers starting out on a tight budget as well as to other seasoned makers, you will not be disappointed!
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Posted 10 months ago
My third Quangsheng plane all of which are of an excellent quality and superb value for money. The 102 is a delight to hold and rightly called an “apron plane” as that’s where it fits perfectly. On delivery It was perfectly adequate to use but after half an hours fettling it’s now a joy to behold. The micro adjuster is precise and brass clamp screw easily accessible - unlike the rebate plane where I had to reshape the cap iron to enable finger access. With the low angle and great feel this will undoubtedly become my go to small plane. Speedy service from WH. Can’t be faulted.
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Posted 1 year ago
Would have liked a Lie Neilson 102 but prices are rediculous! Debated the Quangsheng Luban a while after reading reviews with quality control issues. If the tolerances were bad I would send it back. Took the plunge and was surprised when I checked it for sole flatness, precise blade slot, and blade finish. I fettled the sole with micro abrasive to absolute flatness very quickly. Blade back flattened quickly, and primary bevel came machined to 25* was honed with a Richard Kell guide until a burr was formed. Blade steel 01? was hard and took a very sharp edge. Finished blade with Workshop Heaven strop using Autosol paste. Polished sides and factory cast edges until it felt good in the hand as bronze does. Probably now my go to block plane to take of sharp edges and finish freshly planed work.
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Posted 1 year ago
Very nice little plane which I will enjoy using. Wasn't sure exactly what to expect from a new plane as I've only flattened/sharpened older ones. The sole wasn't flat in the centre behind the mouth - but it didn't take much work to flatten it.
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Posted 1 year ago
Bought as a birthday present for my son. I bought one a while back and found it very useful. Just gutted to see it priced at 25% off the following week!
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Posted 1 year ago