Lie-Nielsen No. 3 Cast Ductile  Iron Smooth Plane

Lie-Nielsen’s collection of bench planes, arguably the most beautiful ever made, is now the most complete currently in production, covering the gamut from the magnificent No. 8 Jointer to the irresistible little No. 1. Numbers 1 & 2 are fully functional planes, though their exquisite miniaturization and historical rarity makes them as interesting to collectors as they are to working hand tool enthusiasts.

Each of these planes features meticulous construction, low-tolerance machining and Bed Rock body and frog design. Soles and sides are milled reliably flat and square, and their finish is so smooth that they hardly need more than a well-buffed coat of wax to be practically friction-free. Bed Rock castings, both sole and side rails, are considerably heavier than those of Bailey-style planes, and the frog in particular is radically more stable, supportive and adjustable. The throat opening can be altered without removing the iron, which remains supported all the way to the heel of the bevel regardless of how tight a throat you set. Lie-Nielsen irons are likewise heavier and more carefully processed than run-of-the-mill tools. They’re tempered to Rc 60-62 for excellent edge longevity, and the rigidity afforded by their 1/8″ thickness makes their performance simply outstanding. These planes cut beautifuly where others fail: reversed grain, quilted or fiddleback timbers, even knots and end grain can be shaved cleanly, with no tearout, no chatter, no loss of control at all.

The smaller plane sizes up to No. 4 are cast in silicon bronze, larger sizes in cast ductile iron (note that 2s, 3s & 4s are also available in cast ductile iron). On all sizes, the handle and front knob are gloss-finished cherry, and the lever caps are gleaming bronze.