Hand Plane Review - Luban vs. WoodRiver

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

If you like this video check out Rob's review of Block Planes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3KkiWSPqrSVY9k

[@brianmeanor7907]

I have a Stanley Bailey from 1933 I’ll trade your for that wood river I believe it’s a #7

[@maktaki7843]

Hangi planes almalıyım öneriniz nedir

[@jimfelton1]

Great review. I wish the media had your ability to admit a bias and still tell a clearly factual review. No one should ever question your quest for the best. Thank you!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Really appreciate your comment….thx

[@adrienrenaux6211]

My understanding is that these planes and a few others come from the same factory (Qiangsheng) and are sold under various names by various distributors around the world. They do have some differences, but some parts obviously come from the same places (yolk, lever cap, etc.) Maybe the Woodriver is different because Woodcraft has asked for some specific specs for their plane, as Rob seems to explain it. The manufacturer seems to have a specific "model" for woodcraft, as it is probably one of their largest clients. Maybe the Luban is a more "run of the mill" model, since Luban is the brand Qiangsheng uses themselves. It would be nice to test other planes that are suspected to come from the same factory (Juuma, Dictum, etc.)

[@maticjelovcan]

Even Luban/Quangsheng has differences. If you buy from Workshopheaven.com (www.workshopheaven.com/hand-tools/hand-planes/quangsheng-planes.html) you will have noticed better handles, lever like on woodriver in the video, better finish; compared to Luban/Quangsheng on Rutlands.com. Then there's Dictum.com makes different ones ever still, at least color wise and with a different pattern on the side on the shoulder plane. Juuma sold elsewhere is similar to Luban but with slight differences as well.... usually just enough that one can say "no, it's not a copy" I think.

[@richardc6932]

With all due respect to Rod, he is promoting this plane as an alternative to Lie Neilson. But this Chinese LN look alike (design) and its many sisters by another name are not in the category of a LN in quality. The price for the WR plane is overpriced giving an impression that it is in the league of a LN…NOT. For the average Canadian consumer, buying a U.S. product like a LN with the exchange rate of +40% and duties make it a deal breaker. Paying as much or almost as much for a WR is also a deal breaker and I am quite happy to buy a Canadian made Veritas at a substantial saving and enjoy all the benefits of customization and accessories it has to offer.JMHO End of rant.

[@victoryak86]

Great comment.

[@ashleycarey3190]

Bang on both planes are made in the same factory aswell as about 15 others most of the handtool websites in the uk have a handplane made by luban I must say they have great reviews and at a £100 saving on veritas or lie nielsen it's a great starting handplane

[@peterbotsford8878]

But made in china!​@@ashleycarey3190

[@kentboys5017]

This video is a masterclass on planes. I learned so much about the different parts that matter the most. I now know what to look for on any plane. I won’t have to worry about it because I will only buy a plane from you with the prep service. Have bought a 4 1/2 and block plane hoping to get a 5 1/2 or 6 soon with prep service for sure. Thanks you are the best!!!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for the great comments. So glad you like our service

[@tdkrei]

Best review ever, I appreciate you were equally picky on each plane. Thanks and , keep on smiling.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Rob your honesty is refreshing

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

Yeah, got to hand it to him: He was fair. He also declared his skin in the game up front, and, grudging though some of it may have been, absolutely gave credit where due. And I dunno about y'all, but personally? I WANT the guy that co-designed one of the competitors to be doing the comparison. I KNOW what his preference is likely to be. That's fair. I prefer the tools I engineer over our competitors too. Or. I. Would. Have. Changed. The. Design. I want his ANALYSIS. So long as THAT was objective (and I challenge anyone to deny it was), I can draw my OWN conclusions/come to my own decisions. What I need is an acknowledged master/renowned expert because he _knows what to look AT/FOR_ in minute, nuanced detail born of decades of experience. ...Assuming he's got enough integrity to be honest with his findings. Mr. Cosman clearly does.

[@lynxg4641]

Damn, that would have to be the most honest review of 2 products I have ever seen, especially considering that Rob sells Wood River. Have to agree with the assessment that the let down of the Luban is that crappy lateral adjuster, not on par with the rest of the plane, corner cut where it shouldn't have been.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

This is a worthwhile review, Rob. There are folks trying to get into hand tool woodworking to whom a $50 price difference can be the difference between owning a decent plane or not. A guy wanting a No. 4, a No. 5-1/2, a No. 8, and a block plane could save $200 on his total expenditure and still get decent working planes. This is the kind of tool review that matters to real people with tight budgets.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching and commenting glad you

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Found it useful

[@williammueller768]

I love his comparisons, and honesty about them. His comparison of the mortising chisels helped to keep me from buying a brand that would have caused me a lot of headaches.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

So glad you find our videos helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@bniemann420]

Very detailed/nit-picky review, but extremely fair! After watching this, Rob is now the authoritative "A vs. B" comparison source for me!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks so much. We have several more in the works

[@victoryak86]

I know what you’re saying but I wouldn’t call it nitpicky really because I’m coming to realize the things he focuses on are quite important to the quality of planing needed for finer work. I don’t think you meant it in that way so perhaps I’m the one nitpicking 😁. Agree, he’s my go to for most things regarding hand tool excellence.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

“鲁班” pronounced /lǔbān/, is where brand name Luban came from. He is considered as Chinese deity in engineering and carpentry. His given name is “Ban” from a kingdom called “Lu”. Mr Cosman never expressed that Woodriver and Luban planes are not from the same factory. He simply pointed out that one is not a rebrand of the other. If Ryobi and Ridgid drills are made in the same factory, do you call one a rebrand of the other? “Made in China? I’m not buying because it’s cheap, crap, shit and bad.” A lot of good things are made in China as well. The keyboard or the phone you typed that message is probably made in China. You still bought it. In NA, if you have no way to buy Luban or other similar planes for much cheaper than Woodriver, I think Woodriver is the way to go. You get local support and better literal lever. Last, Mr Cosman gave a very objective comparison with upfront disclosure on relationship with Woodriver. Both have the same performance and each has some imperfections, while Woodriver has 2 better design choices. I do not understand what the bias complaints are based on.

[@DrTheRich]

But there is a difference between western companies making things in China and Chinese companies. In general the things designed and made by Chinese companies are worse quality, don't last long, made from cheap materials, and are often ripoffs of western designed things. Even people living in China know this and prefer western brands over their own. But their are exceptions and I think this is one of them. There simply isn't a good handplane in this price class other than this one. Stanley's suck today. I also had some modded camara parts from a small Chinese startup that were really good and original. So yes there are some great high quality things made in China by Chinese people, but sadly they are very far between and hard to find.

[@keats182]

@@DrTheRich Some of the reason why quality may not be as good is because at least in America, we want price point over quality. A company gives their specs to the manufacturer and the manufacturer produces it. It doesn't make a lot of sense to make some items that will last a long time since the technology outpaces the life of the item. I don't have anything against buying a Chinese made item. But I do try to support companies that make things in the US whenever possible just to support manufacturing in my own country.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thank you so much for your comment. I think you said it very well

[@bobweiram6321]

@@keats182 When it comes to patriotism, you should ask more of American companies who ditched American workers in order to score cheaper labor in China. They have the nerve to demand brand loyalty simply because they're American. The Chinese can manufacture an incredibly good product, like the iPhone, or an incredibly bad product, like the typical dollar store headphones. When you compare dollar for dollar, however, the Chinese cannot be beat no matter the quality level

[@keats182]

@@bobweiram6321 When I talk about American companies I try to support, I mean things that are made in the USA, like Lie-Nielsen or Blue Spruce Toolworks. They're expensive but they're lifetime tools. Beyond that, I look at how often I will use something and what kind of ratings they have. I don't get bogged down in brands since most of the power tools are made in the same few places.

[@upulmunasinghe6759]

Truly unbiase and honest .Appreciate a lot from someone who use Woodriver proudly and lovingly. 🙏🏼👍☘️

[@radinsyah1574]

By far the best planer comparison video I’ve come across KZbin. Great job.

[@fheapes]

Probable the best product comparison I’ve watched…Ever! Well done.

[@upulmunasinghe6759]

My dear Rob , you made my day, bcz I m at a point to go for #7. So I m comparing 3 brands , Woodriver, Luban and Record. So thanks a lot and lots ,this made me absolute clear why and what to purchase. Tks again.🙏🏼☘️

[@campbellmj9405]

I never thought to look in detail to how the totes/handles seat to the plane -- I generally just tightened them down a little more. I had tuned my planes to where I am absolutely satisfied, but I will be checking the totes now... Thanks for the insight. You remind me of boot camp inspections -- you know every place to look.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Attention! Check that tote plate Woodworker or drop and give me 10!!!!

[@dukeengine1339]

Nice to have honest comparisons, I appreciate your work more every time!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you like them!

[@dcmsr5141]

The approach and methodology were spot on

[@candidosalgado]

Hi Rob, I don't like to flatter people. However, if I were in Canada, I'd buy this WoodRiver just because of your integrity and this very honest review. This is a stuff that the world, in general, is lacking. Semper Fi, Sir.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Ooh-Rah

[@richardc6932]

I am in Canada and in close proximity to Rob but would rather have a Canadian made Veritas at a substantial saving even though I have watched Rob over the years and have respect for his talent and teaching abilities. I am still enjoying that Lie Neilson dovetail saw that I bought from him years ago when he attended the wood show circuit. As you can see, I am in the Veritas camp.

[@MattWilson24]

People, the man is a Canadian treasure... Rob, appreciate the objective review, but would expect no less from an east coaster. That part near the end where you took a wispy shaving and threw it to the side reminding me of seeing you back in Ottawa at the woodworking shows. Hard to believe thats around 20 years ago.

[@davidcampbell2845]

Fantastic review. Detailed, concise, informative and very balanced.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks tons, really appreciate

[@waynel2162]

Hi, Rob. A huge fan of your channel here. I'm a Luban fan , but that's purely because these tools are readily available in Australia ( plus I haven't had the chance to use a Wood River plane either!) and they were my first choice over a used Stanley. Great review and demo of both tools. Thank you so much for your efforts here, they are really appreciated by all of us who watch and learn.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks mate. Really appreciate you watching and commenting

[@victoryak86]

Rob, I very much appreciate your honest and insightful review here. I watch more woodworking videos than I’d care to admit and this one goes into the Favorites, partly because of the specific plane comparison but even more, how to analyze and or touch up any new plane. Really really helpful. Wood River are great planes but you’re willing to show anything that may still be imperfect. This really helps us evaluate which planes to buy and to realize that the differences in all these things is in the finer details. My takeaway here is definitely not that I don’t like, or wouldn’t purchase the Wood River, certainly over the other one. The lack of squareness does look like a major concern and ironically the WR was more out of square than the other. I’m looking for something that could also serve as a shooting plane so this gives me pause.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

We are working on our own plane, hoping by fall. 5 1/2

[@samindaperamuna6392]

I have a Luban 4 and it is a piece of art.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

thanks for watching and commenting

[@rayhosking3927]

Learned a lot about what to check, adjust and fix on any plane in this video, thanks Rob .

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

That was one of our goals with this video

[@hungonblues]

Thanks for this review. I just wanted to say that you are spot on with the lateral adjustment lever on the Luban. I had to return two jointing planes because the lever was just too flat to engage the blade. Other than that I am quite happy with the quality. I own a Luban smoothing plane that came alright and works well.

[@cliveclapham6451]

Good solid comparison you were willing the Woodriver to win but was honest, much respect. In the the UK priced the same.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@neilcrowder3386]

just got around to watching this and, as usual, VERY WELL DONE! The results are as one would expect from two products made by the same company (Qiangsheng Tool Company). I personally use Woodriver planes because I tend to look to Rob for opinions vs other on-line woodworkers and I don't want to pay for LN. In addition, I don't have any idea where to get the Lubans here in Colorado and my Woodcraft is only three miles away. Thanks again for the superb review...who knows, I now would feel OK in picking up a Luban if I see one on ebay for a good price. Thanks again!

[@MaxMustermann-yj1wz]

They are Quansheng planes, in Germany you can also buy em as Dictum and as Juuma. The Juuma looks best! Grettings from Deutschland

[@shtngro]

Interesting comparison of two planes made by the same Chinese company

[@MaxMustermann-yj1wz]

Not china, Almost... The company is in Taiwan. They can't sell quansheng planes directly in north america due to retail exclusivity it seem

[@christreebyward7473]

I was going to ask whether Rob would consider a review of the Juuma planes. They are sold as a brand of Fine-tools which is a German retailer of high quality tools.

[@richardweiler1552]

Now that was a solid review. Really very even handed, given the fact that Mr. Cosman has helped develop the Wood River planes and would naturally have an affinity for them. I bet that anyone who knows hand planes half as well as Rob would arrive at the same conclusion. Thanks for the review. P.S. I can't believe you didn't take the opportunity to mention the Adjustar when you compared the adjustment knobs ; )

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Well we did check to see if the adjustar will fit the Luban, and it does

[@adrianabshire]

Great video and you didn’t convince me to give up on my Wood River plane although I AM going to use this to retune my 5.5 asap! Thanks for all the great content!

[@delgoldthorpe4005]

Well done Rob as I feel this has needed to be addressed for a long time now as many believe they are the same plane under different names, which, you have conclusively shown they are not. That being said, what I personally think we are dealing with here is the possibility that the Luban is the prototype of the Woodriver plane before your suggestions were implemented, that and possibly Copyright law. Either way, you have addressed this admirably. Thanks mate :)

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I think thats a pretty good guess, problem is I doubt we can find out the absolute truth to see if you are right about the history

[@donovancampbell7785]

You’re a good teacher thank you for all of your knowledge and experience!😊

[@johnraffensperger]

Excellent evenhanded review. Even more, an outstanding tutorial on how a wood plane should work. Thank you!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@malletandchisel5154]

Authenticity and Humanity. I don't know what that's all about. Classic Rob.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

What are you going on about? Is that an American made piece of tech that you’re typing on?

[@malletandchisel5154]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking :) It is. It seemed like you were confused by what seems like pandering on the box of a foreign made plane. I thought it was funny. No offense intended.

[@bobd.]

Thank you Rob for this honest, in depth comparison of these two planes. This is one of those times when you want to get into the weeds and peer at the details which you did well. If I ever replace my old Stanley #6 a WoodRiver #5-1/2 or #6 will be my choice.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you liked the video, thanks for watching

[@woodturnerjosh]

Fantastic review, thanks!!!!! In Australia a Woodriver 5 1/2 is $230 AUD ($170 USD) more expensive than the Luban! The Luban retails for $299 AUD ($530 for the Woodriver) and it’s hard to imagine that the nicer lateral adjuster really adds that much value to the plane.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

My goal is just to arm you guys with real information on these two planes so you can make the best decision for your situation

[@krraai]

got myself a #5 jack plane from Luban very recently. This review gives me confidence that I was well advised by the local hardware/woodworking specialist shop here. Lateral adjustment on mine is done with a burred screw through which you fix the blade in position. Fits into the blade with a neat, round pin. Does not look flimsy at all. Still sitting in its box though, next to a pile of reclaimed stock I obtained recently that is in bad need of flattening. Next project in: learning how to plane properly....

[@krraai]

Not burred, knurled

[@watermain48]

Nice comparison Rob. I've been wanting to see a comparison involving a Luban plane for quite a while. I think you did a nice job all things considered.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@stanmoderate4460]

Thanks Rob, an good honest comparison.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I wouldn't give you anything less

[@janvereertbrugghen2775]

Excellent and solid comparison! Any possibility to have one as well with Lie Nielsen or Veritas or ..?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Lie Nielsen are the best mass produced manufactured planes made, in my oppinon. I have said that many times. I carry WoodRiver because I think they are the best value plane you can buy in Canada and the U.S. Sorry but my legal team wont let me evaluate Veritas

[@shanehertzog5812]

Rob do you own any veritas hand planes. I own the veritas shooting and a veritas jack plane.

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

HI rob always learn so much from u. weldone. my old workbench is coming back to me and I can't wait to use my plane and eat to make a dove tail box. always remember u.

[@jlmfoy365]

Hi Rob, very fair review and comparison. I stand to be corrected but I think the Wood River is built to North American spec and the Luban/ Quansheng is built to European spec, but all made in the same factory. I myself own a Quansheng no 6 and it's terrific, but as you rightly said both excellent planes. Regards Jim UK.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@The78bluedevils]

Thanks for the KZbin education. worth the time invested in detail presentation

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

You bet

[@KevinOMalleyisonlysmallreally]

This is a truly excellent video. Not only informative about the brand but I actually learned some bits about timing the plane, really good work.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@toddwheeler1526]

One thing I do when tuning my hand planes is to bed the tote and the knob just like a rifle action into the stock. Done correctly, it's rock solid, significantly reinforces the tote, knob as well as the rods. I prefer JB WELD. Make sure to leave approximately 0.01 between the bedding compound and the wood to metal interfaces for expansion and contraction of the knob and tote as well as disassembly.

[@amirwb]

This video is amazing and i learned a lot about plans, so thank you very much. And i would likr to see how would you make the plane perfectly square and ready for work with shooting board

[@heystarfish100]

Two impressive hand planes. Thanks for the entertaining informative video.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you commenting

[@charleshirst6220]

I agree fully with those commenting on the review being factual, nit-picky etc. Regarding the flatness and 90deg angle: Back in the day, before the accountants ran the company, Stanley, and other manufacturers used to age their casting by putting the outside for a long time. This relieved the internal stresses before they were machined. Sure they got rusty, but it was only surface rust and was machined away or otherwise removed. This meant that after machining the casting did not move due to the internal stresses (which now weren't there). 90 deg stayed at 90 deg, flat stayed flat. Why don't they do that nowadays. Well, it means tying-up money, whilst competitors don't. Also, I believe, back in the day the end user was far removed from the capabilities to correct any inaccuracies whereas nowadays these facilities are always 'just around the corner' if not in your own garage (and there is always KZbin to tell you how to do it!).

[@petergruber1249]

Hi Rob, thank you for your presentation , I'm already looking forward to my new WoodRiver plane! Best regards from Vienna.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Vienna and Salzburg are two of my favorite cities. I cannot wait to visit them again. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@MichaelCoolidge]

Wow. I never knew there was so much to check on a plane. Great review. Thanks.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@warrenwright6]

This was an excellent review.i own a quang sheng luban 4 1/2and you might be interested to know the lateral lever is exactly the same as the woodriver in this review. Strange that ones different.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Do you own a Q U A N sheng? Or a Q I A N sheng? This is a Q I A N sheng, and can be sold worldwide, the Quansheng cannot be sold into North America.

[@warrenwright6]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking it's a quangsheng.sold to me by workshop heaven in England .well that's how they spell it.amazing plane

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes thats the one that cannot be shipped to North America

[@jimbo2629]

I have a QIANGSHENG number 5. The most comfortable handle ever. It performs perfectly but is heavier than I would like for frequent prolonged use. My most used planes have Veritas blades, both Stanley’s and home made wooden.

[@treywalker8344]

Nice job. Besides the comparison, there were actually some good tips on how and what to check for in plane.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes I always try and teach folks good techniques to become better hand tool users

[@GARDENER42]

Quangsheng offer a #6 which has the adjustment lever & depth knob off the WoodRiver on the Luban body, with the only obvious difference is no name milled into the lever cap. It's pretty clear they all originate from the same manufacturer.

[@matthopkins5093]

Love your videos. Keep them coming. I’m hoping one day I’ll be able to cut dovetails like you.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Keep trying...you can do it

[@mickeyd9369]

Having purchased a Woodriver 62 and a Luban 5 1/2, I gave it the Rob Cosman once over. Very similar results. Both Lever caps needed work, more than either of Robs. The sole where the frog sits are equally nice on both. Both planes had sides that were not square with the sole. The Woodriver is out .008, the Luban is out 010. (what a pain in the butt to use on the Shooting board) The killer though is that the Luban blade is slightly concave to the sole. I beat to death, both sides flat at the edge of the blade so as to use it for the moment but will have to exchange or buy replacement. (it took forever to do.) Cautionary tale. I started fine tuning parts without looking at the whole as Rob does in the video. So when things weren't getting better quickly, that is when the concave issue was found. which also impacted the work on the chip breaker... :-( If I had more experience, I probably would have discovered the issues faster. The sides out of square got me for a while because sometimes the 62 would give good results on the shooting board, sometimes not depending on how I held it. I kept blaming myself for the problems. The Woodriver had an issue with the opening and closing of the throat. Quick call to Woodcraft and they exchanged it. (Luckily they had one in stock) So I bought the Luban from overseas, saved a little money over the Woodriver but really bought it because it was available. Would have gone Woodriver otherwise. I've written them to see if something can be done about replacing the blade but I am not holding out hope. I'll update this when they respond. All in all, I'm happy with the unit but resolving issues becomes more involved owing to the distances. (By the way, they packed the Luban really well and it arrived before they promised.) Would I do it again? Thinking about ordering a Luban #7. Yeah, I have big plans. Still struggling with straight, flat and square though. :-)

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Really great comment. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@ajaehall7695]

Which to buy is an easy decision as a Canadian. Rob only tunes up one of them! Waiting for my #5 to arrive.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Coming soon

[@matthewkillam4378]

I’m 100% with ya Rob Woodriver all the way especially for the money. And it is night and day difference between the lateral adjustment lever on the woodriver vs Luban. You definitely helped woodcraft work the bugs out of their planes. Thank you so much for this in-depth no bull review

[@tidalwavestudio]

thanks for a nice honest and fair comparison, although you are involved in WR.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thats what I was going for

[@hussainal-hussaini8483]

Good and detailed comparison.. Thanks Mr.Cosman👍🏼

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

You bet

[@Motocicleiros]

Recently I bumped to the Luban brand and it caught my attention as the model I am interested (a low angle block plane) is a shameless clone of the Lie Nielsen one for 1/3 of the price. After watching this video I am very leaned to press the button and take my chances.

[@donovancampbell7785]

Thank you Rob!!

[@en510]

Good to see there is a reasonable option for people who can't afford to ship a wood river to them!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes the Luban is a good value for those not in North America

[@jureklancar8148]

I've heard from multiple sources that both woodriver and luban come from the same factory.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Based on my comparison we know for sure its not the same casting

[@jureklancar8148]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking that is true. btw one thing I often noticed is that the soles are heavily concave, something you wouldn't notice with feeler gauges, can you comment on that?

[@jewishmafia9801]

@@jureklancar8148 if the sole is less than a few thousandths of an inch off along the entire length of the sole on a flat registration surface then you're fine. Just like rob showed, make sure the blade and frog are tensioned before checking

[@alankirbywoodworking]

I've heard from several places that Quangsheng planes come out the same factory as Woodriver.

[@jureklancar8148]

@@alankirbywoodworking as well as dictum and I think some more

[@colinwilson8747]

I was informed by the Australian distributor of Luban planes that WoodRiver and Luban come from the same factory. Of course that doesn't mean they are the same. As far as I can tell from other Luban planes, Quangsheng is the brand name used in the UK.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes it is confusing. As you can see WoodRiver and Luban are close, but not the same

[@NicBock]

I may be wrong but I think they are both manufacture by qiangsheng in Zhejiang province. I used the Luban's plane every days (I'm in China) and I'm happy with them

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Could be, but the Luban is Not just a rebranded WoodRiver. As you can see different casting s are used and while very similar, not the same

[@kuffyswoodwork]

Good honest review Rob. I have one Veritas bench plane and a couple Luban planes. I'm very happy with my Luban's, can't fault them. I do hate my Veritas though (it's the norris adjuster, I hate it so much!) 😂👍

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for sharing..

[@ssrattus]

A quick online search for the planes as sold in Australia and the #6 Luban is $AUD339, the #6 WoodRiver is $AUD530. Much bigger price difference. BTW a Veritas #6 $AUD524 (nil stock)

[@andrewford80]

Yeha I've noticed the same thing. For that price, the Woodriver doesn't represent great value.

[@patrickbishop8361]

Hi Rob. I was wondering if the Adjustar would work on a Luban?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

We are going to test it

[@1337pimpable]

i bet these luban guys got their sales up after that video.Mr. Cosman is a great teacher but also a good salesman. I am considering buying a luban if woodriver doesn't release a 5 1/2 in a month

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Woodcraft tells us they will ship us 5-1/2 in July when they get them but that is about the 3rd date they have given us so no promises

[@LePetiz]

i would say you made an excellent job holding your bias

[@robertbell4439]

No 62 Low Angle Jack Plane - WoodRiver $519, Lie Nielsen Low Angle Jack Plane No 62 $465, Luban Low Angle Jack Plane No 62 $299, Veritas Low-Angle Jack Plane with PM-V11 Blade $493 in Australia just for information. Currently buying old Stanley Planes.

[@theeddorian]

Small bumps on the frog or on the seat make an immense amount of difference between a plane that's usable and one that's not. I have a Record that had two high spots on the seat. The plane had a terrible chatter. Fifteen seconds with a file and the chatter disappeared completely. Another thing I check is if the blade is straight front to back - toe to heel. If it isn't, no matter how flat the frog surface is, there will be a potential for chatter.

[@garygrieves6752]

There are two retailers that supply the Quangsheng Luban planes in the UK. I suspect he got that no.6 from Rutlands. I believe the other retailer (Workshop Heaven) specify the same build and features as the Woodriver. The Luban planes have the bearing on the lateral adjuster and the soles are supposed to be machined to +/-1.5 thou (British Standard).

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Not quite. We did buy the Luban from Rutlands. Workshop Heaven has a slightly different model but they cannot ship it to North America, states that right on their website and we emailed to verify. We wanted ti buy both but only the Luban that Rutland carries could be shipped to North America. If you guys want to purchase the plane that Wood Haven carries and send it to me I will be happy to review it

[@markkoons7488]

Interesting and valuable. Thanks. A stamped adjusting lever reeks. I won't have one in my shop. 50 years ago Asia was full of guys scurrying from one backyard factory to another. Regardless whether that is still true, the Luban certainly is assembled from many identical parts.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

The luban is very similar to the WoodRiver as I said in my review

[@НиколайПотужный-е5м]

Очень полезная информация, спасибо Вам и удачи.

[@extremewoodworker]

Nicely done! It would have been nice to have included a Lie-Nielsen #6 in the comparison but currently, they seem to be made of the exotic material called unobtainium.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I wanted to focus this video on these two planes alone as there seems so much confusion around if they are the same plane but with a different name

[@samz8023]

Thank you Rob. I wonder if the frogs are interchangeable

[@mikestewart505]

I recently watched a video from Mr. Linn's Workshop on tuning up a Lie-Nielsen smoother--I forget whether a 4 or 4 1/2. I kinda want to do it (very cautiously) to mine, but at the same time, you have to wonder how perfect is perfect enough? My L-N worked fine out of the box, and better after 32 seconds of sharpening. I doubt any amount of tuning will get me smoother boards. Still, it does seem like any plane could be finished a little nicer... A thought that occurred to me watching this is that either of these might almost too nice for a fore plane. A case could be made for the best 5 1/2 you can afford, and a Taytools #6. Then it occurred to me that Wood River could capitalize on this as a fore plane buy offering a cambered blade as an optional accessory. Or maybe someone who sells them could. A scrub iron for a #4 or #5 wouldn't be bad, either.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

A really great evaluation...thanks

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thnaks for watching and commenting

[@ricardomattos862]

Thank you, Rob!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@johnmcgee7171]

Given that you check the flatness of the sole with it under stress, shouldn't you check for square with the sole under stress as well?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

dont think my instruments are fine enough for that.

[@johnmcgee7171]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking l wasn't trying to be a smart ass. Are you saying that the stress that affects the sole flatness isn't sufficient to affect the square?

[@TigerCarpenter]

I own both WoodRiver and Luban but of different sizes. It's pretty clear to me they came from the same factory with tiny differences. Lateral adjustment on Luban is identical to WoodRiver. Maybe it depends on the batch or export destination. I live on the equator and I'm close friends with Luban marketing representatives and maybe they sent me a 'better" version. I have many Luban tools and I'm very impressed. I'm an old grumpy white man living in Asia and of course I do have bias for German or Swedish tools. But I have to give credit to Luban as they never disappointed me

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Its very interesting as some comments say their Lubans have a bearing lateral adjusters snd some say they have the one we received. I wonder if they did a version upgrade and we got an older one or they just have that much variability in them

[@TigerCarpenter]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking I will ask tem, and follow up with you on that. based on my observations, Luban is very ambitious, and has some sort of maker pride, I had a similar story with the stainless steel barbell factory. I went to the factory with Eleiko barbell, and asked them if they could beat them with the quality of workmanship / materials used. Basically I asked them to make a custom barbell for me, which cost me a lot. however they made it exactly as I designed it, and exceeded the Eleiko standards. when I visited Luban factory, I had exactly the same impression, they want to win this game. they have many casting molds even within the same brand. it would be interesting to compare a couple of WoodRivers of the same size.

[@kainemeshkin6662]

Great video, was a good, fair comparison

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks so much

[@RiffmuirKennels]

Like to see a comparison of a Clifton 51/2 v Woodriver 51/2

[@davidmanger5193]

Really interesting, Rob. In the UK we can get Woodriver from Woodworkers Workshop, Quangsheng from Workshop Heaven and Qianngsheng Laban from Rutlands. I have a Woodriver low angle block plane , a couple of Luban block planes, a Veritas shooting plane and L-N 5 and 4 1/2. What is obvious to me is that the Chinese planes are all built to a certain price point and there are small variations between them. The L-N and Veritas on the other hand are just a level above and beautifully finished. However they are significantly more expensive. Having spent a bit of time honing the blades on all of them, they all work well but the North American planes just feel that bit nicer. I guess you get what you pay for…….as someone once said!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes I agree with you. I have always said Lie Nelsen is the best manufactured plane today, and WoodRiver is the best value. The woodRiver price point was much better before the additional tariffs went into effect a couple of years ago

[@jedman322]

Hi Rob when will the woodriver 5 1/2 be back in your store? , great vid by the way I'm now convinced , also I received your plane magic wax and it's fantastic! 👍

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

July, later in the month and could not come too soon!

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

The extra mass of the Luban is something I appreciate for fine wood working. The woodrivers lateral adjustment is somewhat loosey goosey as far as I'm concerned. These planes could work for 99.99999% of regular workers. Buy the luban and $80 of wood to make stuff, perhaps too much time is spent dissecting which is best.

[@jamesharris7868]

They aren’t the same plane but are made by the Quangshen company.That is where the mix up occurs.Enjoyed the review 🤙

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes. Many folks think Luban is just another version of WoodRiver but you can see that its not. Maybe a copy of early V1 WoodRiver but not just a rebranded V3

[@shaunkirby8506]

I’ve got a quangsheng no 4 without “Luban” written on it and it has the same lateral adjuster as the wood river I also have a no 5 with Luban written on it and it’s nowhere near as good as my no 4 both cost roughly the same but from different retailers I’ve even tried to find a replacement frog as I hate the crappy adjuster but can’t find spares anywhere

[@FirstMM]

That lateral adjust leaver is also the only thing that you cannot just tweak to fix... I wonder if they ever changed that?

[@ronhau1542]

To adjust the blade on my Wooriver the knob turns probably a full turn before it engages and actually moves the blade. IDK if it's an argument issue or not?

[@walesvet]

Thanks for a great and fair review, just what I would expect from a man with your ethics. In the UK it seems to be difficult if not impossible to get a WoodRiver and shipping from Canada makes it really expensive. What is available is a Quansheng which in the 5 1/2 Jack has the same lateral adjucter as the WoodRiver. Have you had an oportunity to look at a Quansheng?

[@duvalbrice]

That's weird. My 5 1/2 luban has the lever with a bearing and a pined brass bump at the top. I was surprised to see that the quality could vary that much. I guess I was lucky. By the way, How did you manage to order a luban when they are not allowed to sell in north America "due to retail exclusivity restriction" ? I will add that i just checked on the website with the photos and the lever is not supposed to be a bend piece of steel, you should send it back and see if another one would be similar.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

We just ordered it from a UK retailer and they sent it to us.

[@cynjohnson1967]

Our experience in Australia as well.

[@maticjelovcan]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking It depends from which retailer. I assume @duvalbrice bought his from workshopheaven.com (www.workshopheaven.com/hand-tools/hand-planes/quangsheng-planes.html) as did I, because casting is much nicer than the cheaper alternatives from german dictum.com or from rutlands.com which for a fact has the cheaper lever adjustment (I was disappointed when workshopheaven didn't have the No7 that I was going to buy and then further disappointed when I saw that the inside of the casting was rougher and that the lever adjustment was as on your luban in the video... I much prefer the Quangsheng/Luban from Workshopheaven than other ones). While I don't know if it's the same as woodriver, I can tell you that there are a few European sellers of planes these days, some of whom just rebrand the existing models and the others that have the factory add upgrades. It's quite possible it's the same factory with a few different castings depending on who they're making it for. But I do remember, that I once bought an unbranded blockplane, which has faint texture that seems to have once been JUUMA on the casting even though box said Luban and was sold under Quangsheng label. I also find the workshopheaven.com being more strict as far as QC and tolerances go.

[@duvalbrice]

@@maticjelovcan Yes i bought it from workshopheaven their planes are really great. I have the block plane, the rabbet block plane and the scrapper plane as well. I was pleased with their plane every time. Sadly since the brexit i can't order to france without paying taxes, so i won't.

[@duvalbrice]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking I guess it wasn't workshopheaven then. Thanks for the reply and the great video, as always.

[@Lapsin121]

Have you looked at the new Busybee hand planes ?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

They’re just a rebranded Rockler Bench Dog

[@markmacthree3168]

I still love my Record ss no6 it moves across the wood like a God 🤠💯

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@tobiasbradley7229]

They're all made by Qiangsheng tools co, in Australia as Luban In America as Wood River and in Germany as Dictum.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Maybe so but they are not the exact same planes

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Woodriver and luban is not the exact same

[@MD-en3zm]

I know you have a bias, but that was a fair review. I agree that the only real difference is the lateral adjust - the Luban lateral adjust was pretty cheesy. The out of square is something I’d chalk up to individual variation and would need to see a lot more samples before drawing any conclusions. Luban appears to be a decent plane though, and if it were a lot less money, it could be a decent choice. Wish they’d upgrade the lateral adjust though.

[@uvicjames]

"The out of square is something I’d chalk up to individual variation" Yes, but a decent QC program should be detecting major issues like that. "Individual variation" should have limits.