I Made a £38 Tool Perform Like a £338 Tool

Amazon recently released a line of woodworking hand tools under their Amazon Basics range. So I not only decided to test it, but also attempted to make it perform the same as my Lie-Nielsen hand plane, which currently retails at £338.
If you want to know more about some of the issues I faced while modifying this plane, be sure to read this blog post. It covers things in much more detail than this video.
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🕵️‍♂️ WHO AM I?:
My name is Matt Estlea, I'm a 25 year old Woodworker from Basingstoke in England and my aim is to make your woodworking less s***.
I come from 5 years tuition at Rycotewood Furniture Centre with a further 1 year working as an Artist in Residence at the Sylva Foundation, which is where I began growing my business. I then returned to Rycotewood to teach Evening Classes for 2 Years, while also teaching City and Guilds Furniture Making for 3 years. They were some long 12 hour days!
In September, 2021. I resigned from teaching at the school to focus on my own business.
In addition to all that studying and teaching during the week, I occupied my weekends working at Axminster Tools and Machinery in Basingstoke. For 5 years, I helped customers with purchasing tools, demonstrated in stores and events, and gained extensive knowledge about a variety of tools and brands. I discontinued this job role in 2019 to focus on teaching at Rycotewood and my own business.
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I like to have a laugh and my videos are quite fast paced BUT you will learn a lot, I assure you.
Lets go make a mess.
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[@MattEstlea]

Now this video has tickled your pallet. If you fancy learning a bit of woodwork yourself, be sure to visit my FREE Online Woodworking School here: freeonlinewoodworkingschool.com/ No sign up required, it's all there waiting for ya :)

[@jeffers2923]

Do

[@ErtsenPlayGames]

its not that expensive in Poland u get maybe 6-7$ per hour of work like that XD (5$ if u work for someone)

[@johnnorris1983]

Bottom line has to be the soft cheap blade material. Cracking job though. NL have loads to be proud of

[@chriscarey324]

@Jorj palate

[@lynneframe3390]

There’s good timber in a pallet…

[@KewlCrayon]

Selling it? SEND IT BACK TO THE GUY WHO SAVED YOU.

[@guizmonium]

Yeah, thought the same, it would have been nice !

[@mrksj79]

I automatically thought the same thing

[@vavet39]

I know huge missed opportunity needless to say the guy is a woodworker not a businessman

[@tatewatt9855]

@@vavet39 the guy is actually a girl who is a woodworker don’t know her day job but I think she told Matt to keep it

[@patjackson1657]

I love this video. A craftsman I met years ago said to me:"I'm not a wealthy man. I can't afford poor tools." Whenever I disregarded that sound advice, I lived to regret my choice.

[@paulhume8083]

What great quote, I'm going to pinch that!

[@LuchianM1]

"I'm too poor to buy cheap things" it's the universal saying, and it's adapted in different scenarios.

[@BenLillegard]

The saying I adopted very early in my life was, "Buy once. Cry once". Every time I've tried slipping around this I too have lived to regret it. The only time I buy cheap tools is when I know there is a 99% chance that I will need it the one time or that I am planning on destroying it in the process.

[@HiltownJoe]

@@BenLillegard I am of the opposite opinion when it comes to any tools you do not use professionally. I buy any tools I need cheap the first time I buy them (unless I allready know I need the more expensive version). When they break, I buy the expensive version. Why? Most of my cheap tools never broke, because I do not use them as often or as hard as a professional. When they break It means I use them often and hard enough to justify the purchase of an expensive tool. I bought my first cordless drill from a shop that sells mainly coffe and paid 20 bucks. It was cheap made with cheap plastic and a cheap motor. It was just good enough to do what I needed it for as a poor student, and it only broke after 10 years from an aged battery. A brand name cordless drill at that time would have cost me about five times the money and the battery probably would have died anyway. By now I have quite a few cheap tools that are good enough, some expensive brand tools, and a pile of junk that was wasted money. I would only have half amount of good tools if I had to buy expensive brand tools and even with brand tools sometimes they are wasted money junk. But if you buy for professional use, time is money and you don't have either to waste on a cheap tool.

[@danielbonner8309]

It's true. Whenever I buy cheap tools I always end up upgrading anyway and then your left with junk you can't even giveaway. You can always sell good tools for not much less than you paid for them as well.

[@katzmosestools]

This edit was spectacular! I'm going to hug my LN planes tomorrow and apologize for cursing them when I got my credit card statement.

[@scottmartin7717]

I thought the same same thing - wonderful pace, humor, and just general vibes in this cut (something you rock at yourself, JKM 🤘🏻)

[@petersydow4002]

Lie Nielsen is awesome!

[@intrepidshedman3309]

I really love my Ferrari over my lada as well. LN you are paying a lot to get a lot, but worth it if you are serious

[@MrCalbber]

If you are only starting you dont really need to get that one, you can get one cheeper but not as cheep as this amazon basics crap :)

[@petersydow4002]

@@MrCalbber I would suggest watching YT videos and renovating vintage one.

[@seanfraser9162]

The best part of this epidode, for me, was the detailed breakdown of all the component parts and how they function as part of the whole. Im a total noob with wood so Ill be referencing this more than once, Im sure. Nice work.

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Sean! I have a free online woodworking school if you want to learn more of this stuff. www.mattestlea.com/school There’s a whole section on plane sharpening and setup just waiting for ya 👌 Glad you enjoyed the video

[@RexKrueger]

Matt, your work here is NEXT LEVEL. I've done some heroic work to cheap tools, but nothing like this. I think this plane is the same as one sold in the States under the Buck name. I did about 1/10th the work you did on mine and then gave up and made it into a scrub. My hat is off to you!

[@oscar38]

Hi Rex, you too are a legend 👍

[@MattEstlea]

Haha cheers Rex! I must admit that a scrub plane has been the fate of all the previous planes I’ve tried to restore. Appreciate it mate 👍

[@alskjflaksjdflakjdf]

I agree, this closely resembles the Buck plane bought from home depot for $35, right down to the manufacturing issues Matt covered in the video. I built a shooting board at not-a-right-angle to compensate for the crooked sides of the plane, and the bottom still has some wind to it that I try to compensate for by hand. Even without using better materials they could have resolved some of the issues by adjusting their tooling and using some thinner paint, but they did not. It sucks.

[@AndreaArzensek]

Ha, I've also "scrubbed" my new Stanley I bought new at HD. What a shitty plane!

[@28smyths]

Yeah this was a monstrous amount of energy. I've seen your videos on planes as well, Rex, and it leaves me curious: where did either of you get this wealth of knowledge? Can either of you recommend any resources for handtool maintenance/ servicing? Or anything on planes specifically? I'm in the middle of a furniture making education and this is not knowledge that seems to be on the curriculum...

[@MagnitudeUK]

Hello! Your friendly neighbourhood Blacksmith here! I'd like to personally thank you for the great video. I'd also like to say a few things about the debate of cheap tools. I agree that expensive tools last longer & do their job far better. Luckily in my trade, It comes far more naturally as old and handmade tools are one of the only ways to get into blacksmithing. I'd also like to thank you for mentioning that it's better to buy decent tools and give back to the community of quality workmanship that you & I both are members of. My favourite phrase for this is: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten". That being said, Sometimes fixing a cheap-o tool is better than spending a large amount of money on a tool you'll only use once. Your videos are good quality, fun, & right up my street. You've earned a like & subscribe. I look forward to seeing more of your quality content in the future. All the best, Magnus

[@HolyBuddha82]

I am newer to woodworking and bought this plane a few months back. I am glad that I did. Because I have learnt how to tune it and sharpen the blade. I have screwed up sharpening the first few times best lessons learnt. I would rather learnt on this then veritas plane. I would have gotten frustrated and upset if I had messed up the blade on that one. I will also appreciate a higher quality one, which I will get eventually. That much more.

[@russellbraeuer2512]

Can’t agree more. Learning and tearing up a cheap plane is the way I went too. Now I know how it all works, how to sharpen the blade correctly, etc. I think I’m ready to own a more expensive plane.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Yes, I'm in the same boat. Bought a cheapy because I had no idea and wanted to learn. I have also learnt to tune it up and will next learn to sharpen it, before moving to something better. At least I will know the difference and won't mess up the more expensive one. The cheapies are an excellent learning tool.

[@amiddled]

Who’d have thought that tarting up a plane could be so exciting? Great stuff.

[@martinoamello3017]

I'll stick with my ancient Stanley's, some of which are older than my now deceased father who died last March at 91 years old. I dropped my favorite the other day on the concrete floor. It chipped the floor. The plane? Still good as gold..

[@TheMrchuck2000]

So relieved it was the floor that received the damage and not the awesome vintage plane!

[@ikerstges]

When I decided I wanted my woodworking to be with handtools only, it was a deliberate decision. At the start of _my_ journey, I bought and revised 3 old Stanley planes, as well as 2 handsaws. The restoration of those tools taught me 2 things: 1) I learned a LOT about the workings of the tool and 2) I don't like the process AT ALL and I will stay away from doing this again at any cost, I will buy good quality tools for the price they deserve from the maker that cares. Only IF I should find a tool that I Am not familiar with and I feel I'd need to know better, I will chastise myself to go through the hoops of a restoration-process again. There is one small light at the end of such a process: I really, really like the tools I refurbished!

[@saramulry]

I just want to take this moment to appreciate Matt in The Sound of Music

[@MattEstlea]

That one was just for you Sara 😘

[@jamesduffin9417]

I loved the no table saw text at about 13 seconds in had to pause and play a few times to read it but it made me laugh!

[@Erik_The_Viking]

@@jamesduffin9417 I saw that too - had to pause a couple of times because it was displayed so fast. Got a good laugh out of it.

[@Rsama60]

Matt should sell this as a poster.

[@jamesduffin9417]

@@Rsama60 it is his mantra!

[@damioncutler1115]

Could have sent it back to the person who sent it to you in the first place as a thank you, just a thought.

[@damioncutler1115]

@@joecooper1703 what are you talking about!? He ordered one to do this very video but the order got cancelled... Did you even watch the video?

[@snarkfinder2621]

@@joecooper1703 Over 400,000 views and people talking. I don't think that it hurt him any. Did he get his money back from Amazon when they cancelled his order?

[@deViant14]

@@joecooper1703 you really have no idea how much money he made on this video, do you?

[@Graeme758]

@@damioncutler1115 And then a viewer sent one to him, right? Did you even watch the video?

[@prestonian1066]

@@deViant14 How would we have any idea what he made on the video!

[@TenonsTenors]

Great comment at the end about getting people to understand and appreciate truly hand made furniture. That's one of the reasons I started my channel and support yours. Thanks for helping to keep true woodworking alive and pass down tradition! Cheers mate!

[@watermain48]

Being a retired guy on a very limited budget, Lie Nielsen planes are way out of my wheel house. Wood River planes aren't, so that's what I use and they work well for me. Thanks Matt. You gave me all the reason needed to avoid wasting money on Amazon Basics woodworking tools.

[@jonq8714]

I was gifted a Low Angle Jack from Lie Nielsen, it just feels different. Also, the blade from the factory held an edge for what seemed like forever before requiring a sharpening... the quality was apparent.

[@Azurath100]

Even the electronics, locks, and toys from Amazon basics aren't worth the "savings"

[@watermain48]

@@Azurath100 I guess that depends on how much one saves on shipping costs, doesn't it...

[@janee7995]

Woodriver/luban/dictum aren't bad quality. However after doing the math you can conclude that a Lee nielsen/veritas is actually cheaper. It just might be that you need 2 Woodriver planes that can be substituted by one veritas/Lee Nielsen. As different blades, do exist for these planes.

[@dtdavie01]

Yeah absolutely Bill but how many time do we see something and think its a great deal to find its a pile of ****** and to be disappointed and cuss cause we know we should know better at our age.

[@fepatton]

The rough surface of the frog made clear that the manufacturer had no idea how a plane works! I just bought a couple of Lie-Nielsen chisels, my first purchase from them. They are absolutely gorgeous, and clearly made with a commitment to quality. My grandchildren will use them eventually. I have mostly older Stanley planes, but I think at least one L-N plane is in my future. :-)

[@WiseBucket]

I've got a saying I use to justify my "overblown" purchases all the time: Buy once, cry once. It's nearly always worth it to spend the $$$. Well done, Matt.

[@volundrfrey896]

As long as you don't go into debt for your tool purchases you'll never really regret buying the expensive tool... at least given that it's a tool you actually need.

[@oatmeal273]

Beyond buying quality tools, this is also going to help me revive some of my Opa's old wood working tools! I've never really looked into until now, but this makes me want to sit and take the time to fix up some of his old tools that I have, and it's great that you've shown the right way to do it AND explained why you were doing it. Great video man!

[@adambogart7216]

Last year at this time I was the guy who bought that plane, and after watching all sorts of videos like this one I have it working decently. I feel that going through all the effort, for me anyway, was the apprentice lessons I needed to understand how the tool works and elevate my skills. How many people buy these things and just give up because they think they lack the skill and do not have the fortitude do what you just did? Now... a year later.... I can spot a quality plane from an Amazon Basic a mile away. Lesson learned. To your point about craftsmanship a person will not buy a hand built piece of furniture unless they understand and appreciate the effort that went into it and love it. The same is true for a well built tool. The average person who puts things together with pocket hole screws do not see the value. For the person who is putting a bit of their soul into what they are creating $338 is worth every penny.

[@crazyguy313youtubify]

The Craftsman plane I inherited showed that someone got so frustrated and angry they must have thrown it hard onto or up against a hard surface, damaging it and warping the blade. After working on it for hours, I remembered one I saw at a Pawn shop for $20, and got them down to $15, for a Kobalt. It needs a little work, but all this learning really draws a retiree into the shop for some fun and accomplishment. But imagine all that schooling Matt's been through. With all that behind him, now he could focus on finding a mate if he hasn't yet, hopefully one who's attended his classes. Artists and craftsmen spend hours on end in their trade, and a selfish mate can really disrupt the business.

[@Blackdiamond2]

Amazing video Matt! Absolutely agree with your conclusion that quality tools are very much worth the money to buy them. This video shows why the "I can make a cheap tool perform like a Lie-Nielsen or a Veritas" is not a very viable route for beginners or non-beginners at all if you actually want to do woodworking. The tools, resources and skills needed to actually make a cheap plane perform like it's expensive cost so much more than the cost of just buying an expensive plane, in terms of time and money. It's a complete false economy. When I started out not a few years ago, I tried to restore some vintage No.4 planes to use as an alternative to the expensive ones. It was one of the most unrewarding and frustrating things I've ever spent time doing. It didn't get me what I wanted, and cost me so much money and time that one day I realised that I'd spent so much time trying to restore this plane that I hadn't done any woodworking for weeks. You know, the thing that I actually wanted to do in the first place. Bought a quality plane shortly after. Did some actual woodworking the next weekend, and breathed a big sigh of satisfaction.

[@dmmaxwell]

I recently picked up an old (1950's) Stanley smoothing plane for $25 at an antique mall. It was rusted and beat to hell. Seriously - looked like somebody tried to sharpen it with a giant round file. This video was my guide for restoring it, and I now have it in my regular rotation, performing almost as well as my LN. Thanks, Matt.

[@Josef_R]

Dude sends you a plane to play with. "I don't want it, I'm selling it!"

[@gregmislick1117]

The editorial comment at the end before the reveal was perfect. Let's not forget the milling station required to fix this puppy. All that said, Matt, when it comes to feddling about with trash to find a treasure, Outstanding !!

[@drewgraham7877]

Your comments about quality tools and mass produced millwork was spot on. Very well said.

[@gondebas]

That Amazon scrap has been lucky to get to plane paradise. Masterpiece. "No matter what price you spend on the plane, it will never be ready right out of the box." With the extent of work you had to do, you have convinced me to jump straight for the premium tools. I admire your locksmithy craftsmanship - it is inflammatory:-)

[@mikemojica]

Dude was seriously inspired by Top Gear's narration style. Respect.

[@SujMenon]

Matt, great video and tips on how to fix a cheap plane. As they say, you get what you pay for! And what an edit, Rob. Well done ✔ 👏 👍 👌 😀

[@BDMZ404]

Do more edited challenge/tool-transformation videos like this! This's informative AND interesting!

[@Smallbarnworkshop]

Woodworking UK FB group recommended your videos and now I can’t stop watching them 😩👍

[@physiorando6784]

Good job on the editing! Can't imagine how much time it took! You convinced me to never buy a cheap plane!!!

[@spike8007]

Great cinematography for a channel like this! It's almost like it's an actual show you would watch on the cable channel! Congrats and thank you for the informative information!

[@andrewcodelka5158]

Just about pissed myself when you said that it looked like they installed the lateral adjuster with a gun..... bang on accurate comment.

[@MattEstlea]

It’s a thought I relished for a long time. Just trying to imagine how they would go about doing it is hilarious.

[@demonicsquid7217]

As someone who just spent a day or two restoring a vintage Stanley via electrolysis, copious amounts of WD40, wire wool, and elbow grease...I wish I'd found this video sooner!

[@justinalang]

Great video. Important message. Incredible production and editing. Loved it.

[@KomarProject]

Dude the video was awesome!!! Edit, music and commentary were all on point. Great job 👏

[@nonehandle688]

Matt, Thanks so much for this informative video. You've explained the years long mystery of why I can't get what I thought was a simple tool to do the job that I'd seen so many woodworkers do. I use my cheap plane for unsticking doors and other work that will never be seen. I've never considered it a serious tool, and it makes so much more sense now. When I can afford a high quality one, I will definitely add it to my tool box, use it, and take care of it.

[@fugenfuller-rp1fu]

You forgot to concider the tools you need to buy to do the tuning (lathe, flat stone, sand paper,....). Thank you for showing the quality of that plane in detail. I am personally not looking for the cheapest but for the best in price/ quality ratio and sometimes I buy the best tool and sometimes I take a cheap one. It depends on each case.

[@aymigente3652]

His point of the hypocrisy is absolutely right.

[@ianmurray3820]

You’re absolutely right on the paying for quality..”however.!!! As a hobby woodworker and a keen repairer of all things broken.!,I get a great deal of pleasure recommissioning old broken tools, admittedly old Stanley planes are usually made of slightly better materials than you were dealing with but either way - the sense of achievement in your eye’s after completing the job was definitely there ..!! The expensive plane you use looks to be a thing of beauty and function, a rare thing in these days of mass production and built in obsolescence…!! Great video…👍

[@cretudavid8622]

After 3 months of watching this video like once a week i still replay it from the begining if i blink... The editing is amazing!

[@sabian4005]

An excellently produced video. Also, bought one of your marking knives a few months ago and never got around to thanking you for how beautiful and useful it is. I love it in my shop.

[@MattEstlea]

That’s great to hear, thank you!

[@TempestPhaedra]

the process of modifying this plane to work right reminded me so much of when you've innocently decided to fix a little bug in your code and end up plummeting down a rabbit hole of increasingly broken code and all the patchwork laid on top of it until you've finally made it to the bottom and can start fixing it all the way back to the top.

[@justinbanks2380]

Ugh, I feel this comment sooooo much. I'm in the middle of doing the same on some legacy code. (But I've definitely done on my own as well)

[@TremereTT]

found so many jewels by debugging legacy code of programers that left for greener pastures... like If (! b != false) lol you are allready deep into someone elses ways of thinking snd then you see that....and wonder whats still out there to discover.

[@doczoff5655]

This is the best, most detailed hand plane restoration video that I've ever seen! I have several car boot bargains that I've already hugely improved, this video will enable me to take them to another level. And why do I need several #4 planes?... So that I can practice and learn how to get at least one running really well, including side by side comparisons of 'these two are performing to the same level, so if I work on this part on one what difference does that make?'. It's a great way to learn if you're not concerned about your hourly rate (the luxury of being a hobby wood worker).

[@VorjuMeidear]

First video I saw of you but I'm already in love with the pasion you've put into it. I warms my heart to see people who care about the small details and those who are able to create and improve. People like you, make this world just a little bit better. :)

[@demondude360000]

Think this is the fastest I’ve subbed to a channel, fantastic work! As someone who’s grown up in a household where it’s been instilled to get the best tools you can I can wholly agree on what you’ve said here. Also as a precision manufacturing engineer you gluing abrasive paper to a granite surface plate made me weep 😅

[@s1mo]

I was expecting an rc plane or something, but now I know one more object called "plane" Amazing edit btw

[@joshtherussian9261]

YES HOLY SHIT IT TOOK ME 2 MINUTES TO FIGURE OUT THERE WON'T BE AN actual RC plane involved

[@matthewkelly4460]

I love that! (Removes cloth to see belvita biscuits) "ROB!!!!"

[@mathurm100]

dude you're 100% right with your summary at the end. dropping money on expensive tools/furniture is hard, but buy once, cry once. otherwise you'll end up buying it several times and spending the same anyway

[@ramingr]

Moral of the story: Your hourly rate is too much 🤣🤣🤣 Jokes aside though, I'm with you on this one. However, there are also legit choices for people who can't afford these tools. Buying and refurbishing vintage ones is one of them. I've done it several times and am truly happy with what I've ended up with.

[@MattEstlea]

Absolutely! I'm just targeting the people who say that expensive tools are a waste of money. Especially those who DO have the budgets to afford them. Everyone else is all cool 😎

[@hollo9571]

I reckon cheap vintage tools and cheap new tools are completely different ball games. Cheap vintage tools are often worn out or unloved, but well made, out of good materials, and if there is nothing unfixable that is broken they can be brought back to something wonderful. A cheap new tool is likely to be poorly designed from poor materials and you will be forever fixing it.

[@nickharrison7281]

@@MattEstlea I would not consider myself a woodmaker/joiner/carpenter by any means (my background is IT!!) but I buy & restore planes for the pleasure of seeing a rusty old useless No4 planes etc turned into a beautiful workable tool. In fact my family are now offering "gifts" to be re-furbished!!

[@Biaanca5036]

but I like modding 😶 I'm a modder 💗

[@jlopan]

Love that you left that Amazon Basics logo intact. Bravo, great video.

[@MattEstlea]

Had to be done! I was also tempted to upgrade the blade. But there was something charming about keeping all the original parts.

[@jacohop]

Brilliant! I learned more about planes in this vid than dozens of other showing a good planes planning well. Fantastic concept for a series and I really love the message - buying good tools puts food on the tables of people who care. It's about value... not price. Would love to see a whole series like this. Outstanding work !

[@Outlaw_SEO]

Love the edit. Keeps you watching, even if it’s completely off topic for you. Plus it makes you appreciate the finer craftsmanship as it compares with something slapped together. Thanks for making this!!

[@nickgoogle4525]

There is also a middle-ground, not to buy cheap "junk-tools", but to buy tools which fit to the budget of someone, but still good quality. One does not need to buy "the best" all the time. Although I agree to think about when / where to spend money. I bought some good tools, but typically not the most expensive ones, often the second or third (for example Bosch GKT 55 for 240 Euros, instead of Mafell for above 500 Euros). The cheapest one are indeed seldom a good option. But even that can be the case -- for a specific user / budget. Today many think one does need "everything" and only the best. But that's just simply not true. Nothing replaces your own dedication, love and practice. :-)

[@mattyallwood]

Bosch are great decent tools that don’t cost eleventy million to buy

[@nickgoogle4525]

@@mattyallwood Yes, I have some Bosch powertools, one Metabo and one Makita. I also have some great stuff from Veritas - was surely also not the cheapest, but by choosing wisely what to buy I can use the Veritas clamps very versatile and get by without any front or end vice. I have a very good small metal vice which I bought second-hand for 35 Euros. This I use also (with the addition of wooden spacers) to clamp some of the wood, for example when doweling that can often be quicker than with the Veritas clamps in dog holes. I still need a plane or two. I look for second hand or might buy a Dictum or Juuma plane possibly.

[@mattyallwood]

@@nickgoogle4525 yeah my thoughts also.

[@Xandrosi]

First, this is an outstanding and entertaining deep dive into how to set up a hand plane. Well done! As I see it, the ultimate problem was in the ambiguous term "basic." Your definition and that of Amazon's supplier were vastly different. As I don't have a metal lathe or sufficient patience to go through this epic grief, I'll opt to pay for "quality."

[@pouncepounce7417]

problem is they usual only attach another sticker for the "premium tools"

[@augustsilva9423]

Your attention to detail, resolving issues and drive to make a video that is not only masterfully edited, but proves a point, is truly refreshing! You seem rather young and have gathered so much knowledge and skill! Keep up the amazing work!

[@TJtheBee]

Love your message at the end. You put in eight hours - a full shift - of labour in to make that shitty plane what it is now: a beautiful tool. Of course, the drawback is that you lost eight hours fixing a shitty tool when you could've just bought one. I'm certainly of the mindset that you start off buying the cheapest tool until you know you'll use it, and *then* upgrade as much as your money will let you. Appreciate the craft, and appreciate that your money can, in many cases, buy you quality.

[@johnwaddell4479]

Absolute brilliant overview Matt!! Great lesson for woodworks to know; especially the hypocrite reference. Followers might like to know premium vs old Stanley Bailey No.4. Have a great Christmas, and Rob too...🎄🌲🎅🏻⛄️❄️🎁

[@colinurquhart145]

Stunning job. I really can't understand how some people have hit the dislike button.

[@daveturnbull7221]

Obviously Amazon suits

[@MattEstlea]

Just a thumbs up from the Australians, Louise. Glad you enjoyed watching it!

[@diegomartins6695]

Man KZbin needs their own Oscar award. This video would be the woodworking Godfather. Great job

[@homesformeremortals5935]

Good video. My favorite part of this video is where you really point out the value of well made tools like well made furniture. Keep it up.

[@maestroboy]

I'll be starting some hobby-ish woodworking when me and my girlfriend are getting a house soon. to fix, upgrade and make furniture etc. I'll definitely be doing this after buying a bunch of cheap-ish tools to get the most of it. for starters at least :)

[@suciumarioDIY]

well i wark with an hand plane that i bought with 10 euro i think , and has like 4 years and still going , with tune ups and so on , and maybe a expensive tool its ok but a lot of time as a beginner some cheap stuff its more than enough , soo good luck

[@66dometop]

I have found that the stanley contractor grade tools are good. You will need to flatten and sharpen them

[@cwj138]

"I spend lots of money on tools" Subbed.

[@tomalealso]

thank you, every time I view one of these videos I learn a bit more about the tools I love. at my age it is more about just enjoying the process than anything else.

[@paulclarke2030]

Love the new video format and looking forward to seeing more of your content in the coming weeks / months.

[@SamValiant]

I'd like to see a video where you take an out of the box lie neilson and and bring it upto the same standard.

[@MattEstlea]

I’d struggle to fill out a minutes worth of video, genuinely. Quick secondary bevel on a 6000 grit stone, carefully set it up, take a shaving. Sorted 👌

[@joeleonetti8976]

A vintage Stanley might be the best compromise I guess.

[@smellyhandsarefun]

Maybe getting a refurbished one? I saw a beautiful Stanley no.6 for sale at a vintage market and it was only £75! Still annoyed I didn't buy it at the time, but didn't have the spare money to drop that week. I need to find that guys details again, his refurbished tools were insane and way too good of a price.

[@Chimpiin]

@@smellyhandsarefun or refurbishing a run-down one! Plenty of quality planes on Facebook Market place and others for next to nothing.

[@Swarm509]

@@Chimpiin This is the best solution for a new person in my mind. They get to learn the tool when refurbishing it, and they can get it for a reasonable price. I waited till a nice one showed up locally, it just took time.

[@Chimpiin]

@@Swarm509 Same! I got myself a number 5, a 7 and a number 10 stanley or bailey planes for £10-15 each and restored them. Work lovely now after I followed a Paul Sellers video.

[@Swarm509]

@@Chimpiin Exactly what I did with the ones I bought and a few larger planes I inherited from my father.

[@001CHRISBLACK]

This is one of my favourite videos of Matts, the subject, the content, the execution and message are all ace ! Loved watching this video and look forward to the next one 👍🏻

[@4Truth4All]

Well done Matt! I've seen this a couple of times just to learn from you. It also serves as a reminder that you get what you pay for and that research and hands-on testing before buying is always a good idea.

[@ChurkLeung]

There are so many things still wrong with this plane. The iron is too soft to hold an edge, so most of you time will be spent sharpening or stropping it. The cap use a screw for tension, so taking the blade out and putting it back in will never be exactly the same as last time. The finish is spray painted instead of japanned, that finish is going to come off easily, leaving your plane to rust. For a lot cheaper price, I would just get an antique Stanley. At least tuning that up will last a lot longer.

[@BrassGrain]

Someone once told me "I'm too poor to buy cheap tools", meaning a cheap tool will be probably replaced many times ending spending more

[@rodneyallen2672]

well said, and thats always going to be true if you make your living with your tools.

[@rickyribs8032]

Buy once cry once , always makes sense in the end.

[@danrudolph4604]

I'm so glad i actually watched this whole video. I started and almost raced out to buy the Amazon Basic! Thank you so much for this. As a very new woodworker the cost of all of this is a bit overwhelming as I don't want to fail and waste money. However, videos like this help to understand that as a beginner sometimes you can create your own failure by buying the wrong tools! Keep up the great work!

[@jimmycrackcode]

Great video - I think I learned more about how planes work and how to adjust for shortcomings in this than any other video I watched. Useful for anyone who uses and restores planes.

[@glennwilkerson9571]

im so glad to see this. i have one of these damned abominations and have had an awful time with it

[@woodworks2123]

And also the hunt is on for those rare cheap good tools. Perhaps that's when you should look for vintage 2nd hand hand tools that are generally made with better standards.

[@MattEstlea]

Yep! Support the passionate second-hand seller, not the guys in suits. Same message applies!

[@backintheworkshop954]

Great video Guys @Matt Estlea @Rob Harvey ... you've worked really hard on this and quality shows

[@jamesdobson279]

Absolutely love the new video style! This is ace matt!

[@TheWoodFly]

So after all the tuning work, you still end up with softer steel on the edge - an inferior product. It was great to watch the workover process by someone who knows his hand tools, but I think this is a clear example of why if your tools are your life, buy the best and only cry once. I echo the earlier message of "I'm too poor to buy cheap tools."

[@richardsinger01]

I’m afraid I neither support the premium tool manufacturers nor the budget ones either. Pretty much all my planes are old Stanleys and Records. Far better quality than this example for less money. I would love to buy Lie Nielsen or Clifton, but I don’t have the budget.

[@MattEstlea]

I totally get that. Despite my overall message being in defence of premium tool makers, I think the same rule could be applied to passionate second-hand tool sellers. As long as it's not the guys in suits, I'm all with you.

[@greggoryrandall4355]

Absolutely brilliant. An informative and entertaining production. Great job to you all.

[@robbymonger9381]

I appreciate anyone that appreciates quality. I just found your channel and I am subscribing right now

[@tobyhicks7858]

I love the Axminster shop it's so exciting being able to see every tool you have ever dreamed of in person

[@jackofalltradesmasterofnon8069]

To be honest surprise you didn’t sent it back to the person who sent it you

[@watermain48]

As was I.

[@BATTLESCARS75]

Indeed I was also

[@jasonbailey9139]

I was, too. But then I realized how much time he put into it and figured this was a way to recoup some the time he put into the thing...and the original plane was a gift. Maybe he checked with the sender and was told to pass it along.

[@jackofalltradesmasterofnon8069]

@@jasonbailey9139 yeah probably they might if exchanged something I would if said I give you the plane you send me one of them knife lis you made

[@MegaMrsuperawesome]

@@jasonbailey9139 I mean the video probably did that.

[@y2ksw1]

I did this job professionally for many years: remaking crap tools and materials, including tempering and carbonising soft steel, which is an often overlooked feature in cutting tools of all kind. It is so satisfying to watch a happy face while joyfully using your fixed tools, and see people coming with tons of tools to make better. I stopped doing it, because I lost my workshop.

[@williammagee7514]

As I watched EVERYTHING you did my contemplated comment was going to be something like "Fella, you simply have too much time on your hands to be able to waste so much of it". I even thought of some nastier stuff to throw at someone that would waste Sooooo much time. BUT, in your last moments of the video, when you sung the song of those who work so hard for quality and are so painfully ignored, I saw what you were doing and so thank you for doing so. You left an impression, and a sharpened eye to quality, that I will carry for life. THANK YOU! My prayer is that everyone that watches this video, watches it to conclusion.

[@MattEstlea]

Thank you so much William! I’m so glad you stayed until the end 😂

[@williammagee7514]

@@MattEstlea I posted your video as an evaluation comment for this plane at Amazon, we'll see if it gets approved and posted!

[@nickpelov]

I thought the goal is to perform, not ALSO to look like Lie-Nielsen (edit added "also")

[@bogatyr2473]

Did you miss all the time flattening, sharpening, fixing the underlying mechanisms, etc. and just pay attention when he painted it?

[@nickpelov]

@@bogatyr2473 What I meant to say is "the goal is to perform, not to look like and perform ...". In other words if he wanted to see if he can make it usable for same money or less shouldn't strip the ugly finish and ONLY focus on making it work better ... that would have saved half of the work

[@gpweaver]

@@nickpelov Right, that was my thought, too. Nearly a solid quarter of the time spent was on cosmetics.

[@kuffyswoodwork]

From Amazon "We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock." Matt, I think you have confirmed this will not be back in stock ever again! 😂👍

[@MattEstlea]

Hahahahaha! Oops!

[@-maxx-]

Your videography and edit skills are catching up with your woodworking skills! Awesome video!

[@keithclague4403]

I loved this presentation as it reminded me of purchasing a Silverline #7 plane from a catalogue returns company. £15 and I expected crap and I was not disappointed. Like your Amazon plane, the casting was terrible,the frog rocked, the sole was not flat, 0.33 mm hump in the middle and the blade was made of toffee. The biggest problem was the yoke had been value engineered to the point where it could not adjust the blade without spreading and disconnecting from the adjustment wheel. I'm retired so time is plentiful. I forged a new yoke, flattened the sole and fettled the frog. I replaced the blade with a new Stanley blade and now have a very functional #7 plane for less than £40. Later on, I found I could buy a new yoke for £5 which would have been a faster solution but not half as much fun. Thanks for your videos and well done on the dovetail challenge.

[@HerrMuX]

A guy that has the tools to make cheap tools work like "proper" tools? You can count me in!

[@maasha2001]

Pimp my plane!

[@user-wb1kw4hr4o]

You have some mad metal working skills as well. That is a large amount of work to make that plane work correctly. I bought a $100 plane once and regret spending that money. I will never buy cheap tools again. Great video.

[@merciador]

Pay once cry once. Absolutely love the video and the message to go with it.

[@andreicharpentierquesada4530]

Honestly before buy a amazon plane i prefer to make me a wooden one

[@andreicharpentierquesada4530]

@glyn hodges yes, but honestly i prefer to make one. Because even if you dont do a great job its hard to do a terrible job that dont works and lessons are unvaluable, and form me that its the main point in woodworking do more to adquire more skills and start having a geometrical-spacial thinking

[@andreicharpentierquesada4530]

@glyn hodges its because my native idiom is spanish :v but thanks for the correction i pass learning a lot of english with woodworking videos and the comment box. Yes invaluable

[@BloodSprite-tan]

@glyn hodges if you buy an old one for 5$ you're gonna to need to none the less do similar steps as the video shows before using it depending on how well used it is, or if it was properly taken care of, but given that you're buying it from 5$ used i highly doubt it's in great condition. at the very least it doesn't help if the wood warps from drying out or cracks.

[@alexryder2046]

@glyn hodges nothing wrong whatsover with old Stanley planes because usually in the 1910/20s they were made well..

[@jimbo2629]

Or buy an old Stanley and work on that. You end up with something useable.

[@operator8014]

Use this plane if you expect to hit nails.

[@liamshelley]

I'm an amateur woodworker so I subscribe to a lot of woodworking channels, and whilst I am sure there are others out there, yours is the only one on my list that is truly skilled with proper hand tools. Don't get me wrong, I love power tools as much as the next guy, but it's awesome and inspiring to see things being done this way. And it also never ceases to amaze me how two products that look so similar can be so far apart in terms of quality. Great content. Thanks for putting it out there for us to enjoy.

[@labellesworkshop]

This is the first video I’ve seen from you, and I am blown away by your editing skills! Also, your tinker space looks awesome!! Cheers 😁

[@rapa2464]

Ha! So the moral of the story is that cheap tools are only for experienced woodworkers with an adjacent machine shop! I whole-heartedly agree with your synopsis. Cheers!

[@MattEstlea]

👀👀👀

[@billqqq]

100 years from now, that plane will come up at auction, and they will be completely baffled where it came from.

[@scottmartin7717]

The future denizens of the United States of Amazon will smirk and laugh that this is what Amazon built before the Skyscraper City, Human Replicant Embryo Lab, and Driverless Flying Car Division.

[@andypaddon690]

BEST VIDEO YOU'VE EVERY DONE!!!!! Love the animation. Forget the comparison bit - learnt a ton about tuning my plane.

[@FunoXXX]

That was absolutly fantastic! Great message as well!