The author of this post describes their purchase of an Australian-made hand plane from an online auction site. The Turner no 4 smoothing plane features plastic handles and an aluminum frog, which some woodworkers may find unappealing. However, the author notes that the plane is well-made and has a solid body. The handles are made of translucent celluloid acetate, reminiscent of MF permaloid. The plane comes fitted with an Erik Anton Berg cutter, made specifically for the Turner Tool Company. The author adds that they are not an expert on the company but agrees with the favorable review provided by The Village Woodworker.
The author notes that the aluminum frog may not hold up to hard use if the lever cap or frog screws are tightened too much. There is some shallow pitting on the sole and cheeks of the plane, and rust on the handle bolts and bolt housing. The author speculates that the plane has been stored improperly in an outdoor shed, leading to corrosion. Despite this, the handles are intact and may be preserved with the addition of some wax.
One of the notable features of the Turner no 4 is the unique method of fastening the front knob, which includes a recess that prevents the knob from rotating and the user from over-tightening it. The author praises the ingenuity of this design and suggests it would be welcomed on other planes as well.
The Turner no 4 weighs in at 1750 grams, making it the heaviest of the hand planes compared by the author, which include an MF no 9 and a Stanley low knob no 4. Ultimately, the author only took the Turner for a short spin on some ash but found it promising. The blade had been resharpened but needs a more thorough resharpening before a verdict can be provided on its performance.
Posted by Finnberg68 on 2013-10-30 21:42:03