Better smoother plane than most others.

I purchased this great little plane after ruling out some over priced used, abused & neglected planes. Plastic handles are a big plus moisture changes should not cause them to loosen. The special frog screw makes adjustment easy & accurate. My planes sole is machined or ground perfectly flat. I have not sanded mine to a mirror finish yet. I might just to reduce friction.^M
I did remove the clear coat from the 1" blade above the bevel using acetone prior to sharpening otherwise clear coat will clog sandpaper or stone used to sharpen. I did try a mico bevel as instructed in the manual & didnt like the performance. A single razor sharp bevel performed / pushed like a dream when working on a flat 12" x 8" OAK board that was cupped slightly. This was done of course after using the contractor grade jack plane with plastic handles.

Works fine after a tune-up

Out of the box this plane will not produce at its greatest potential. The sole is close to being flat, mine had a bit of a hollow ahead of and behind the throat. Take some time and lap the sole flat. Contrary to what the other reviewer mentioned, this plane does have an adjustable throat but you must remove the iron to access the two screws that hold the frog.^M
^M
The weight and balance is fine. The plastic tote is OK but nothing spectacular, especially when it loosens up after working for a while.^M
^M
With a bit of tuning you'll be cutting nice shavings. Without any tuning you'll be disappointed.

Just don't

If you want to by a poor excuse of a plane like I did then help yourself. You'll be sorry and don't say you haven't been warned!!