Kobalt 9.75-in Bench Plane

Very poor function

I have had this plane for several years. The frog was not level and took a lot of work for good fit to the plane blade. The chip breaker was also poorly fit and took a lot of work to fit to the pane blade. the lever that adjusts the depth is too short to actually contact the chip breaker through most of the range of travel. This makes it very hard to adjust. After a LOT of fixing, fussing, and adjusting I can get good shavings. Save your time and a lot of frustration, buy a better plane and avoi...

Useful Bargain Tool

Have been quite impressed with the functionality of this plane. The handles are very helpful for providing excellent grip and power. The blade is a bit of a challenge adjusting, and not solidly seated (had to readjust every once in a while). But, for the price this is a very functional plane. Planes this size are A LOT more costly (unless you can find them at a yard sale). This offers a new tool at a very reasonable price.

Very Poor Quality

According to the specs, its "precision ground". What does that mean? Well, to begin with, it was finished with 60grit or lower so there are extreme tool marks all over it. 2nd, the iron is chipped right out of the box. 3rd, the chip breaker is bent at such a degree that when it is attached to the iron, it bends it to the point where it no longer goes through the throat to allow usage. 4th the cap iron is cast aluminum or some other cheap pot metal. 5th the throat is wide enough to driv...