*GIFTED* The Katz Moses Hongdui KM-17 (PRO) Router Plane Banggood Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 10. 11. 2023
- In this review I've really tried to highlight the unique feature that separates this KM-17 router plane from it's premium competition. In doing so, hopefully I've put to bed lazy comparisons I kept seeing all over the internet when researching. In particular, it's likeness (base pattern and fence) to the Veritas. There are actually a number of differences even in these similar parts - some covered in the video - but, where they differ completely is in the blade depth adjustment mechanisms.
The blade adjust on the KM-17 actually functions similarly to a ball screw Z-axis on a CNC, just in miniature. This makes for a unique user experience by making adjustment on the fly an absolute breeze compared to it's competitors. After using it, I believe it's set a new standard in functionality.
That, added to a machining and material quality easily on a par with Veritas and Lie Nielsen - all of which I 've used to varying degrees - Jonathan Katz Moses and Hongdui have created something a bit special. Not just workshop jewellery but, something that actually helps . I really hope they continue working together!
Thank you to Banggood for supplying the tool for review - and for doing so with no obligation!
Please find relevant links below. Links to Banggood are affiliate so, if you use them to buy the linked items, or anything else, I may qualify for a small commission. And thank you if you do!
KM-17 Pro Router Plane (with Depth Stop) - uk.banggood.com/custlink/33D5...
KM-17 Router Plane (without Depth Stop) - uk.banggood.com/custlink/GDKt...
KM-17 Slim Blade Set - uk.banggood.com/custlink/mv3H... - Jak na to + styl
![*[Gifted] Hongdui HD-KS22 Mitre Gauge Fence Review and Comparison To Incra Flip Fence](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YSmvtEHv9kU/mqdefault.jpg)
![[GIFTED] Dowel Maker And Saddle Square Review From Banggood.](/img/n.gif)
EDIT: OK...so after all the to and fro'ing in the comments, the UK Banggood pages now match the US and offer both the basic and Pro versions of the KM-17! The "pro" includes the depth stop - and is the one I would recommend. Links in the description now reflect this change, with two links leading to each model type.
Thank you for the informative review! It helped me decide to buy one!
But it appears that the Banggood site now has separate listings for the original and Pro versions. Each one has separate entries, photos showing different version names, the presence/absence of the stop lock, and the two shapes of the throat/base.
The link in the notes takes you to the less expensive, older version. (The Pro is ~USD20 more expensive.)
Now that I’ve swallowed the idea of spending the money for one, I’m trying to decide if the updated plane is worth another twenty bucks…😅
Great review! I think there is a difference between the two models, and Banggood offers both versions, a Pro and earlier non Pro version. The Pro model has the CAM lock depth stop and is a few dollars more expensive.
@@leocahalan1809 Thank you. There is a difference, yes. The Pro is the later edition with the depth stop (A vital feature in my view). I've just checked again and Banggood - At least to UK buyers - only offer one model. It's not called the "Pro", just KM-17 but does come with the depth stop, so is the updated version, even though it's pictures are of the old/original without. There's no way to select a version. This might differ if you're viewing in a different country.
@@satchelack For UK buyers, just one model is available. There's no way to select an option. It just seems to be the "Pro" as standard. This might differ in different countries. In my view, the depth stop version - "Pro" in the US - is worth the extra.
@@BischBaschBosch Ah, that’s interesting. I’m in Brasil, and we have both options. Funny, because usually we have fewer, more basic options, and they cost twice the price.
Nice review! Thanks. Take care & stay safe.
Thank you! You too chap👍
Great review. Good to see global resources being used efficiently.
Cheers mate. Yeah, in this instance certainly - a little western design with Asian manufacturing has come up a winner.
Superb review - thank you.
Ken from Southport UK
Thanks Ken 👍
I bought this from Katz Moses around a year ago and got caught by the import charges, however even with these charges I am still happy as it's easily the best router plane I have bought. The main selling point for me is there is no slip with the blade whilst using, having got the veritas I can confirm unless you tighten it really tight its is just like the old Stanley's and Record's and the blade comes loose. If you are a hand tool woodworker this is the best router plane on the market and likewise extremely high quality construction.
I agree mate. It's functionality and build would please any hand tool user I think.👍
I got mine recently. Most of it looks great, but the main blade should never have left the factory. The bevel was cut crooked and it convex as well. Just to make it more fun the foot of the blade iw even more convex than the bevel. Are the sides of your blade parallel or do they taper in toward the rear?
Excellent review. of a fine tool
Thanks. It's a genuinely premium tool and one I use almost every day now. 👍
The Katz Moses site said they will be offering the cutters individually with more sizes. I have no idea when though. Thanks for the video. I was planning on getting one of these this week, and your video made me feel even better about my decision: you have a new subscriber. BTW your link goes to the model that doesn't have the depth stop.
That's good to know, thanks. Don't think you'll regret the purchase. It's an extremely good router plane. Do get the one with the depth stop though. I'll look at the links again later. There's only one model listed for UK buyers. Clearly 2 for the US. I'll see if I can login as US based and create appropriate links👍
Really good clear review. I must admit I'm inclined to order one as its a plane I don't own and the ease of adjustment looks great. I think with it being that time of year I think this could be my Xmas sorted. And a vintage Record or Stanley being around £70 on average I'm half way there 😊
Thank you Paul! I'm not really one to give folk the hard sell but, this is a superb bit of kit and, with their sales on right now, it's the cheapest time to buy it and get a good deal. Links in the description if you wanna take a look and check prices ( they change daily!?). If you do get one, I'd live to hear what you think of it.👍
Hi there, thanks for your review. I purchased the same router during black friday. Altough it is my first routerplane I am pretty impressed by its functionality. What i did notice is that there is some clearance in the Z-shaped shaft and the Chuck on the threathed column (don’t know if this is common on router planes) but as a result of that, the blade has some movement and when de shaft is extended more this movement gets even bigger and this give me a not so Smooth result when shaving a coplanar surface at larger distances. ( of course the locking knob on the back is engaged) my question is : do you notice some clearance in the Z-shaft when the locking knob is engaged? Thanks in advance
Ronald
Hi Ronald. I must admit, I didn't notice this at first but, I've had a look this morning and there is indeed a tiny bit of play. It is coming from the piece that moves up and down the legs (the piece you fix the cutter post to). Hopefully you have the version with the depth stop as the depth stop provides a simple fix - and probably why I didn't notice the issue. Obviously, the depth stop should be set to your final pass depth. You should find, once you've screwed the blade down to the (locked) depth stop, it iliminates any play discernable play. Hope this helps.
Great review. Heard nothing but good things about it from everyone including a friend who pre-ordered it from KM about a year ago now I guess. I ordered this earlier today from BG because it was quite a bit cheaper than from KM’s website. Just came across your review and it sounds like I made the right choice over the Veritas. Was considering the LN but can’t justify the cost.
I genuinely don't think you'll disappointed. It's beautifully made and a joy to use. I've only tried the LN (At a tool fair) and Veriras briefly. Both superbly crafted tools. The LN especially so. Even so, in use, due it's height adjustment, I think the KM has them licked. Glad you were able to make use of the deals on at the mo👍
Awesome!!
Cheers mate 😁
I own the original km17.great tool but always thot it needed a depth stop.wonder will they sell that cam depth stop separately to add to the original.
That's a good question. I suppose the only thing I could suggest is to make an enquiry via Katz-Moses/KM Tools website. I'm sure they'd be able to procure some to retrofit from Hongdui. Hongdui do have their own site with contact info too. Might be worth a try if KM can't help. I'd be interested to know the outcome if you try.👍
Nice Review. Just two weeks ago I purchased the Enjoywood Gauge and Fence from Banggood for €89 in total, so about half the price of the Hongdui unit (when you select supply from CZ) This is a the sweet spot for me as not prepared to pay a similar price for premium Fence and Gauge as I did for the complete Bosch table. Sadly it did not come with any guidelines which I expect for premium products. Just a piece of A4 paper with the main points explained would help use as intended, or even a QR code leading to an online .pdf. I did not see you show any guide with your Hongdui unit and you kept referring to it as being intuitive, so this had me wondering if you received a guide.
Thank you! That's a good point. Neither my Hongdui mitre gauge, nor the fence came with a guide or instruction manual. By "intuitive" I just mean that by looking at it, you can figure out what to do to set it up and, that it's overall quality and features make this easy to do. I do have many years working with tools so perhaps I take this for granted. Perhaps I can help if there's something you're struggling to set up?
Hey thanks for the offer, the other channel (small garage workshop) which I watched prior to purchasing just did a second video on the unit showing all of the set up options, as he also commented that he received nothing, after some feedback he produced a new video giving some support. I think your right it depends on the persons experience if they can figure it out themselves, but just one piece of A4 paper would go a long way. Your video was very helpful as you showed many of the set up options and how to use, but my unit does not offer all of these but for me its the sweet spot price Vs Quality/options@@BischBaschBosch
I believe the Pro one has a base that’s differently shaped. The regular one has a base very similar to the Veritas router plane.
In various woodworking groups I’m in, people have very strong opinions of this router plane is a ripoff, knockoff, or copy of the Veritas one. After studying how this router plane blade adjustment works, I explained to them, yes it looks similar, how it works is completely different. For appearance patent, there is no infringement, and for utility patent, they are not even close to be the same. When this came out, it was not cheaper than the Veritas one. It’s not undercutting Veritas l, and definitely not a ripoff or knockoff or copy.
Some people just cannot look over the slight similarity to see the fundamentals between this and the Veritas. Or, simply because this is made in China, it has to be a copy or piece of sh1t. I’m not saying Chinese companies never straight up copy other’s products. Hongdui has copied other products. Hut the miter gauge, and router plane have much more innovation ij them to be called a copy.
Good comment. Thanks for your input. The "Pro" seems to be what KM Tools are selling the revised edition as (the version I'm reviewing here from Banggood). It does seem that the base shape has been revised along with adding a depth stop, despite older pics still being used (like on Banggood). Base revisions perhaps due to too many similarities to veritas. Having seen both the veritas and this KM 17 side by side there are actually numerous differences now. Not least, as I mention, actual material (carbon steel for KM, cast iron for veritas). But yes, as I tried to emphasise (and you mentioned), the blade depth mech is THE thing. It's what most reviewers seemed to have skimmed over and those dismissing it don't seem to get. It's usability leaves the other brands trailing in my view.
@@BischBaschBosch to be honest, I wish hongdui started with the current base. I like the innovations they have made, and dislike their straight up copies of other products. Disclaimer, I have only 1 hongdui product and I paid with my own money, and I’m not associated with any tool brand.
@@Fusion_WoodworkingQuite so. I find it confusing to be honest why, working on this with Hongdui, Katz Moses didn't insist on more base differences from the get go. I mean, as I said, they were on to a winner with the depth adjust, regardless of the base. Odd decision to go with an existing pattern, even if it's not historically unusual. Hongdui clearly have the manufacturing knowledge to produce entirely original designs.🤷♂️
Got one direct from JKM at launch. Cannot praise it highly enough.
Nice one. They're a fantastic bit of kit, no doubt.
Oh totally. I’ve also got his mallet, which is a delight.
👍👍👍.Thank you
Cheers! 👍
I think it's the KM-17 PRO that you are reviewing ☝️
Which I cannot seem to find on Banggood 🤷🏻♂️
There's only one KM'-17 model. It's called the KM-17 Pro on the Katz Moses website and just KM-17 on Banggood. Exactly the same router plane. Link to the exact one I ordered in the description
I may pin a comment explaining that though. Thanks for the reminder 👍
@@BischBaschBosch Oh I see. It's really deceptive in the sense that the pictures on banggood also show the previous model which is adding to the confusion. No Cam Lock Depth Stop on the unit and none of the accessories.
But thank you for info 👍👍
@@mingueyox Oh yeah. Just noticed that re no depth stop shown on BG. Does appear to come with it now though.👍
@@BischBaschBosch Thanks for your input, I could have been waiting forever before ordering 😂
Any suggestions how to sharpen the narrow blades?
Good question. I've thought about but I think it'd just come down to free hand sharpening on the edge of your stone. I think for the thinnest 2, I will run a nagura (a Japanese conditioning stone) over them, rather than them over the stone. The boot shape of them doesn't really lend itself to any jig really.
Hei is in the set black holder for blades?
Sorry friend, I'm not sure what you mean.
@@BischBaschBosch this is on left side from blue wrench
I saw a similar plane by Dictum Germany called "router plane Pro" produced by Sonstige. Is this correct?
Philippe Belgium
Same router plane. The pictures on Dictum have it branded Hondui KM-17. Hongdui will supply them to just about any retail outlet.
I bought the Hondui Km-17. Which product of methode do jou recommend to clean the blade?
Hi Philippe, Sonstige is German for "other", in this case it just means its another Brand.
£127 at the minute. I may have to hit buy...
And ships from UK warehouse. Sold!
Incredible price for the quality of the tool! I'm sure you'll love it mate👍
the fit and finish could be better when your not getting a review piece
When not "getting a review piece"? Mate, Banggood is like Amazon. Just outlet and distribution. They've sent me stuff for review that has been awful, not working and/or "precision" tools sent in plastic bags, not boxes! Trust me, some distribution centre worker just picked a box off the shelf and it was sent to me. If Katz-Moses or Hongdui were sending me one directly, you might have a point. But they didn't.
By all means detail what you felt wasn't up to scratch. Mine was equally, if not better finished (bar the wooden hamdles) than the Veritas.
...a lot of plane for the money.
It is mate👍
As soon as it had imperial and not metric blades means I wouldn’t buy it
Totally understand. I don't mind the standard blades being imperial (1/2") as they're more for surfacing but the extended blade pack also being imperial was a disappointment. It's these you'd use for housings, so if you work in metric, is a bit annoying. I hope there'll some day be a metric pack.
this plane is garbage, ordered, received, now trying to get my money back o.o
Mines been performing phenomenally well. What's was wrong with yours that's got you saying it's garbage?
Sorry mate, your response seems to have gone somewhere. If you include links, for some reason, YT disappears them. I think I saw you mention blade wobble. If you have the version with the depth stop (recommended), it can be used to hold the blade tight and true. Mine has a miniscule amount of movement which I didn't even notice until someone mentioned something similar in the comments. After a quick play around, I realised the depth stop resolved it. Give it a go.
the video is on my profile, I made it visible for everyone. In my case the depth stop doesnt change much @@BischBaschBosch