The Truth About the Adjustar From Rob Cosman 

Find the Adjustar here: robcosman.com/collections/planes Check out Rob's Video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jmWQD_Qu1jk.html

i met Rob last summer at his shop just outside st john, new brunswick, canada. that's about 2 hours east of calais, maine. a true gentleman with some very interesting, very high quality products for woodworking. his channel is well worth a visit as well

I turned 60 this past year and I was finding problems with my fingers in my right hand adjusting my planes. I was finding I needed to stop and use my thumb and fingers sometimes to adjust them which really slow you down. I’ve been a big follower of Rob‘s since the early 2000s in fact I bought a lot of my Lie Nielsen planes from Rob while he was at wood shows here in British Columbia. So I decided when he had a free shipping event just before Christmas to try one adjust star for my 4 1/2 LN plane. I was absolutely stunned at how easy it was now to adjust the plane in small increments using just my forefinger. In fact, I’ve now decided that the next time he has a free shipping event here in Canada I’m going to order two more for my Stanley four and five planes and another one for my LN 5 1/2. I know there are lots of folks out there who think these things are just gimmicks, but what I found is that they actually work very well. I’ve read online on a number of forums that people think Rob Cosman is just a salesman and trying to push his products, but what I found is the things that he actually has made have solved problems that he’s experienced in his teaching folks. I’m sure those folks that actually have tried his devices such as the adjust star swear by them I know I do. Thanks James for pointing this out and I’m sure the Reed plane stuff is just as good as the stuff that Rob produces. I just don’t see me using it at this time. Well, I think we all have to be very very thankful love is that we have people like Rob and Jeff out there, who are making products to make woodworking more assessable for all of us.

I'm on the older side (58) and can see a day in the future where the Adjustar might be something I need to keep working. Thanks for sharing!

With my arthritic hands robs adjustar is a brilliant product but the downside is only for your favourite planes as kitting your entire inventory of planes out with these then the cost would be prohibitive On a separate note thank you for the videos as a professional woodworker of over 40 years I still enjoy watching your easy style of presentation and the information you include Best wishes from here in Yorkshire, England

I'm looking forward to using mine, sitting in my shop next to my Adjustar I bought from Rob a couple of weeks ago. My WoodRiver #5 was delivered a couple of days ago. I'll be putting it on this evening after sharpening the blade iron and prepping for the shop. At age 68 the leverage will be a big help to my older fingers. Thanks for your vid 👍

I'm not your typical demographic, being an older female. I do have both of these products. For ...reasons... I have the fine adjuster on a #5 that lets me dial it in just so perfectly. And, because my fingers sometimes hurt, I have the Adjustar on a 4.5 that does relatively similar tasks, but will let me make adjustment changes easier. I like them both. I have plans to add the find adjuster to another plane, I think. I really think the fine adjuster would be a great addition to my jointer plane. It's typically a matter of whispy shavings to get right to the line I'm going for with the jointer. Oh... and LOL @ North Star!! Thanks James! :)

Thanks so much for this! Really helpful, as a woodworker in my 20s who has issues with the tendons in my hand this may be invaluable in allowing my to continue my woodworking!

These are both great. I would love a yoke that reduced the backlash. Also, with a longer tongue so it will fit a thicker iron. Great video

I have an adjustar on my 4 1/2...I love it, especially as a south-paw with a relatively small hand. The adjustar gives me all the purchase I need to adjust the plane on the fly.

I have had the adjuststar on my 5-1/2 for a few years and bought one when I got my 4-1/2. I’m a young woodworker but I find it makes adjustments so much easier than the knurled knob. I would get one for every plane I own.

As an older woodworker, I upgrade to the Rob Cosman adstar for my wood river #6 and for my lie nielsen #5 because the old adjusters would cause my fingers to cramp when dimensioning wood by hand. They have made a huge difference.

Very, VERY well-expressed, James! You hit this one out of the park. Thank you.

When I saw the thumbnail, I must confess I absolutely hated the non-traditional look of the Adjustar, and just thought it would get in the way of my index finger, which I tend to point under the iron. But once you talked about older folks with arthritic hands, I understood how good the idea is, and now I know what I'm buying my father for his birthday.

The "star" is also useful for veterans that may be only using one hand to make adjustments and planing.

I'm working on 65 this yr. I have been using the ADJUST STAR since I was able to order one, Rob ran out I think twice I JUST LOVE IT. As Rob says taking your woodworking to a new level if you don't like the tool or it hurts to use it you're not going to use it so get your tools to where they feel good in your hand and you will use them a lot more thank you James keep those videos coming

After suffering a post surgery illness I was left with no feeling in either hand. When using my hand planes I had no idea if or how much I had turned the adjuster. After replacing with the Adjustar I now have a much better visual on my adjustments.

Great video! Love what you both do! Rob is a great dude, glad to see you talking about some of his innovations.

Great review James! TY for sharing the add on's

It's always nice to have options! I wish there were more modern upgrades for the old tools!

When the Reed adjuster came out, I wanted to want it, but I hadn't thought through what I really needed. And what I need is the Adjustar, because I have short and sometimes fractious fingers with some neurological issues. Thanks for a smart helpful show, sir.

I am a 60 plus woman with arthritis and small hands. The adjustar made me love my Bedrock 605 1/2. It's like power steering for your hand plane!!!!

I’m getting close to the demographic you described for the Adjustar and I have two of them. I really like them, it’s much easier to make very small adjustments by gently pushing down on it with a finger vs trying to spin with the knurls.

Love the honesty you show in your opinions, shows the great deal of respect and appreciation to your craft and your audience. Thanks James!

James, thank you for your excellent work, as always! I have Rob’s AStar and love it for the reasons you stated- 72 years old. AND I plan to buy Reeds fine thread adjuster and yoke for another of my planes; again for the reasons you mentioned … 🤓

I have the adjust-star on my 5.5 and 7, with plans to buy one for my 6. I bought the Reed for my Stanley 4.5. A week after I installed it, I found lightly used LN 4.5 for 50% of retail. The Stanley hasn't seen daylight since.

Years ago I tried modifying the adjuster knob on one of my Stanley handplanes with marginal success. Since then Rob came out with the Adjustar, which is a fantastic product. I'm one of those older guys who has decreasing amounts of hand strength as time moves on. I have not tried one of the Reed fine adjusters, but it looks like it would be great too. Thanks for a great video James.

Thanks so much for covering both of these!

I bought an adjustar where am I Wood River four and a 5 1/2 and was so impressed I got it for my 4 1/2 Lee Neilsen and my five Stanley I’m 74 and he’s make it much easier couldn’t be happier

Love your thoughts and take on stuff like this, James! Thanks!

I run the adjustar on my 5 1/2, 6, and 8. I run the Reed on my 3, 4, and 5. Basically adjustar for removing lots of wood and Reed for fine finishing.

I've watched your videos for 3 years and just figured out how to comment. (older generation) LOL> Your great content, Ideas and attitude keep me coming back. Keep up the great work and thank you.

A great and honest review. Thanks James.

I've got two of the original Adjustars on my No4 and No 5 1/2 Stanley planes. Really makes a big difference.

I like both designs. I think I’ll try Rob’s design for my jack plane since I find I make more drastic adjustments while I use it and try the fine adjusting version for one of my dedicated smoothers that I’m trying to only micro adjust to dial in a fine shaving

Thanks for sharing that!

I have the adjuster on my Woodriver 5 1/2 and it is great. Adjustments are easier and because of that I tend to fiddle around with it until I get perfect shavings we’re as before I would set it to “close enough”.

Im transitioning to wooden planes, and I like the aesthetic of the knobs, but if I were to keep using metal planes, I’d definitely choose the adjustar. It seems so much easier to use and to develop a skill for fine-tuning while having the option for big quick changes.

I am using Rob's Adjustar on my no 6 Luban plane, and it's a game changer, i dont have any problems with my hands but it is much more comfortable to use. I have received a nother 2 adjustars for my Stanley's.

One thing I've always liked about this guy he's not trying to sell you something he just telling you like it is

I’ve got one on my L-N No°4 & No°5-1/2 both and love them. I took both to a buffing wheel with heavy cutting compound to take the sharp edges off though. The machining is more to shape than meeting anything resembling fit and finishing. If you’re willing to hit them with a fine file and a buffing wheel it’s a 10/10 👍

One of the things that I don't like about my Stanley is that I need to bring out my long screwdriver to adjust the frog position once in a while. I don't have either of the upgrades, but I would imagine that I can get my regular screwdriver through the spokes of the adjustar without having to bring out the long fiddley screwdriver.

Along with Rob, this is one of my favorite channels and go-to channels.

Great video, I hadn’t heard about the Adjustar before. I like both options.

Thanks for introducing these interesting products!

I have had 2 adjustars since they first came out and like them on the larger planes but didn't seem enough room for it on the No. 4, I will be getting more of them sometime.

The Adjustar is an awesome upgrade. I know from first hand. I use the Adjustar on the planes I have received from Rob Cosman's PHP class. The Wood River planes with the Ajdustar, and with the IBC blade and chipper is an awesome setup.

Very great improvement! Mahalo

I have the Reed yoke and the Cosman Adjustar installed on my Stanley 5 1/2, that works great for me.

The North Star - too funny. I really enjoy your videos. The info you give us and the humor...

Excellent review . Thx!

Pretty interesting indeed, James! Thanks for the review! 😃 I bet one would work better for some planes, while the other would work better for others... Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I might just have to get these. Thanks James

As others have said, a combination of both would be really good.

James is always on point.

have gotten the original adjustar (steel ,not bronze) and said it was a game changer , Im only 50 with arthritis in my hands , has made planing a pleasure

Nice aproach you have, James

Great comments. Great perspective on this.

I don't have much of a strength issue, so bear that in mind. I own both and I really like the adjustar on my fore plane because I don't need fine adjustment there and the ease of adjustment is king for me. I have a fine adjuster on my #3 smoother because I use that when I have difficult wood to work with. I use a coffin style smoother as my main smoother because I find it much more comfortable. I just smack the toe or heel on my bench to adjust and that works well enough for me.

I just tuned the tightness of the cap screw holding the lever cap. If it is not over tightened, the adjustment works well. What's better, once that screw height is tuned to the cap and blade thickness, it needs no additional adjustment. My 70-odd years-old hands have no trouble adjusting.

Might invest in that Reed fine adjuster myself

The adjust star is great especially for us old guys. Much easier, more fine control. Love mine!

What a fantastic modification!

Thanks for the great video and feedback!

Very cool. I like the star thingy, even though I love the plough more! Too expensive for me to justify but nice for sure.

Excellent video. Thanks.

Now we're all waiting for the Reed-Cosman (Cosman-Reed?) mash-up, bringing the benefits of both.

Is the Adjustar a boon to those with weak or arthritic hands? Yes, but also provides a benefit to everyone else, too. With the original Stanley-style adjustment knobs, it is very difficult to adjust the thickness of the cut without removing your hand from the tote. For most of us, with most planes, the original knobs require us to grip the knob with our thumb and at least one finger. This requires removing our hand from the tote. With the Adjustar, you can easily adjust the cut with just one finger -- while you're gripping the tote. This makes it possible to adjust the thickness of cut while you're making a pass with the plane. Planing involves a lot of 'feel' in your hands and arms for the way the plane is cutting. Too heavy a cut doesn't feel right and neither does too light a cut. With the Adjustar, you can get instantaneous feedback as you adjust the depth of cut, which makes it easier for both novice and pro to dial in the right cut.

Thank you for explaining the difference.

This is truly weird timing, just last night I installed the reed planes yoke kit with Rob cosmans adjustar. I loved the adjustar as it was but add in the zero slop of the reed kit, and my enjoyment planing doubled

I have one of the Cosman Adjustars on my 5 1/2 plane. I also have arthritis in the thumb joint on both hands. Once I added the Adjustar to my hand plane, I found I was much more willing to use the plane. Whereas before the Adjustar, I just left my nice plane in a box. The knurled knob was just too difficult to turn not to mention painful.

Thank you for sharing, time to finally build Moravian Workbench!

I have the Adjustar and it’s a game changer for me.

hi james i had a beta adjustar for my dad old no4 Stanley and i think its great

Great review.

Well done

You get a star for this video James

i have and use both products. james is right that they solve two different issues. having said that i have asked rob to consider making a double threaded rob like the reed adjuster for the best of two worlds. i understand that there may some conflict about a patent dispute though. perhaps reed planes could make and sell a rod that works with the adjustar and rob could offer a finely tapped adjustar.....its ok to dream isnt it

Looks like a pretty good innovation to me. 🙂🙂

When we say Bailey style handplanes are the best tool we mean they are the best tool, period.

If there ever was a guy who knows "there is no best way to do anything in the shop".......it's this guy.......

Now Rob and Reed will have to make a colab package with a fine pitch adjustar...

If you're left-handed, you're pulling up to advance the iron, and the Adjustar is fantastic. I think I saw he's coming out with brass colored ones, which would certainly look nicer on my Lie-Neilsen. So, course I'll be buying one, even though the silver one works fine, because half the point of a L-N is that it's so pretty. (Of course, a really diabolical capitalist would then come out with one in cast bronze...)

Great video

The best of both worlds would be a fine adjust adjust star

Thank you

Thé best : mixing both. The fine threads with the star.

Keep the little flubs. I enjoy finding them like little easter eggs.

thank you

OK, the AdjuSTAR is for people who want to improve the handling of the metal planes they own in case their hands loose agility. But looking a bit wider, may wooden planes be also a solution to their problem? They are also lighter which may help too. What do you think?

When they tell you it's the best, but never use it? Influencers? Salesmen? Thank you sir.

Love it

But can you adjust starts with it? Cheers

So, in the review of the reed yoke, you also mentioned that the yoke plus the reed adjuster had very little slop, is that also the case with the adjustar? Or was that completely down to the yoke? And, if so, can you make it compatible with the adjustar?

Nice!

James: During the video, I noticed that you accidentally moved the Adjustar. I know it was just you being animated. Not sure if the movement on it was enough to alter the thickness of the shavings. That would really bother me to have to find the exact adjustment I had on my plane from an accidental touch. My old restored Stanley knobs have a very thick, tight rubberband/belts on them. Makes it really easy to grip with a finger. During the winter, the fingers get dry and the knurling is useless. My brand new planes (Veritas) never are too tight to adjust. (over 65)

An off the wall question. In addition to my beloved Stanley type 11 bench set of 4, 5 and 7 I have a couple Miller Falls planes, a 9 and 14 their equivalent to a 4 and 5. Do either of those systems work with Millers Falls planes? Or is the thread pitch a different one on their planes?

I love mine!

It’s the wright stuff !

I have a problem with the lever cap riding up when I retract the blade. If I tighten down the screw I can't make adjustments. Would the star knob solve my problem.