A hollow plane will create a round. Put the boards together and you will know exactly the condition of your plane. We brought two finished planes back to Texas with us and tried out the 7 on two pine boards. Needless to say, the boards met perfectly along their 4 length. Actually, there is another test thats important, and that is the overall function in an everyday working environment. Ive handed my plane to many students, friends and fellow woodworkers and they all said the same thing: "Its great." In thinking back on my visit to Sheffield, the thing that struck me about everyone I met involved in the production of Clicos planes was their individual enthusiasm and care for what they did. From the heavy hammer forging all the way down to critical testing, I felt the care taken with each step was transmitted into the finished product to reflect the integrity of the craftsmen who made them. I will enjoy the Clifton 4 - 1/2 more than ever now that I know some of the people who made it. Knowing how tools are made is important.