Scott writes:

<< Just to muddy the waters a bit, how does a wooden smoother with a tight
mouth and a thick iron compare? >>

From what I understand, a wooden smoother can do a fine job, as long as the
mouth remains tight. Being subject to wear, and having to be reflattened due
to wood movement, the mouth would get wider and wider until it needs patching.
I imagine it would be a pain to keep the mouth on a wooden smoother straight
and tight. (Say, .003, like my Norris with the Hock blade.)

I've never used a wooden smoother myself, but plan to if I ever get around
to patching the mouth on one. I've never seen one with a mouth tight enough to
just pick up and start working. The beauty of a good infill is that the sole
stays true and the mouth stays tight. You just sharpen the blade and go. If
it sits for a few weeks without being used, you just pick it up and go again.
No need to re-adjust like you would if the humidity loosens the wedge on your
woodie.

Ray