The Veritas low-angle smoother is basically a large-handled block plane cast from durable ductile iron, outfitted with bubinga handles and nicely detailed. The A2-steel blade rests firmly, bevel up, on a precisely milled bed.

The adjustable mouth accommodates coarse or fine cuts. The blade is centered in the mouth by two setscrews, so all lateral movement occurs at the back. It’s regulated by a Norris-style adjuster that handles both vertical and lateral adjustment. With its stock blade ground to 25°, the plane excels at end-grain tasks, such as making dovetails flush. By replacing the standard blade with an optional high-angle blade (35°), the plane becomes an outstanding smoother. Its clever design also makes it perfect for use with a shooting board. Overall, the Veritas low-angle smoother is a well-designed, versatile plane at a very reasonable price.

First Review: 10/1/2002 by Chris Gochnour:
I have long considered a low-angle smoothing plane to be a specialized tool. So when I received the new Veritas low-angle smoothing plane, I expected it to be limited to working end grain and miters. However, it showed amazing versatility, handling miters, end grain, and long grain with ease. Plus, it converts to a shooting plane.

This is a solid tool. The body is cast from durable ductile iron. It has a substantial bed machined at a 12° angle, a sturdy A2 steel blade and a stout, well-designed lever cap.

A simple blade-adjustment mechanism, similar to vintage Norris planes, regulates the vertical (depth of cut) and lateral (alignment with sole) movement. The throat can be opened quickly for coarse work or closed up tightly for fine work.
I tested the Veritas to see how it would perform cleaning up mill marks on end grain and miters. With its low-angle design, I was able to take continuous shavings on mahogany and cherry end grain. However, when subjected to the harsh test of planing 1-3/4-in.-thick white-oak end grain, the blade dulled more quickly than I expected. Skewing the plane and taking a very light cut improved performance.

The Veritas smoothed large surfaces well. The low angle helped it cut with minimal effort. When working on well-behaved wood or planing diagonally across the grain, it left a smooth, blemish-free surface. On stubborn woods, the low angle tended to lift the wood fibers, tearing the grain. Tearout can be minimized by closing the throat and taking a lighter cut or by sharpening the blade with a steeper bevel.

This plane worked surprisingly well as a shooting plane—something I hadn’t anticipated. The broad side-wing of the plane is machined square to the sole, providing good stability.

Veritas is on to something with this carefully designed and well-built plane. What might be perceived as a specialized tool can actually do just fine serving multiple purposes. That’s the type of resourcefulness I look for in my shop.

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