I’d like to buy a new block plane for a small project I’m working on. I’m trying to decide between the Veritas and the L-N.
I like the L-N 102 because they offer it without an adjustable mouth, in iron, for a fairly low price. On that plane there’s only 1 adjustment for an amateur like myself to worry about. Less chance to get it out of whack.
On the other hand, the Veritas has an adjustable mouth, and it can be converted into a #3 smoothing plane with an add-on knob and handle. So it’s almost like 2 planes in 1…but of course it’s twice the price, so maybe it’s like 2 planes in 2.
I know this is probably like asking if mustard or ketchup is better (btw, the answer is mustard), but which of these block planes would you recommend for a new woodworker?
Edited 2/6/2008 1:16 pm ET by EricT
Replies
Sounds like you're talking about the LN "apron" plane. I have one, Model 102, which is a low angle plane. It is probably my most used plane. Mine is brass but otherwise identical to the one you are looking at. You can also put a higher bevel angle on the blade if you like.
This would make a great first plane. You'll get good results out of the box and with a bit of honing on the blade, you'll get great results.
T.Z.
Me, I like mayonnaise.
For block planes I have the LN 140. Seems to do everything a regular block does, and a whole lot more besides.
View Image
Eric,
Samson posted a picture of the LN block rabbit plane which I believe is on sale now for a net $100 (includes a $20 gift cert). It's great little tool that solves a lot of issues.
That can be used like a shoulder plane, correct? On sale where?
Eric,
The LN block rabbit was on sale at Woodcraft(used like a shoulder too)...orginal $150, on sale for $119...over $100 and your entitled to $20 gift cert on next purchase...net, net $100 total cost
Where is the LN Rabbet Block Plane on sale for the $100.00 at?B.Kidd
Looks like it's back to $149.99.
Yeah I saw BG's reply which he posted just before I posted my question and I checked Woodcrafts site and saw that is was showing it back at the $149.99 :-(B.Kidd
Fine Tool Journal always has Lie-Nielsen at 10% off and there is free shipping on all LN products they sell. finetoolj.com I bought a LN 103 for $87. Got it in one week's time. Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"
After about 18 months of use, the LN 140 has become my most used LA block plane. The rest of my block planes are beginning to look like candidates for e-bay (if I could ever bring myself to part with a tool).
You can't go wrong with LN.
I got LN's low angle block plane with the adjustable mouth as my first "nice" block plane and have been very pleased with it. Unfortunately LN products are like chocolates or bbq potato chips it's hard to stop with just one. I would like one of there smaller block planes to put in my tool belt as well. I think you can't go wrong with either LN's products or Lee Valley.
Troy
You're making a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison, since both vendors make both adjustable-mouth and non-adjustable-mouth block planes.
Advantages of the non-adjustable-mouth planes (either LN or LV): light weight, small size, low cost.
Advantages of the adjustable-mouth planes: adjustable mouth (duh), good heft.
While the non-adjustable-mouth planes are perfectly usable, the adjustable mouth gives me enough extra flexibility that I think it's worth it. I have both the LN and LV low-angle adjustable-mouth block planes. I like them both. The smaller LN plane seems to fit the hand a bit better (even though I have large hands); the LV place is more versatile, with its chamfer attachment (and I suppose with its tote & knob retrofit as well, although I haven't used that).
-Steve
Eric,
Depending on your needs, I would go with either the LN Rabbeting Block or the Veritas. If you can justify the rabetting feature, the choice is obvious. If you'd never use the feature, go with the Veritas. The adjustments are simple and difficult to mess up. The adjustable mouth and accessory tote and knob are a big plus.
Mustard IS better. I can't stand ketchup.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I'd like to buy a new block plane for a small project I'm working on. I'm trying to decide between the Veritas and the L-N.
I like the L-N 102 because they offer it without an adjustable mouth, in iron, for a fairly low price. On that plane there's only 1 adjustment for an amateur like myself to worry about. Less chance to get it out of whack.
Hi Eric
The LN #102/103 is my favourite size in a block plane. I have not used the Veritas version, the "Apron" plane, but I would say that it is at least their equal.
I have the LN #103, the standard angle, and consider this a great alrounder - cutting end grain extremely well (although not as good as the best low angle block planes) and very comfortable on face grain (better than a low angle plane).
The #103 is my all-time favourite plane. I have a bias for small block planes (more "handy"). Here is the Stanley #65, LN #60 1/2, and LN #103 ..
View Image
It is an eroneous assumption to assume that an adjustable mouth will complicate matters. These take seconds to learn and extend the use of the plane quite considerably on face grain (when you are planing interlinked grain). A mouth size is irrelevant on end grain.
Of the two popular new low angle adjustable mouth block planes, the LN #60 1/2 and the Veritas Low Angle Block Plane, it will come down to which fits yoiur hand best. For myself this was the LN, which I have used for a few years. The LN had excellent performance out-of-the-box, and this improves with tuning. The Veritas is actually a better plane. It is in a different class with regards ergonomics and adjustments. Much, much easier to use ....
LN on left, Veritas on right:
View Image
A couple of reasons: Look at the placement of the lever cap wheels. The LN's is tucked underneath where it can be hard to reach. The Veritas is more open and accessible. Further, the mouth is easier to adjust on the Veritas.
The other advantage of the Veritas is that it can take accessories. I do have this block plane as well and together with the matching tote/nob that turns it into a bevel up #3. It is really a sweet liitle smoother (with a higher angle blade). But as a block plane I still prefer the width of the LN. This may be different for yourself.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Derek, thanks for the great comparison. I think I am going to order the Veritas with the accessories. It seems like I will get the most bang for the buck from that.
A-2 or O-1?
What blade angle do you recommend to use the plane as a smoother, 38- or 50-degrees? I notice that their bevel-up smoother plane uses a 38-degree bevel.
Edited 2/7/2008 1:25 pm ET by EricT
Eric
The ideal setup would be two blades, an 01 low angle (25 degrees) and an A2 high angle (38 degrees as an alrounder). In practice, I have not had any difficulty in using A2 for both angles.
Regards from Perth
Derek
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled