Hello everyone,
This is my first post – I’ve been lurking for a while. I searched on this and found a few references, but which scraper plane would you purchase?
I’m looking at the LV Veritas for $169, the Lie-Nielsen for $235 (larger version) or possibly a used Stanley 112 from ebay (Approximately $80-$100?)
I bid on a used LV, but the price went pretty darn close to the cost of the new one.
Given the choice, which would you buy? I am relatively new to hand planes, but am sold on scraping vs. sanding.
Thanks,
Justin
Replies
I have the L-V and really like it.
I have a L-V also. Am V happy with it,but have no experience with any other.
Robinl
I love my LV. There's a reason it sold for near new on E-bay.
I have the LN. It took a huge amount of time and tinkering before I figured how to really use it. I get good results with it, but the tool is definitely a challenge. I got to use the Lee Valley plane at a tools show and found it to be superior. It uses a thinner, more flexible scraper that it easier to configure and use (more like a cabinet scraper). If you have your heart set on the LN I'll trade you mine with two irons for the LV.
gdblake
Edited 12/6/2008 12:40 am ET by gdblake
I have a LV112 and a LN85. I use the Lee Valley and the LN just sits. If I remember correctly (it has been a very long time since I even looked at the LN, the blade is just too thick to make work easily). The LV and a nice flexible blade with a large degree of adjustment.
I actually try to do everything with handplanes, though. When I have to use a scraper, it is generally with a card scraper, and very infrequently even with the LV112.
T.Z.
I have a new vertitas Scraper .. I LIKE IT BUT... I have much to learn on how to use it..
If I take the blade out and use it as a hand scraper on where I do not know how to use it properly.. The blade makes a wonderful hand scraper!
Actually WG,
I've heard that is the right way to determine if you got the blade in the LV properly prepared! It's very rare that I can't get things under control with a plane or a card scraper. I mainly use PA cherry, white oak and walnut and all work very nicely.
T.Z.
Justin, I had used the STANLEY/ LN type then tried the LV at a ww show and bought it on the spot.
1- has an easy feel in my hand
2- has a larger footprint and is more stable.
3- is easy to set up/adjust and works very well.
4- costs less.
Good luck, Paddy
I don't care for the plane-like scrapers. I find them uncomfortable and I've ripped my forearm open more than once on the exposed top of the blade. My favorite is the Stanley #81 scraper. It's a lot more comfortable and a lot easier to set up.
View Image
There is no such exposed blade on the Veritas.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)
- 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
Thanks for posting the photo. I have considered the 81 as well. If I can get find a good deal on one I'll get that also/
Thanks for all your input. I was really leaning towards the LV before posting, and it seems from your posts like that is the way to go.
Justin,
In general I don't like scraper planes, but the Lee Valley version works quite well. I've had a Kuntz (spelling?) and a LN 85. Neither one worked very well for me, especially the LN.
Rob Millard
http://www.americanfederalperiod.com
Justin - I have the Lie-Nielsen and like it very much - it gets used often. However, the way I use it is a definite departure from what the instructions recommend. In particular, I tilt the blade fairly far back - perhaps a 70 degree angle or so, and I slightly cambered it as well so that the corners don't dig in. One key thing I found with this plane is that it really, really matters that the iron is razor sharp (much more so than a regular bevel-down plane, which will still work OK if it's slightly dull).
FYI - If you decide on the Lie-Nielsen, you can get it for a bit less from Fine Tool Journal - they're slightly discounted and shipping's free.
In addition to all the good comments about the LV, you won't get much of a 112 on E-Bay for the money you mentioned. I've been watching them for years and decent ones go significantly over $100.
One of these days I'm going to sell all my collectible planes, go through lots of old Knots posts for sage guidance and purchase myself a "retirement set" of nice hand planes. Included, I'm sure, will be LV scraper plane!
Regards,
Mack
"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
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