I really like this plane for two reasons: Its design is unique and original, and it works well. The Veritas plane is cast from ductile iron and trimmed with hardwood handles and knurled brass knobs. Its blade is a full 1/8 in. thick and made from A2 steel.

Two setscrews center the blade in the mouth opening. Hence, all lateral movement occurs in back. The Norris-style adjuster serves double duty, controlling both depth and lateral adjustments. Though not quite at your fingertips, as in the Bedrock design, the adjuster is precise and had very little backlash.

The frog assembly is unique. The handle and frog are one unit, which adds strength and rigidity to both. The blade bed on the frog is sizable and precisely milled, and it extends through a cutout in the body of the plane, allowing the frog to reach all the way to the sole. This provides maximum support of the blade all the way to its beveled cutting edge. Like the traditional Bedrock design, the frog on the Veritas can be moved forward and back to adjust the mouth opening without having to remove the blade.

All of these design features, fine workmanship and a reasonable price make this a first-rate plane, capable of planing even the most highly figured hardwoods. It ties for best overall with the Lie Nielsen.

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Starrett 4" Double Square

Head is easy to remove, replace, and lock down; narrowest blade, at 5⁄8 in., made it easier to fit into tight places; hard to read under bright lights.

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Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

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Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

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