Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Jun 29, 2020 01:20pm | #1

   The Lie Nielsen low angle block plane is a perfect tool. If something happened to mine, I would replace it in an instant.

   I've used vintage Stanley's, and upgraded one with a Hock blade. The L-N is still head and shoulders better.

2. 
   jfsksa | Jun 29, 2020 01:21pm | #2

   I have both the LN low angle rabbet block plane and the Wood River block plane. I use the LN more because it is excellent and fits better in my hand. The WR plane feels awkward and clumsy. If you can find a WoodCraft store or similar, you can hold the WR and see if it works for you. I'm not familiar with the Stanleys.

3. 
   mikeinohio | Jun 29, 2020 01:25pm | #3

   I chose the Lee Valley/Veritas low-angle block plane. I like the finger grips milled into the sides. I got the optional PM-V11 blade so I can go longer between sharpenings.

   But really, you can't go wrong with either the Veritas or the Lie-Nielsen.

   Mike

   
4. 
   lat_axe | Jun 29, 2020 02:54pm | #4

   Megan Fitzpatrick recently recommended a No. 3 plane as her primary choice. My own choice for a small plane is a block plane, as follows:

   A Veritas low angle block plane with four blades (or more) and the wooden knob & tote additions, selecting the larger tote. 1-5/8th inch wide blade, 6-1/2 inch sole. You can also have an extremely fine-threaded adjuster for varying the shaving 1 thou or less at a time.

   Blades for cutting angles from 37 degrees to 60 degrees are available but you can make your own from a standard 25 degree bevel blade by putting on a microbevel .... very quickly. Get a toothing blade and make a scraping blade from a standard blade too, if they'd be useful.

   Blades come in various metals, including the resilient and easily-managed PM-V11.

   As a single plane its extremely versatile, as it's a block plane, toothing plane and small smoother (with the knob & tote in place) of any wood type, even the nastiest if you make a scraper blade edge for it on a spare blade.

   Eventually you'll need a bigger beast as well; but this wee plane can do a lot and is highly reconfigurable.

   The LN block plane is well made but far from being as versatile as the Veritas.

   Lataxe

5. 
   john_c2 | Jun 29, 2020 03:03pm | #5

   I had a low angle smoother, and thought it would be great to have a variety of blades and cutting angles. In practice, it's a great annoyance, and a lot of extra cost. A low angle block, a number 4, and a jack with a chambered blade handle 95 percent of my planing. Chasing perfect angles and steels was a waste.

6. 
   jql | Jun 29, 2020 04:03pm | #6

   I've been woodworking for over sixty years, and used Stanley block planes for the majority of those years. I currently have and use Lee Valley Veritas and Lie-Nielsen planes which I use equally daily. However, when the task requires a block plane, I grab my Lie-Nielsen No. 102 low angle block plane. It is comfortable in my hand, small and light enough to be carried in my apron all day.

7. 
   tbonetim | Jun 29, 2020 05:19pm | #7

   I've had my humble but beloved Stanley 60 1/2 for years, and it's still my go-to for about 75% of my tasks. I've also had the LN low angle block plane for about 10 years, and really enjoy it for challenging tasks like delicate chamfers, fairing curves and machine marks on edges, or end grain work. Proper sharpening and careful set up (especially mouth adjustment and depth of cut) narrow the difference between these two block planes. More recently, I added the Veritas low angle smoother and contrary to John's experience, it has been a real joy. It is a fine shooter with the 27º blade, and a remarkable smoother with the 36º and 50º blades

   
8. 
   mschlack | Jun 29, 2020 07:42pm | #8

   I have two Stanley block planes, a garden variety low angle #60 and one of the Sweetheart #9s, which is considerably more massive. At the end of the day, they're both block planes. I've never found them to be good for anything besides edge and end grain, and in both cases various jack planes often do as well. That said, they're fine planes. So I'm not sure whether a Lie-Nielsen or Veritas is going to change that. And if you're really serious about endgrain and shooting, then a shooting plane is probably in your future. I have a Veritas one and when it works, it's fabulous. Some woods don't like it, though, like all planes.

   I'm often puzzled by "I only use XXXX" planes statements. I've found that when it comes to wood with character -- swirly grain, birdseye, other kinds of figure -- no one plane can be relied upon. I've even found that on one board, one part of the board may succumb to my Veritas low angle smoother, while another part to my L-I high angle #3. That said, my Stanley Sweetheart #4 is often my go to, and I don't know what I'd do with out the Bailey #3 that I bought at flee market for $40. Still, sometimes I pull out the L-I #5 or the Veritas smoother. I have different angle blades, as well. You just try and find what works.

   Just to show how idiosyncratic planes are, I have a #62 Stanley low-angle smoother and I've never found it good for much. I guess I just don't get it.

9. 
   lat_axe | Jun 30, 2020 03:58am | #9

   The OP wants a block plane, primarily. He wants to know if one of the premium models (LN or Veritas, for example) are worth getting rather than a less expensive but perhaps not so well made item such as a Stanley or similar.

   Various answers illustrate that folk like their premium block planes, often better than their lesser block planes. Having owned a few in my time, I would agree. A premium block plane from LN or Veritas will work well, feel good in the hand and be resilient in a way that cheaper items often don't.

   So it comes down to a choice between premium brands, notably LN and Veritas. Some others, such as Clifton or Bridge City, seem both too expensive and not quite as functional/resilient. The Clifton, for example, seems to need far more fettling when new that an LN or Veritas. The Bridge City is a silly high price, really.

   I understand why lads like their LNs. They exude a certain traditional plane splendour as well as working well. Myself I still prefer Veritas because they tend to be a little bit less expensive for similar things; have a few innovations lacking in LNs that do make a difference (side grips on the block plane, as well as grub screws to stop blade drift); and have had more thought put into their design.

   At bottom, most LNs are still design-copies of the good Stanleys of decades ago. Nothing wrong with that but I believe that their preference for a less dynamic design tradition means Veritas has surpassed them in overall ability and value.

   Veritas often include an extra versatility to a tool not just in the tool design but also via their range of accessories for that tool, as with their low angle block plane. Some may not need that versatility. Personally I find the ability to change blades for many others of the same configuration but a different edge (steeper cutting angle, teeth or even a scraper blade) useful, as I work many different kinds of wood, all of it found/free, including difficult-grain hardwoods, woolly soft woods and ring-porous woods with alternating hard-soft growth rings and so forth.

   It takes seconds to change a blade for one with a different edge configuration. Those side grub screws locate it in the plane very well. The steels used are very good indeed with long lasting edges easily honed back to sharpness on a leather strop before needing a re-sharpen of the edge.

   If you work wood for a living then versatility is a good attribute in a tool, to go with a good price, good ergonomics, resilience and the other attributes that separate best tools from others. Veritas tools are often very versatile indeed. Their low angle block plane certainly is.

   Lataxe

10. 
    _mj_ | Jun 30, 2020 07:53am | #10

    It sounds like you are looking for jobsite users and not tool cabinet Queens. Since you said you "lost your planes", and thinking it might could happen again, the move might be to pick up a coupla mid-range cast iron workers rather than pricey bronze beauties.

    I'm pretty sure the LN sales contract prohibits use on plywood for ethical and humanitarian reasons.

11. 
    geedubbee | Jun 30, 2020 07:55pm | #11

    I have a few. My favorite is the Veritas Apron Plane hands down. I have a couple of Veritas LA Blocks, one is a ball tail and the other has a regular tote. Like Megan's favored #3, I use these toted block planes like a #3 as the Apron Plane has taken over for block plane duty.

    
12. 
    user-7022764 | Jul 01, 2020 01:28am | #12

    Lee Valley Veritas apron plane. It's my go to. I have 28 in my classroom for my students. Far and away the easiest block plane to setup and use.