Replies

1. 
   BrentS | Apr 01, 2005 05:33am | #1

   Lawrie,

       I have both planes(have this little problem of buying tools)and they are both fine tools.The LV lateral adjust screws do come in handy,but if you don't resharpen exactly square,you have to re-adjust them.

        I have fairly large hands and find that the LV fits better.The LN feels a little more solid in the hand and maybe a little tighter.Both of the planes came ready from the box with just a bit of polishing and honing on the blades.The soles of both were as good as you could ask for.

       They sit next to each other in my tool cabinet and I find myself reaching for the LV more often.Don't know why............maybe I just see it as more of a working tool.

       Which ever one you choose,you won't regret it.To me,one is not better than the other.........just different.

                                                                      Brent

1. 
   enfrim | Apr 01, 2005 05:47am | #2

   Lawrie,

   I agree with Brent.  Currently I own a low angle Veritas and a standard angle LN.  I tend to reach for the Veritas more often.  I do believe the LN is built to better tolerances and is overall a slightly better tool.  Having said this I still use the Veritas more often.  It seems to fit my hand more comfortably.  I also like the finger detents on each side of the Veritas.  Either plane would serve you well.

    

   enfrim

2. 
   CharlieD | Apr 01, 2005 10:11am | #3

   Veritas stuff is completely trustworthy, as is their cust service. I am currently making the same decision, and the thing that tipped me over to the Veritas is the possiblity of adding a front and rear knob--a dubious but somehow interesting addition--and still coming off cheaper. I'm imagining planing off proud tails and pins from dovetail joinery with that front knob on the plane...

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
3. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 01, 2005 10:29am | #4

   I have the Lie-Nielsen low angle block plane, and I can testify that it is a a wonderful tool.

   But I have always been vaguely dissatisfied with the way it fit my hand; and from the other posts here, I can see I am not the only one with this problem.

   I have been thinking about getting another LN to carry with me in my job site tool kit (instead of a Stanley), but now, after reading these other comments, I think I am going to try the Lee Valley version.

1. 
   Midnight | Apr 01, 2005 10:23pm | #5

   It's strange that I'd the opposite reaction when I first used my standard angle L-N block; felt like it'd been made for me... for comfort, useability, weight and performance it left my Record and Stanley blocks for dead....

   Smaller hands maybe...??Mike Wallace

   Stay safe....Have fun

1. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 02, 2005 07:27am | #7

   Bear in mind, I like the LN block plane a lot, and surely, the fit in the hand and the mechanism push it way beyond the current Stanley or the older Record. So I am being ultra picky, and in truth, I am probably looking for an excuse to try the Lee Valley plane.

1. 
   lawrie | Apr 02, 2005 05:46pm | #8

   Thanks to all for the notes - I got what I was looking for - great information from people that have used them, and the reasons why others would want to. It seems that we are looking at two very good planes, neither far better than the other, and we don't always get to choose just for comfort. We don't have any stores around here that carry the LV Veritas, so I will look at the LN and, if not swooned, order the Veritas.

   Thanks again; will post any other information learned,

   Lawrie

2. 
   Midnight | Apr 02, 2005 09:48pm | #9

   lol... I've read their reviews.. I can understand desire... I guess any excuse is better than none at all... Justify.... gotta remember to justify...  ;)Mike Wallace

   Stay safe....Have fun

4. 
   dude | Apr 02, 2005 12:30am | #6

   got a lot of Lee Valley offerings and the thing that brings me back is the idea that I have 3  months  to like the item or  send it back  no questions asked .
   by the way returned goods are cleaned up  and  displayed in the discount area stating that they were returned . Very few others do this that I aaaaam aware of.ps I check the sale area first every time I go into the store .

5. 
   jc21 | Apr 03, 2005 01:29am | #10

   Don't know about the Veritas but have the L-N and it's a joy to use. It's tough to buy hand tools without actually holding them in your hand. I was spoiled- used to live not far from the factory/showroom where you could try them- well worth a visit if you're ever in Maine. L-N is at many if not all of the WoodWorking Shows and Woodcraft carries them.