I need a smoothing plane, and I’d like a LN 4.5 (I want the wider blade of the #4.5 as compared to the #4). I have a number of LN planes already and I’m a believer, but I seem to recall a review at one of the handplane sites suggesting that the performance of the LN vs the Veritas wasn’t all that different. (I don’t remember which plane it was, it may have been one of the low angle smoothers, but it wasn’t the #4.5). The Veritas also seems to have some interesting design elements, and I’ve been wanting to give their stuff a try.
In any case, any thoughts on the comparative quality and performance of the two planes? I know the LN is a bit pricier, but in the long run, I’m not going to miss the extra money, so I’m not really considering the price.
Also, should I be considering an infill? I think I understood one of Larry William’s posts in another current thread to suggest that the standard bailey/bedrock planes are capable of delivering the same results. And while I won’t sweat the price of a LN #4.5, the price of, e.g., a Shepherd may be a stretch.
Thanks as always.
Replies
I've got a LV 4.5 and have been pleased with it but there has been some frustration. I am beginning to prefer the stanley adjuster over the norris style that LV uses. I bought the LV 4.5 because I was very happy with the LA block plane. I found with my 4.5 that when I adjusted the blade for alignment the depth was thrown off significantly. I'm not an expert on infills but the advantage I see they have is you can get higher bedding angles for figured woods. If you choose the LN 4.5 I think they sell a high pitch frog so you could get 2 plane for the price (almost) of one.
Adam
My site: http://home.cogeco.ca/~akropinski
A recent discussion at Sawmill Creek adresses, among others, the LV 4 1/2 smoother. Have you considered the coffin smoothers that Clark and Williams make? The high angle make them especially nice for figured woods. Steve Knight also has several for sale on Ebay right now also. I've never used the wood smoothers, but those who have seem to love them.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?threadid=3808
http://www.planemaker.com/sample/
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3241816819&category=13874
Jeff
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