Replies

1. 
   woodworker418 | Apr 24, 2005 04:58pm | #1

   actually, i read the conculsion of the article a bit differently (and btw, i own planes from both manufacturers).  i interpreted the author's conclusion to say that the LN was a slightly finer plane (his last sentence in the LN section flat out said it was the best), but that all things considered (in other words, taking cost into account), they were tied for best *overall*.  this is consistent with my general experience with these companies.  I have found the LN planes to come in out of the box at tighter tolerances, finer machining (and of course, for what its worth (diff. for everyone) generally a more attractive tool).  That said, I think that in general LV's can be made to perform as well as the LN's (perhaps better for certain planes), but depending on the piece you receive, this may take additional lapping work on sole and sides (if rebate or shooting), which can be easy or can be harder, depending on the plane.  bc i don't mind spending the extra $$$ to get a plane that looks better and comes in dead flat, sole (and sides where applicable), i have more LN than LV planes.  but where i believe LV potentially has a flat-out better design (read, LA Jack and Shoulder planes), I've gone with LV.

   just my 2 cents.

1. 
   woodworker418 | Apr 24, 2005 05:04pm | #2

   and btw, i should have added in my last post a propos your specific question (ie, smoothingn planes), i do not consider and have not found LV's design for the bevel down bench planes (albeit innovative) to be superior to the bedrock approach of the LN's (and actually find the new LN chip breaker to be superior to the LV) both in concept and in use.  As a practical matter, I think their performance is very similar and again, since i like the LN chipbreaker, totes and appearance, I haven't minded spending the extra dollars for the LN bench planes.  and again, just my 2 cents.

2. 
   CharlieD | Apr 24, 2005 08:45pm | #3

   I agree with Tony's post in it's entirety. Anything from Veritas is trustworthy; sometimes Veritas has added features that improve the function (an example is their shoulder planes--glorious! Or, their scraping plane--has a feature that bows the blade like a card scraper); but L-N planes, in my experience, are prettier and more comfortable in the hand. I don't have any Veritas bench planes, but their shoulder planes, block plane and scraping plane are flawless functionally (with the caveat that I don't care for the mouth adjustment on the Veritas block plane.) If you've got lots of dough, sure, get L-N planes. If you want more planes for the money, get Veritas. They're a safe buy, and customer service is awesome.

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
3. 
   BG | Apr 25, 2005 05:27pm | #4

   n1k86,
   I just bought a LN 4 1/2 York pitch smoother, as a matter of fact upon my return from Woodcraft the latest FWW issue had just arrived and I read the review on the LV...ugh!
   I'm glad to hear what Tony says, it makes me feel better and reminds me of why I bought the LN. Up till now all my planes are oldies that I have reconditioned. I wanted a plane that would show me out of the box how a plane is supposed to be. As pleased as I am with my oldies, I was never sure if they are sufficiently reconditioned. Also, it seemed to make sense to put money into the smoother...best payback.
   There was a comparasion of many smoothers (on the web)a couple of years ago which included the best brands including the Hotley. The Hotley did distinguish itself above the rest. The rest of the pack distinguished themselves as the wood that being planed became more and more knarly, etc. The other distinguishing characteristic of the planes appeared to be sensitivity to minor adjustments in the depth of cut...my personal conclusion was I'll just stay away from the exoctic woods.