I was thinking of replacing my cheap, broken, block plane with a nice one, and have read here that many like the Lie-Nielsen, and if I remember correctly, even more were impressed with the Veritas.
This is to be used, not collected. Anyway, I was looking at Veritas’ web site and they have a small block plane called an apron plane. (Presumably because it can be carried in an apron all day, and it’s so small and light it wouldn’t be noticed) It looks perfect for finish work.
Anybody use one? Comments?
Replies
Figure you may have, but if you havent post this in knots as well. There are a lot of planeheads over there. I have 2 planes and a scraper, they have 126.
-zen
That looks like a nice plane. My everyday plane is a Stanley low-angle adjustable mouth, and I have a Lie-Nielsen low angle adjustable mouth for special occasions. I like a little bit of heft in my planes; I would think a lightweight plane would be prone to chatter but I could be wrong.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=46791&cat=1,41182,41189
Yes, nice looking plane.
Hey Mike, did you get my e-mail?
-zen
Zen, no email. When did you send it?
Mike
I don't have the apron plane, but I do have the Veritas block plane.(along with about a dozen other block planes)
The Veritas is very well made, and the blade is thicker than normal and holds an edge well.
Judging by the quality of the block plane , I would expect the apron plane to be a nice tool, too.
I don't know the LN apron plane, but I do have their low angle block plane (about $150).
For sure it is a great little plane.
But ---
I recently bought a cheap (under $40) low angle Stanley; after the blade was sharpened/honed, and the plane adjusted, I would say it cut just as well as the LN -- at a third the cost.
Don't get me wrong, everything about the LN smells of quality -- and it has a great feel in your hand. But for the rough and tumble of job site work, I carry the Stanley.
Fingers,
I have the veritas apron plane you are asking about as well as their block plane. I am definitely what you would call a plane addict with over a hundred in the shop at last count. That said I have to tell you to get out the credit card and buy it...... NOW!!! It is one sweet little plane and in my opinion superior to the LN. and about half the money. I find myself reaching for it often both when I am doing trim and when I am in the shop doing furniture.
If you search the archives someone asked this question before regarding which plane to buy and I did a fairly long post on it. Good enough that the FHB editors printed it in the magazine.
Buy it you won't be sorry.
Mark
ohh, looks like my comments caught up with me. The plane master responds.
Fingers,
If the professor says buy it, then you better, I guess I will too.
Professor, did you get that wormie? How do you like it?
-zen
Zendo,
No I haven't got the wormie yet (sigh) .... all in good time. Not doing much framing right now anyway..... seems like the last several months it has been all concrete and masonry as well as excavating. On the plus side I have gotten some time in the shop lately working on finishing my kitchen so that has been nice (but I'd rather spend that time building furniture).
Have a good one
Mark
The apron plane is the same castings as the regular block plane, it just saves a few bells and whistles like adjustable forepiece, side set screws and so on. For a trim guy it is the way to go: lighter and less expensive. Lee Valley don't let anything out of their store with thier name on it that isn't top quality. Then you can make it even better by investing an hour into lapping the back of the blade and honing the bevel. Presto, a superlative tool.
Wally
sly,
that is incorrect information regarding the same castings between the apron plane and the regular block from veritas. I have both. The apron plane is considerably smaller lighter and narrower. The blade is about and inch and an eighth and the block is about an inch and three eighths. Also the sides on the block are higher as well as it being at least an inch longer. The block also has an adjustible mouth which the apron doesn't. They are both sweet planes but the block is way too big and heavy to carry in your apron all day.
Mark
If you search the archives someone asked this question before regarding which plane to buy and I did a fairly long post on it. Good enough that the FHB editors printed it in the magazine.
Professor, this is just a teaser, what issue is that in?
You must live someplace warm, I would figure the only concrete here is blanketed.
-zen
Zendo,
No it isn't a teaser ..... can't remember the exact issue although I think it was about halfway thru last year. As to being somewhere warm ..... yeah right! NE Ohio and it was zero here this morning...... watching the weather channel now.... it is all the way up to one above. Last crete I poured was on new years eve. Have had a couple indoor jobs this month ( fireplace and a tile job) but the funny part is two weeks ago I was working in my tee shirt running the excavator. It was sixty degrees and then the bottom fell out of the weather. Oh well. It is supposed to be in the low thirties next week so maybe I can get something done. A GC buddy of mine has been trying for a month now maybe a little longer to get a house framed . He is just about there but it has been an uphill battle.
We had five inches of rain in the first two weeks of Jan. and about a foot of snow since.
Mark
Sorry, my bad. Thanks for the gentle correction.Lignum est bonum.
no problem sly
I just read that Lie-Neilson has come out with their Low-angle block plane in a ductile iron body and it's going to sell for about $75.
I use my $150 LN adj mouth Low angle block on the job all the time. If those old Stanley's could take it my LN damn sure better be able to, otherwise it ain't worth its wait in advertising.
Of course, I work alone w/o a thieving crew around.
Mark,
If you didnt see it, I sent you an e-mail, Im informing you because Mike Maines said my e-m was in his junk mail folder. Its a hotmail address.
-zen
Zen,
Check your email and see if you got my return message.
Lie-Nielsen and Lee Valley both make apron planes. They are both available with A2 steel blades. The LV is $74 and the LN is $75. I would definately buy the Lie-Nielsen.