Pickeringwoodworker and Steve Evans R U there?

[Kevin in Keswick]

Hey guys,

I am hoping either of you or anyone else who reads this can help me out. I was just reading the woodcraft post and noticed that you were both owners of the LV LA block. If I read it right, I think you are both owners of the LN LA Block also. I am planning on venturing down to my nearest Lee Valley tomorrow and purchasing the LV LA block plane and was wondering how you guys liked yours. If you wouldn't mind spending a few moments to give me some sort of review of the plane and how you like it compared to the LN LA block. I would really appreciate it. I have read a couple reviews from publishers but I would like to hear from you guys who actually use them often. Likes/dislikes/performance would be great. If you have some time, It is really appreciated.

Thanks in advance to you both or anyone else who is kind enough to reply.

Cheers and beers

Kevin

[Frank D.]

Hi Kevin,
I've owned both planes so I'll give you my opinion, but remember that it's only my opinion...
The LV is a nice plane and seems well made, but without a doubt I prefer the LN block plane. First of all I had problems with my LV block chattering a lot on end grain. I think this was due to the wide blade. The LN is not as wide and this seems to be an advantage because it's more stable when taking wide cuts and seems to plow through wood with a lot more authority.
Beyond that I prefer the materials and the way the LN plane feels in my hand. This is hard to know in advance if you haven't tried both planes. I have medium-sized hands, and the LN just becomes an extension of my arm. The center of gravity feels lower (don,t know if it really is) and find it a lot less tiring and easier to control. The bronze cap has a nice curve and just fits right into my palm, and the bronze feels better than the painted LV lever cap.
The LN plane doesn,t have a lateral adjuster (it does have a depth adjuster), but I find it's not really needed. The blade is very easy to adjust with your thumb and forefinger, I find it as easy as moving the adjuster knob from side to side.
The last thing I like a littel better about the plane is the blade. LV blades are good, but in my limited experience I've come to prefer LN blades.
Once again, this is just my opinion. A lot of people whom I respect are very happy with their LV block planes. But the LV block was my first plane, and now I own 3 LN block planes...
Ever get the feeling you were treading on thin ice? Hehehe...
Latest edit: changed "brass" for "bronze" (doh...)

[Brent in Montreal]

Hi Kevin,

LN LV yup the ice does become thin at points. LIke Frank, I too have both. My preference for this plane ( not all planes) is LV. the reason for my choice being similar to Frank's reason for his choice. It fits better in my hand. I have big hands and find that the LN gets lost in them. I've never personnaly had a problem with the LV chattering, but then again I put a lot more weight behind it than Frank does LOL. I agree with Frank about the blade. The LN takes and holds a better edge in my opinion. The lateral adjustment is a nice touch, but once you're used to any plane is not a neccessity. As for fit and finish, the LN is ahead of the game. It does feel better and looks bettter. Everything is tighter and the overall feel is more solid. If LN made their plane a bit bigger my choice might be different, but as it stands my LV is my go to plane.

What it boils down to is which one feels better in your hand. Both are top quality and you won't be dissapointed in either purchase. If you can, play with both for a bit and then decide which one suits you. If that's not possible, my advise ( take it for what it's costing you) is to go for the one which fits what you believe to be the size of your hand. Either way you'll get used to the one you pick and won't be sorry about your choice.

[Chris in Pickering]

Kevin,

Not sure if I am qualified to give a review as hand planes are new to me in the last year or two....
I can tell you that the LV LA block is on the large side for a block plane, which for me is great as I am a big guy with big hands.
I thought it would do a better job on end grain than it has (as frank has mentioned) but that may be due to my less than perfact sharpening skills.
Overall it has a great, solid feel and a positive adjustment mechinism.
I look forward to trying the LN.....

[Steve in Ayr]

Kevin

Finally got a chance to reply to your question. For me, the big issue is how the block plane fits the hand. I find the the narrow width of the LN just feels a bit more comfortable and ergonomic. Subleties I know, and for other folks the opposite is quite likely to be true as well. Both planes are very good. At $120 I just couldn't let the LN pass.

Steve