Vlad
02-20-2002, 09:28 AM
Recently I've noticed that this group is starting to delve deeper into using hand tools and I thought I'd share some findings about my recent acquisition.
This is a block plane I have been intrigued by for quite a while. Partly because it doesn’t follow the traditional Stanley patent; partly because it looks really sharp and mostly because it’s made with modern materials (A2 tool steel and ductile iron) and modern processes (ground flat). I hadn’t bought it initially because I had always had several of the Stanley and Millers Falls block planes. However, neither was a low angle version. I was quite satisfied with these products (especially the
9 ½) and therefore couldn’t justify the added expense of purchasing the Veritas.
I received the Veritas from the LOML (Brenda) for Valentine’s Day. It was well packed in it’s own carton along with some detailed instructions on how to care for the tool, how to use it and how to sharpen it. I’m sure this was geared towards the beginners because I remember well that using hand tools for the first time can be a frustrating experience. A good idea from a sales and customer service point of view, as well.
I unwrapped the plane from its paper wrapper and initially was struck by the weight of this tool. It had a solid feel to it compared to my 9 ½. Secondly, I was struck by its beauty. It’s sharp! The casting is a flat black paint (japanning?) and the lever cap is a shiny black enamel which I must admit go quite well together. Veritas chose to mill 3 small dimples into the sides of the plane instead of the traditional elliptical depression Stanley used in their block planes. It took me a while to get used to the milled dimples. First because they were a little rough and second I found their placing a little awkward, however I’m getting used to this and don’t really find it a problem any longer. The 6 ½ x 2” plane body was ground flat and square as expected.
I removed the lever cap to examine the 1 5/8 x 0.125” A2 blade. I was glad to see a thick blade (Stanley blades are 0.080). I use 0.125” thick blades in my bench planes and they work extremely well. I expect no less of this iron. I noticed the blade was milled and not ground as I suspected. Interesting! The blade had a sticker around the bevel. I removed the sticker and immediately noticed two things. One, the blade was ground at 20 degrees and two, my blade was nicked. I’m not sure why Veritas uses a 20 degree bevel because I imagine 90% of the users use it on hardwood. Perhaps I’m wrong. Anyway, onto my second point. How did the person applying the sticker to the blade miss the gash (3/16 long) in my blade? It didn’t really matter to me because I always regrind my blades. I ended up taking off about ¼” off the blade and reground the bevel to 30 degrees. Even though the iron was milled I didn’t have a problem flattening the back.
I assembled the plane, adjusted the set screws against the iron, adjusted the cutting depth with the very nice Norris adjuster, and gave it a try on some oak endgrain. Success! This plane works extremely well as I suspected. I even had a uniform shaving across the endgrain which in the recent FWW article the author was unable to obtain. Beginners luck I suppose.
In summary the Veritas Low Angle Block Plane is one fine tool. It’s comfortable to use, looks sharp, it’s well made, performs very well, and best of all it’s made in Canada.
Rating 8.5 of 10 stars
Thanks for reading.
Cheers.
Vlad (Go Canada)
This is a block plane I have been intrigued by for quite a while. Partly because it doesn’t follow the traditional Stanley patent; partly because it looks really sharp and mostly because it’s made with modern materials (A2 tool steel and ductile iron) and modern processes (ground flat). I hadn’t bought it initially because I had always had several of the Stanley and Millers Falls block planes. However, neither was a low angle version. I was quite satisfied with these products (especially the
9 ½) and therefore couldn’t justify the added expense of purchasing the Veritas.
I received the Veritas from the LOML (Brenda) for Valentine’s Day. It was well packed in it’s own carton along with some detailed instructions on how to care for the tool, how to use it and how to sharpen it. I’m sure this was geared towards the beginners because I remember well that using hand tools for the first time can be a frustrating experience. A good idea from a sales and customer service point of view, as well.
I unwrapped the plane from its paper wrapper and initially was struck by the weight of this tool. It had a solid feel to it compared to my 9 ½. Secondly, I was struck by its beauty. It’s sharp! The casting is a flat black paint (japanning?) and the lever cap is a shiny black enamel which I must admit go quite well together. Veritas chose to mill 3 small dimples into the sides of the plane instead of the traditional elliptical depression Stanley used in their block planes. It took me a while to get used to the milled dimples. First because they were a little rough and second I found their placing a little awkward, however I’m getting used to this and don’t really find it a problem any longer. The 6 ½ x 2” plane body was ground flat and square as expected.
I removed the lever cap to examine the 1 5/8 x 0.125” A2 blade. I was glad to see a thick blade (Stanley blades are 0.080). I use 0.125” thick blades in my bench planes and they work extremely well. I expect no less of this iron. I noticed the blade was milled and not ground as I suspected. Interesting! The blade had a sticker around the bevel. I removed the sticker and immediately noticed two things. One, the blade was ground at 20 degrees and two, my blade was nicked. I’m not sure why Veritas uses a 20 degree bevel because I imagine 90% of the users use it on hardwood. Perhaps I’m wrong. Anyway, onto my second point. How did the person applying the sticker to the blade miss the gash (3/16 long) in my blade? It didn’t really matter to me because I always regrind my blades. I ended up taking off about ¼” off the blade and reground the bevel to 30 degrees. Even though the iron was milled I didn’t have a problem flattening the back.
I assembled the plane, adjusted the set screws against the iron, adjusted the cutting depth with the very nice Norris adjuster, and gave it a try on some oak endgrain. Success! This plane works extremely well as I suspected. I even had a uniform shaving across the endgrain which in the recent FWW article the author was unable to obtain. Beginners luck I suppose.
In summary the Veritas Low Angle Block Plane is one fine tool. It’s comfortable to use, looks sharp, it’s well made, performs very well, and best of all it’s made in Canada.
Rating 8.5 of 10 stars
Thanks for reading.
Cheers.
Vlad (Go Canada)