"B A R R Y" wrote in message
. net...
Never Enough Money wrote:
4) LN's are made in America, one of the few things that is.

Veritas planes are made in Canada, by what I assume are fairly treated
Canadians working in good conditions. Not USA made, but not a cheap-labor
import, either.

If money were no object, I'd buy the LN for the glitz (_real_ and
perceived). However, money is always an object at some level, so most of
my own hand planes are Veritas. My bottom line is that either brand makes
me a happy 'dorker, as I've gotten to use many brands during various
classes.

If I were going for a low-angle block, I'd probably buy the Veritas.

If I were looking for ONE, really awesome, highly useful plane, I'd
consider this:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4431

This plane is slightly wider than many block planes, and the open sides
allow extra duty adjusting rabbets and tenons. However, you'd give up the
adjustable mouth of the LABP, which is also a valuable feature.

Decisions... G


It's a dandy. I use it for general block work and for rabbeting and fitting
tenon cheeks. The geometry is a bit clumsy for shouldering, but with a bit
of effort it's possible. Got the Veritas shoulder to do that now, and no
complaint or difficulty.

For me the smoother from Veritas is a real joy, because I have large hands.
The frog/mouth adjustment is positive, easy, and makes a smooth translucent
shaving. Amazes the kids when they see me reach for the plane rather than
the sander, but then they see and feel the surface, and understand.

The LN low-angle smoother http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=164
will handle the gnarliest wood without a problem, but I'd go conventional
angle for general work.