B A R R Y wrote in
. net:

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&ProdI
D=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


I bought the LN Standard Angle Block (9 1/2), and have loved it a lot.
It's the right weight, fits my hand and my work, and feels great. My
dad calls it 'my high tech plane'. I bought him a LV Low Angle Block
plane, which he opts to keep in my shop. (He's in his 80's now.) It
gets some use, but not nearly as much.

One of the LN Rabbet block planes follwed me home from a wood show last
spring, but it sits still in its packaging, in the bottom of my tool
shrine. I haven't had the need to open it up, and use it yet.

For the OP: I don't think, from your description of what you've said
you want to do, that you need consider a much larger plane than a
Stanley #3. The Veritas Low Angle Smoother, a LN #3, a LN 9 1/2, a
Veritas Low Angle Block. Pick two, and get some decent sharpening gear,
if you haven't yet. And maybe the Veritas Apron plane, too.

It's only money. ;-)

Patriarch