Comments on: I really like this little plane

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 20:23:46 +0000

Hi Jonathan,

There is much more room to grasp the BU#1 handle. The BD#1 is pretty cramped. This gives me a better feel of the sole on the work. I can feel the tilt better if I’m doing and angled edge. Same for the front knob.

There is also more room to set up and adjust the BU. The features that Veritas uses are also very handy, such as the little set screws that make the lateral blade adjustment positive and easy. It’s just a more user-friendly plane overall. I reach for it much more often than I did the BD#1.

I hope this helps.

Rob

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 03:39:34 +0000

Rob,

You mentioned that the BU #1 handles better to you than the BD #1. Would you mind elaborating a little more on this and perhaps other reasons you like the BU better? Is the view of what you’re doing better? Lighter weight? Simply the mechanicals and ergonomics of it better? I know it’s subjective and a personal preference, I’m just curious. Thanks!

Jonathan

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:47:03 +0000

Hi Adrian,

Yes, same idea as the #1.

Here are the links if anyone’s interested. These fit their low-angle block plane.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/maintenance-and-accessories/41715-vertical-tote-for-veritas-low-angle-block-plane?item=05P2218

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/maintenance-and-accessories/102530-front-knob-for-the-veritas-low-angle-block-plane?item=05P2204

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/block/47881-veritas-low-angle-block-plane

Prior to the BU#1 being available, I recall asking Lee Valley if the add-on handles would fit their standard-angle (20° bed) block plane and I think the answer was no. Maybe that has changed.

Rob

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:20:14 +0000

I have a tote and knob accessory set for the Veritas block plane that turns it into something that looks a lot like that #1.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 19:27:14 +0000

Yea, Dean, hands-on feel and mechanics are so important in how we use tools. Intention to result: from brain to hand to tool with no weak or wobbly links.

Rob

By: Dean C

Dean C — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 14:58:28 +0000

That little handplane is awesome! My wife bought me one for Christmas about a year ago and I hadn’t really touched it until about a month ago. I had to make some octagon handles for my milkman’s workbench and I dreaded using a regular block plane to do it. So, I busted out that bevel-up #1 and made quick and enjoyable work out of them. It’s easier for me to use than a block plane when you really need to hog some material out. Since it has a tote, you can really put some power behind it.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 03:11:07 +0000

Yes, Peter, I addressed the similarity of this plane with a block plane but it is significantly different, as I discussed. I think Lee Valley would not have bothered to design and produce the BU#1 if there was no significant difference between it and block planes, which they also produce. It’s really a matter of hands-on feel, admittedly a subjective matter.

Consider that, similarly, one could argue that a paring chisel is hardly different from a bench chisel except for the handle and length, yet it certainly is significantly different.

Dan, I agree.

Rob

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 03:28:57 +0000

I purchased this same plane about 6 months ago. I really liked the feel of it in hand since the first use. I have several block planes and find them to be lacking in most applications. A quick edge bevel is about it for me and the block plane. I’ll be the first to admit that my working style may be the reason I don’t like block planes as other woodworkers seem to have a great relationship with them.

The Veritas #1 fills a void left by my dislike of block planes. You get good feedback from the wood / plane interface and great control with the handle.