Veritas skew rabbet plane

[Frank Martin]

I am a mostly a power tool woodworker but use hand tools for final fit, trimming and where a hand tool is faster than setting up a machine. For example nearly all of my M&T joints are done using a floating tenon joinery. With that in mind, I was thinking about getting the Veritas edge trimming block plane. Then I saw the skew block planes and thought that it can do everything the edge trimming plane can do and also perhaps function as a regular block plane. So, I am looking for feedback from folks who already have this plane to comment on it's utility.

[David Weaver]

are you talking about the skew block planes or the larger skew rabbet planes?

The edge trimmer planes presumably help you get square edges, but I never liked them much, it's easier to develop the skill to sense and check square with a regular bench plane.

The skew rabbet planes are for cutting rabbets - it's a metal version of a moving fillister. You won't find one particularly useful in a practical sense for something other than that. the smaller skew blocks, I don't really know what their practical usefulness is, I had one of the LNs and rarely rarely used it for anything, and even then was probably using it just to use it.

If you're fitting M&T joints, it's worth your time to learn to use a bench plane and a chisel to the mark to do it. Everything else will be slower and won't yield better results.

[Mike Henderson]

I have a set of the LN skew block planes (left and right) and never really use them. I expect that what you want to do is be able to trim a loose tenon differently on each side (one mortise is bigger than the other), so you want a plane that will cut to the edge of the plane. I guess if I had that problem I'd grab a chisel, but a rabbet plane should work.

A power tool approach would be to use a sled or miter gauge on your table saw and cut a shallow groove half way on the tenon. Then use a chisel or even your sander with coarse sandpaper to thin one side. Of course, you could use a hand saw to cut the groove.

I have too much money sitting in specialty planes in my shop that never get used. Live and learn.

Mike

[Frank Martin]

Just to clarify, I am looking into the skew block plane, not the larger skew rabbet plane. Essentially trying to figure out if the skew block plane can serve multiple functions as a regular block plane, edge trimming plane and when needed as a rabbet plane. So, I would basically not buy it with the intention of using them only as a rabbet plane.

David, Mike, I hear you that these may not have too much use in a mainly power tool woodworking. That is exactly why I am asking to figure out if they basically fulfill the function of a regular block plane in addition to offering additional functionality. At one point I had quite a few specialty planes and then ended up selling them as they were not getting use. Therefore, I am cautious on not investing into specialized planes with a single function. Thanks for your thoughts.

[David Weaver]

There's something you can look to when you're deciding on tools, and that's what was widely purchased when people bought tools to use them professionally. Most of those swiss army knife kinds of tools weren't bought much, and even rarer is to find one that was used heavily.

You can do a whole lot of accurate work with a regular bench plane and chisels, you just have to see the problem first and then solve it (vs. seeing a tool and thinking the problem might fit).

I find a regular chisel, and also a lie nielsen bed float (which shears wood off cross grain pretty quickly) very useful for tenons - the former more so, but the latter is more point and shoot and just sort of file wood off until you hit your mark. A chisel is a bit hard to beat, though, easier to sharpen and has no limitations.

Like Mike, I have or have had a lot of planes that nobody really found useful in the past, but I didn't want to hear of it when I was buying them (never really thought about it, either, I guess, they just looked like they'd be useful).

[paul cottingham]

I am nowhere near the expert as others in this thread, but I am a serious (but poor) toolaholic. I have a friend who has the set of two skew blocks, I borrowed them both, and never reached for them (not once!) when I was building stuff. That told me a lot.
I do use my block plane a great deal, and my shoulder planes. I think they are better multitaskers.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

One of these?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3V57a2vnIEg/UxI02HRO-RI/AAAAAAAAD2g/sxjus5sCO-k/w311-h553-no/20140301_122704.jpg

I agree on the infrequent use. You can tell by the dust on mine, how often I use it.

[Mike Henderson]

Just to clarify, I am looking into the skew block plane, not the larger skew rabbet plane. Essentially trying to figure out if the skew block plane can serve multiple functions as a regular block plane, edge trimming plane and when needed as a rabbet plane. So, I would basically not buy it with the intention of using them only as a rabbet plane.

David, Mike, I hear you that these may not have too much use in a mainly power tool woodworking. That is exactly why I am asking to figure out if they basically fulfill the function of a regular block plane in addition to offering additional functionality. At one point I had quite a few specialty planes and then ended up selling them as they were not getting use. Therefore, I am cautious on not investing into specialized planes with a single function. Thanks for your thoughts.
Early in my woodworking, I bought a LN rabbet block plane with the idea that I could use it as a regular block plane and as a rabbet plane. Didn't work well because of the exposed edges.

The skew block plane only exposes the edge when you take the side off (if I remember correctly) so it may work as a regular block plane and a rabbet plane. If you buy a quality skew block plane and decide you don't like it, you can sell it for close to what you paid for it. I should take my own advice and get rid of some of my own never-used specialty planes!

Mike

[Frank Martin]

The only reason I thought the Veritas may multitask as a regular block plane (instead of the LN version) is that it does not have a side plate. It rather has one arched and one full side. If I understand correctly the blade can be laterally adjusted not to project from the side. However, based on input so far it appears that these specialized tools may get very infrequent use for those who primarily rely on power tools.

[paul cottingham]

Seriously, I am primarily a hand tool woodworker, and I still wouldn't use a skew block for very much.

[Jack Curtis]

The LN Skew Block plane (based on the 140) is very handy in my shop, from leveling very large tenons to rebating to trimming. As to squaring up edges, it could help, but not the way you'd think of using a edge trimming plane, would be handier planing small sections of an edge's sides.

It's also useful in laying out dovetails, where you make a rebate for the second board to butt up against so it stays still during the process.

[george wilson]

LN also makes a rabbeting block plane that is open on both sides,with a straight across iron. I think that would be more useful. Having a skewed blade means you might be planing across the grain,but with the skew,you could be roughing up the grain rather than smoothing it.

I'd rather just plane straight across the grain and have less tear out.

[Jack Curtis]

...Having a skewed blade means you might be planing across the grain,but with the skew,you could be roughing up the grain rather than smoothing it....

Hasn't been a problem in my case, not that I'd try using the skew as a smoother.

[Derek Cohen]

I owned the Stanley #140 skew block plane, but replaced it with the LN version. The Stanley is not a patch on the LN for performance, and indeed needs a fair amount of tuning to work well. Do not judge a skew block plane's worth on the basis of the Stanley.

The LN was very rough and missing parts when I won it on eBay. It was restored with the help of Tom LN, and it turned out to be special as it is one of the very first few planes LN built. The dimensions and brass and steel are slightly different from the current model. These days it sits on the shelf, admired but very little used. This is not because of a lack of performance, but just because I have a preferred alternative.

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolRestorations/LNSkewRabbetBlockPlaneRestoration_html_2e54e39f.jp g

With many block plane alternatives at my disposal the skew block plane has not really appealed for general use. It requires more effort to hone the skewed blade. The pointy edge at the open side can be dangerous - I frequently find I have a cut from one after use. I also had the impression that they were a little more effort to push as the skew would pull the plane off line. Looking back, that may be an indicator of the blade not being sharp enough.

I have the LV/Veritas right and left pair of skew block planes. After my experience with the Stanley and LN I would not have gone out to purchase these, however they came to me as part of the feedback work I do with Lee Valley. Initially this was a set of rendered drawings, then it was plastic printed models for comment, and then it was production pre-release models, which is the set I have. This was a few years ago now. I never did review them - frankly, I just did not think many would be that interested (which is the reason I do write reviews). Perhaps I shall do so after all as these planes are excellent and the ones I turn to in place of the LN.

But this reply is not intended as a review. It is intended as a comment on their usefulness. The fact is that I have many other preferences for a general block plane. This is on another thread. Also, while I may have used one for tenon cheeks years ago, today I either just trim with a chisel or, if they require much straightening, would use a router plane. Ironically, while I own many quality specialist planes, all of do the job for which they are intended, I mostly go the simple route. The point must be made that the skew block plane is excellent in shaving a tenon cheek, for running cross grain on a raised panel, and for fine cross grain planing.

Recently I was planing the mating surfaces for the arms/back in my chair build. The dimensions needed to be precise. I was concerned that a standard block plane or shoulder plane, with a square blade, would cause the ends to chip. I chose to use one of the Veritas skews. With a sharp blade the plane took effortless shavings, without a hint of pulling to the side. There was no chipping. I did reflect on this afterward, and it occurred to me that one of the advantages of using a skew block plane is across end grain - a low bed and slicing action combine to reduce effort and improve performance. The result is smoother, and there is no need to chamfer the far edge to prevent spelching.

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/TheChairTheFingers(part1)_html_66b9556f.jpg

An excellent plane, and probably one that will now get more use, but not one to replace a good standard block plane.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I have the set of skewed block planes and they are my most-used tool in the shop. Not only are they comfortable in the hand and function well as a block plane, but they also are rabbeting. The shoulder plane gets lonely because I prefer them for shoulder trimming. Their main use for me is trimming strips to fit for strip planked boatbuilding as well as trimming shiplaps.

I rarely use the fence, but it does come in handy for when you need a perfect rabbet. Really they are just such versatile planes that I recommend if anyone can't decide then just get a set of them and let that serve as a block plane, rabbeting plane, and shoulder plane.

[Frank Martin]

Derek, thanks for the detailed post. Given your large collection of block planes your input means a lot. Is the reason for your hesitation in saying that this will not replace a regular block plane, mainly related to complexity involved in sharpening?

Malcolm, seems like from your perspective this plane does function as a regular block plane. That is the functionality I am interested in. To be clear, I will always have a regular block plane, but I prefer to have more than one with blades sharpened at different angles for end and face grain planing. So, seems like you are the only one who is advocating this use.

I am curious to hear more from owners of this specific plane.

[Jim Matthews]

Contact our very own Steve Voigt and have him make a real plane for you.

His "mini smoother" is far more versatile than the basic block plane.
It won't rust, either.

[Derek Cohen]

Is the reason for your hesitation in saying that this will not replace a regular block plane, mainly related to complexity involved in sharpening?

Hi Frank

The skew block plane is indeed more difficult to hone. The angle needs to be exact otherwise the edge may not lie flush with the side of the plane (and nicker).

There are a number of ways to get the skew correct. The LV Honing Guide Mk 2 is the preferred honing guide method. I hollow grind on the Tormek and then freehand the blade, which makes for faster honing as the hollow is the jig.

All said and done, there is no reason why you could not use the skew block plane as a general block plane. There are a lot of things this plane can do that a general block plane cannot (tenons, raised panels, rebates).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Frank Martin]

Hi Frank

The skew block plane is indeed more difficult to hone. The angle needs to be exact otherwise the edge may not lie flush with the side of the plane (and nicker).

There are a number of ways to get the skew correct. The LV Honing Guide Mk 2 is the preferred honing guide method. I hollow grind on the Tormek and then freehand the blade, which makes for faster honing as the hollow is the jig.

All said and done, there is no reason why you could not use the skew block plane as a general block plane. There are a lot of things this plane can do that a general block plane cannot (tenons, raised panels, rebates).

Regards from Perth

Derek


Hi Derek,

I use Veritas MKII Power sharpener (I am a huge Lee Valley fan!), so I think I should be fine with the skew angle accuracy and repeatability. I only have several skew chisels and have not had difficulty in skew angle repeatability. I will probably give it a shot and if it does not work as good as I expected I know I will get most of my money back. Although, from the design of this particular plane, I expect great performance. In any case I will always have a regular block plane. Having some additional allows setting them for different angles, which is what I am planning to do. Thanks again for the follow-up.

[Hilton Ralphs]

Tom Fidgen makes a very good case for the Veritas Skew Block Plane.

Take a look here (http://www.theunpluggedwoodshop.com/skew-block-or-rabbet.html).

[J. Greg Jones]

I got a set of the Veritas Skew Block Planes when they first came out, and I've been very happy with them. At the time, my go-to every-day block planes were the Veritas Apron Plane and the Veritas Low Angle Block Plane. I've since sold the LA plane, and now use the right-hand skew block and the Apron Plane for all my block plane needs.

One change that I did make to the two skew block planes is that I found never get comfortable with the small wood front knobs. I replaced them with the brass front knob off of the Low Angle Block Plane, about a $5.00 replacement part if I recall correctly.

http://f.cl.ly/items/113W1W0e0d3O3X1J121Q/Image%202014-03-03%20at%208.16.58%20AM.png

[Frank Martin]

I got a set of the Veritas Skew Block Planes when they first came out, and I've been very happy with them. At the time, my go-to every-day block planes were the Veritas Apron Plane and the Veritas Low Angle Block Plane. I've since sold the LA plane, and now use the right-hand skew block and the Apron Plane for all my block plane needs.

One change that I did make to the two skew block planes is that I found never get comfortable with the small wood front knobs. I replaced them with the brass front knob off of the Low Angle Block Plane, about a $5.00 replacement part if I recall correctly.

http://f.cl.ly/items/113W1W0e0d3O3X1J121Q/Image%202014-03-03%20at%208.16.58%20AM.png


Tom Fidgen makes a very good case for the Veritas Skew Block Plane.

Take a look here (http://www.theunpluggedwoodshop.com/skew-block-or-rabbet.html).

Looks like there are people who use it the way I am intending to use. Great to hear. By the way, I really like the front knob replacement. Probably makes it a lot more comfortable for one-handed regular block plane use.