Best Lie-Neilson bench plane

[Jerry Olexa]

! recently bought 2 LN block planes and have been very impressed with their performance..(with no tweaking)
Thinking of acquiring a bench plane or 2 of theirs as Christmas approaches...
Which LN Bench plane(s) would you reco next as one of their best?
I have a set of restored STANLEY vintage 3 through 8's and generaally pleased..But these LNs have impressed me..
thanks in advance,
Jerry

[Prashun Patel]

I have the LN#4. It works predictably well for me.

[Barney Markunas]

You've asked a tough question. Which of your children do you love the most?

If you are buying one, I would suggest getting the LN version of which ever Stanley bench plane you use the most;and if you mostly work hardwood, consider opting for a higher angle frog as either a supplement to or a replacement for the 45 degree "standard". If you are buying two I would probably opt for something in a smoother size and then something bigger (7 or 8). Then again, I am really fond of my 62. You mention having Stanleys 3 through 8, so a low angle 62 could potentially bring something new to your arsenal. You have a very good problem...

[Rob Luter]

I have a LN 60 1/2 Block and agree with your assessment. I also invested in a LN 4 1/2 as a good final smoother. My regular users are a restored set of Sweetheart era #3 thru #7 (lacking the 4 1/2 and 5 1/2), with Hock blades.

[Rob Luter]

...... I am really fond of my 62. You mention having Stanleys 3 through 8, so a low angle 62 could potentially bring something new to your arsenal. You have a very good problem...

Good point Barney. I have the LV/Veritas version of the Low Angle Jack and find it very useful. I considered a high angle frog for my LN 4 1/2, but use the high angle blades on the Veritas Low Angle Jack for tough grain instead. It makes a very good smoother in that regard.

[Malcolm McLeod]

I am not a Neander, but your lead-in grabbed my attention. I got a LN medium shoulder that opened my eyes to the possibilities of planes. That was followed by a 4-1/2, and then a 7 fell in my pocket (that's what SWMBO was told) at a Hand Tool Event. No regrets, and I regularly drool over their website.

I'll put the 4-1/2 in my will. It is that good IMHO.

[Robert Hazelwood]

I have an LN4 as well, and it's a great plane with one exception- I was not a big fan of the A2 steel (too chippy), so I replaced the iron recently with a Hock O1 blade, which is excellent. This did require some slight modification to the LN chipbreaker to allow it to properly engage the depth adjuster tab. The plane itself is great, though- some people don't like the heft, but for me it's acceptable in a finish plane. Most people seem to like the A2 just fine, though, so your mileage may vary.

All of their other bench planes will be similar in character - flat sole, tight adjustments, heavy, A2 steel, etc. So I wouldn't say any of them are "best", but I do think that their qualities are best suited to finish planes and jointing planes, where the accuracy and flatness are most needed, and the heft is less of a penalty. So, a 3/4 and 7/8 would be my picks. Jack, scrub, and try planes I'd leave to vintage or, even better, wooden.

[Jim Koepke]

Which LN Bench plane(s) would you reco next as one of their best?

My thought is they would be equal in quality and performance.

If there is a size missing in your assortment that you would use, then that might be the best one to purchase. Perhaps one of your bench planes isn't fully up to your standards, that would be one to replace.

My bench plane selection has all sizes from #1 through #8 with a #10-1/4 at the end. My only LN planes are the #1, cheaper than the Stanley #1, a #60-1/2 and a #62, also cheaper and better than the Stanley #62.

If you have a particular size you use a lot and would like the pleasure of a new plane filling your hands, then that would be the size to acquire.

In my case one of my #5-1/4 planes is set up like a small smoother jack and the other is set up for a scrub plane. The one set up for scrub was from a bad ebay deal and has some ugly cracks in the sole, but it still performs as a scrub plane. Perhaps you have a plane you would want to set up this way and a new LN plane to take its place would be a good choice.

jtk

[Patrick Chase]

! recently bought 2 LN block planes and have been very impressed with their performance..(with no tweaking)
Thinking of acquiring a bench plane or 2 of theirs as Christmas approaches...
Which LN Bench plane(s) would you reco next as one of their best?
I have a set of restored STANLEY vintage 3 through 8's and generaally pleased..But these LNs have impressed me..
thanks in advance,
Jerry

Given that you already have Stanleys you're going to be improving usability (if anything) rather than adding capability. That being the case I'd suggest either replacing the one that aggravates you most, or if no such plane exists then replace the one you use most.

I'll add one caveat to that, though: Most classic Stanley planes are very usable when properly tuned and employed. If you're having trouble with them then your time/money might be better spent addressing the underlying cause. If you're just giving yourself a present then ignore though :-).

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I vote for the bronze #4 or the 4 1/2. Both are excellent. I prefer a larger smoother, hence the 4 or 4 1/2. Of course then you need a 5 and a 7 or 8, or maybe a 7 AND an 8... And hey- you have to fill the gap with a 6...

And that, my friend, is how addictions get started.

[David Eisenhauer]

Like you, I have the Stanley Bailey line up in the sizes I use (3-7, one of them you sold me a while back thank you very much) and use them fairly often. No issues with them, they work as advertised (as they say, sharp cure most ills). Someone wanted to gift me a LN plane (after asking me which hand tool brand was droolworthy) in return for furniture built and other carpentry work done for them over the years and asked which one would I like. I went for the bronze #4, thinking it seems to be the one most talked about and I figured I could never go wrong with a "go-to smoother". When I received it, my initial response (holding it in mid air, then making the first few strokes) was "this thing is heavy". I am not normally a "return" type person as long as the item is not damaged, so that option really never came up. After a blade polishing and by the second time I used it battle, I don't even notice the weight at all and it is definitely my "go-to" smoother. No fiddling with adjustment, no backlash, nothing loose, run the blade out-run the blade in-sharpen as needed-go back to work plane. I have two Bailey #4's and am considering turning one into a scrub plane just to find employment for it. Just my observations.

[Phil Stone]

I agree with Malcolm. I soothed the pain of breaking the frog on a daily-user 604 (it took a suicidal leap off of my workbench) by getting a bronze LN4. I have never enjoyed using a plane more. It fits my large hand better than the 604 did, and it works like a dream.

[Derek Cohen]

Gerry, my most used LN planes are the #60 1/2 and modified #103 block planes, and then a #3 smoother (modified with a #4 handle). Frankly, I get the same performance out of a #3 Stanley, but there is much pleasure in using the bronze LN.

The LN planes I would recommend are the side rabbet planes (#98/99). Very handy when needed. Also the #62 LA Jack, because the Stanley version is not available or, if it is, is not as durable. That's a really nice plane (different from the Veritas, but you are not after Veritas here).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jim Koepke]

The LN planes I would recommend are the side rabbet planes (#98/99).

These didn't cross my mind. They are a must have if you cut dados, rabbets or slots for panels. They come in handy quite often for many uses.

jtk

[john zulu]

I own the LN 102 and the small rabbet plane and chisel plane. I would say it is the 102 for me. I have heard many good thing of the #4 also but I have veritas plane for that segment and a stanley #4.
Perhaps it is my taste but I find that LN has more flare in the design while Veritas is more mechanical and ergonomic.....

Each to his/her own taste in maker tools.

[Rob Luter]

I own the LN 102 and the small rabbet plane and chisel plane. I would say it is the 102 for me. I have heard many good thing of the #4 also but I have veritas plane for that segment and a stanley #4.
Perhaps it is my taste but I find that LN has more flare in the design while Veritas is more mechanical and ergonomic.....

Each to his/her own taste in maker tools.

Hoping Santa will bring me a LN 102 for Christmas. I have an original vintage Stanley 102. Once you have it dialed in it's a very handy tool.

[Bill McDermott]

Jerry, If you can wait... go to the L-N Hand Tool Event in Chicago on January 27-28. You can test drive the whole fleet, do side by side comparisons, explore frog angles and so on. Using them will help you decide. That said, I have Stanley 4 and 5's but like the LN 4 1/2 HA for many final passes. The other LN I really appreciate using is the Rabbet Block Plane.

[Jerry Olexa]

Jerry, If you can wait... go to the L-N Hand Tool Event in Chicago on January 27-28. You can test drive the whole fleet, do side by side comparisons, explore frog angles and so on. Using them will help you decide. That said, I have Stanley 4 and 5's but like the LN 4 1/2 HA for many final passes. The other LN I really appreciate using is the Rabbet Block Plane.

Good tip Bill...that's an easy way to evaluate... didn't realize they were coming to Chicago do you know where it's being held? I suppose I could look it up online thanks Bill great advice

[Frederick Skelly]

Jerry, since you have an entire suite of Stanleys, I'd do one of two things. Either buy the LN version of the plane you use the most, or buy an LN version of one you don't already have - like their shooting plane, etc.

But honestly? I'd buy the LN version of the one you use the most. For me, that would be a #4.

Fred

[Steve Kang]

Hoping Santa will bring me a LN 102 for Christmas. I have an original vintage Stanley 102. Once you have it dialed in it's a very handy tool.

It's also my favourite. I raised a panel with one the other day, I was very surprised at how well it worked.

[Chris Hachet]

I have the rabbiting block plane, scraper plane, Miter plane, and #4 smoother. Really want the # 5 1/2 even though I have a vintage stanley #6 that I just love using.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[Larry Frank]

I love my LN 4-1/2. I also use it as a shooting plane.

[Frank Drackman]

For me this is an easy answer. I love my LN #8 and use it daily. I have a bunch of other great planes and the three I use most are the low angle block, # 8, and #62.

[Robert Engel]

I would start with a 4 or 4 1/2.

Personally I have their 4 1/2, the LA jack and rabbet block plane. They are all Cadillacs :-)

BTW the WoodRiver planes are well worth a look (yeah, I know made in China). So far I have their block planes and a 4, 6 & 7.
They perform quite well even competing with the LN.

The only LV planes I have is a shoulder plane (like the design better than Stanley/LN) and their spokeshaves.

[lowell holmes]

I have the 60 1/2 and a bronze 140. They both fill a special place in my collection.

[Jerry Olexa]

Several years ago when I was starting my interest in hand tools, I recall the talk then was of the OUTSTANDING performance of the then new LN LA Jack plane? Is that still true or has the technology caught up with the demand? Or some even better? Thanks

[Jim Koepke]

Several years ago when I was starting my interest in hand tools, I recall the talk then was of the OUTSTANDING performance of the then new LN LA Jack plane? Is that still true or has the technology caught up with the demand? Or some even better? Thanks

In the time period you mention there has been the development of planes made pretty much exclusively for shooting purposes. My use of the LN LA Jack (#62) is primarily for shooting. It does come in handy at times for cleaning up proud dovetails and other tasks involving end grain. Occasionally it does get used on face grain or edge grain.

jtk

[Matthew Springer]

I started with a LN 5-1/2. I did so just because I could interchange blades with a #7 and a #4-1/2 (which showed up in short order after the first one). But I still really like the 5-1/2.

My basic rotation is still 5-1/2 with big camber set heavy -> #7 with slight camber set fine, -> 4-1/2 minor camber set super super light. I like the chipbreaker over a traditional scrub because it just makes less mess.

I eventually filled out my line up with an antique #4 and #3, for getting tearout in small patches, but I still reach for the 5-1/2 quite a bit. I wish LN would offer one without a blade so I could grab a LV PMV11.

[Jerry Olexa]

Since this thread, I followed your advice and acquired a LN #4..Haven't really used it much but feel comfortable it will perform at least as good as My 2 LN block planes.Its reputataion precedes it..

Next week, LN comes to town (thanks for tip Bill) and is conducting a workshop here....Another buying opportunity (w/o shipping charges)...My dilemma will be what is the next 2nd best target? I will stick with the bench planes although the shoulder plane, router plane are somewhat attractive..
So many choices..:) The slope beckons.. Thanks for your help.

[Chris Hachet]

Since this thread, I followed your advice and acquired a LN #4..Haven't really used it much but feel comfortable it will perform at least as good as My 2 LN block planes.Its reputataion precedes it..

Next week, LN comes to town (thanks for tip Bill) and is conducting a workshop here....Another buying opportunity (w/o shipping charges)...My dilemma will be what is the next 2nd best target? I will stick with the bench planes although the shoulder plane, router plane are somewhat attractive..
So many choices..:) The slope beckons.. Thanks for your help.I actually find the cabinetmakers scraper to be helpful, most guys don't. My up vote would be for the #7, I love jointing and flattening boards by hand.

[Jerry Olexa]

Chris, thanks and I know that feeling...I felt similar when I restored an old wood jointer plane...It planed beautifully. I loved the heft, weight and the stronger, thicker iron ..Jointing with a handplane is a joy many don't appreciate...I will consider a LN#7 although it is a budget stretcher...THANKS...Good thought...Keep jointing and scraping..:)

[Prashun Patel]

My vote is to buy nothing. Use your #4 and get comfortable with it. I think you should wait until you have a specific need b4 buying the next.

I would take the time at the event to try out both the bevel up jack and the bevel down jack. I think a jack can be quite useful to many people. But these two configurations have some trade-offs. The irony is that those tradeoffs tend to be largely personal, and you won't truly know 'which way you like to work' until you live with one. But the show can be a first step towards that.

[lowell holmes]

A preface to this post, I'm one of you.

Reminds me of the saying . . . "The difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys.":)

[Jim Koepke]

Since this thread, I followed your advice and acquired a LN #4..Haven't really used it much but feel comfortable it will perform at least as good as My 2 LN block planes.Its reputataion precedes it..

Next week, LN comes to town (thanks for tip Bill) and is conducting a workshop here....Another buying opportunity (w/o shipping charges)...My dilemma will be what is the next 2nd best target? I will stick with the bench planes although the shoulder plane, router plane are somewhat attractive..
So many choices..:) The slope beckons.. Thanks for your help.

Why stay with replacing what you already have?

Why not broaden your selection of planes?

jtk

[Jerry Olexa]

My vote is to buy nothing. Use your #4 and get comfortable with it. I think you should wait until you have a specific need b4 buying the next.

I would take the time at the event to try out both the bevel up jack and the bevel down jack. I think a jack can be quite useful to many people. But these two configurations have some trade-offs. The irony is that those tradeoffs tend to be largely personal, and you won't truly know 'which way you like to work' until you live with one. But the show can be a first step towards that.

Good advice, Prashun....Walk before you run,,,Use the show as a chance to touch, use, feel the options before purchasing...Thanks

[Chris Hachet]

Chris, thanks and I know that feeling...I felt similar when I restored an old wood jointer plane...It planed beautifully. I loved the heft, weight and the stronger, thicker iron ..Jointing with a handplane is a joy many don't appreciate...I will consider a LN#7 although it is a budget stretcher...THANKS...Good thought...Keep jointing and scraping..:) Thinking we can be brothers in financial pain...trying to only buy one more hand plane as what I ahve does everything it needs to do right now...but boy would I love another jointer plane.

[Patrick Chase]

Thinking we can be brothers in financial pain...trying to only buy one more hand plane as what I ahve does everything it needs to do right now...but boy would I love another jointer plane.

If it makes you guys feel any better, my other hobbies (photography and skiing) make this stuff look like a bargain.

On SMC we mock Holteys as extravagant. In the world of photography that much money will get you a good solid pro-level body.

[David Eisenhauer]

So Jerry - the LN kool aid has a good flavor?

[Chris Hachet]

Possibly because he wants LN planes and they do not ahve the range of specialty planes Vertias has-were it to be Veritas, I would say small plow plane and skew rabbit plane.

[Jerry Olexa]

So Jerry - the LN kool aid has a good flavor?

David, you are right! I'm drinking the KoolAid and it ain't bad flavor...but costly....:):D

[Jerry Olexa]

As I get closer to the seeing/doing, I'm targeting the LN jointer planes and a few others..Always liked the feel of a #7 jointing the edges of long hardwoods..But recently, have come to appreciate the lighter weight, ease of use of a #6 foreplane..Can a #6 do almost most jobs/tasks as a #7? I know the #7 and its longer length is better for flattening but I appreciate these lighter #6's...Your thoughts? Could a #6 function in most cases and bridge that gap? Thanks...

[Tony Wilkins]

As I get closer to the seeing/doing, I'm targeting the LN jointer planes and a few others..Always liked the feel of a #7 jointing the edges of long hardwoods..But recently, have come to appreciate the lighter weight, ease of use of a #6 foreplane..Can a #6 do almost most jobs/tasks as a #7? I know the #7 and its longer length is better for flattening but I appreciate these lighter #6's...Your thoughts? Could a #6 function in most cases and bridge that gap? Thanks...

Probably. Really depends on the scale of work you do. The rule of thumb is that a plane can easily straighten a board (face or edge) twice as long as the length of the soul. Skill of course extends that distance. So if most of your work is 36" or less then you shoukd be golden.

[Jim Koepke]

[edited]
But recently, have come to appreciate the lighter weight, ease of use of a #6 foreplane..Can a #6 do almost most jobs/tasks as a #7? I know the #7 and its longer length is better for flattening but I appreciate these lighter #6's...Your thoughts? Could a #6 function in most cases and bridge that gap? Thanks...

My #6 gets a lot of service, more like a jack plane. For many things it is used as a jointer. For some work it is used across grain more like a scrub plane to get rid of humps and cups. At times, with a freshly sharpened blade, it is a big smoother.

My #6 has even been used to raise a panel.

It is one of the most used plane sizes in my shop.

Of course as always, 352078

jtk

[Chris Hachet]

My #6 gets a lot of service, more like a jack plane. For many things it is used as a jointer. For some work it is used across grain more like a scrub plane to get rid of humps and cups. At times, with a freshly sharpened blade, it is a big smoother.

My #6 has even been used to raise a panel.

It is one of the most used plane sizes in my shop.

Of course as always, 352078

jtkI think you and I are the only two guys here who love our #6 sized planes, Mine is probably the most used plane in my shop at the moment, actually.

[Chris Hachet]

Probably. Really depends on the scale of work you do. The rule of thumb is that a plane can easily straighten a board (face or edge) twice as long as the length of the soul. Skill of course extends that distance. So if most of your work is 36" or less then you should be golden.I edge jointed for years with a #5 before I had the 6 or the 7. It does not take much technique to make the #6 do the edge jointing work of the #7.

[Chris Hachet]

David, you are right! I'm drinking the KoolAid and it ain't bad flavor...but costly....:):DI rationalize my expensive purchases with the thought that it is keeping tool makers in business for the next generation of woodworkers. Sounds much more noble than engaging in retail therapy...

[David Eisenhauer]

I used to not use my #6 much at all, but have had to fab up several medium sized panels lately and have found that the #6 works best at flattening/reducing thickness for me. Previously, I was using a #5 more so than the #6, but I like the #6 for that work better. I can very well see using the #6 as a jointer/try plane for shorter timber edges and panels. I don't have any camber on mine, just eased corners and it works well. Having said that, if I was going to be marooned on that island we hear about, I would have to take the #5 I believe. After being gifted with a LN bronze #4, I completely see the appeal of their BD planes.

[Chris Hachet]

I used to not use my #6 much at all, but have had to fab up several medium sized panels lately and have found that the #6 works best at flattening/reducing thickness for me. Previously, I was using a #5 more so than the #6, but I like the #6 for that work better. I can very well see using the #6 as a jointer/try plane for shorter timber edges and panels. I don't have any camber on mine, just eased corners and it works well. Having said that, if I was going to be marooned on that island we hear about, I would have to take the #5 I believe. After being gifted with a LN bronze #4, I completely see the appeal of their BD planes.

I am wanting some bevel up planes as well. I actually prefer my vintage Stanley type 13 #5 to the modern #5 replacements.

[Tony Wilkins]

I think you and I are the only two guys here who love our #6 sized planes, Mine is probably the most used plane in my shop at the moment, actually.

I think I'd get good use from one. However, I'm waiting for the Veritas custom #6.

[Jerry Olexa]

I plan to do a lot of Touch/feel/use at the LN event....But I'd better bring a replenished wallet....So many choices so few $,,:)

[Stanley Powers]

I use my #6 as the largest of my cambered planes. Unless it is something quite wide or long, it should do the trick for flattening.

[Chris Hachet]

I plan to do a lot of Touch/feel/use at the LN event....But I'd better bring a replenished wallet....So many choices so few $,,:)

I have found one of the biggest challenges to be limiting the number of planes that I buy. Most of my work is done with Vintage Stanley planes.