Veritas Pocket Plane use

[Kevin Hampshire]

Anyone have any user experience with this (Veritas Pocket Plane) small block plane?



How does it compare to the Veritas and LN Apron Planes?



http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,230,41182,48942&p=76879

[lowell holmes]

It does not move me at all. I am a Lee Valley fan, but pocket planes are not something I want.

[Jim Koepke]

Kevin, How often do you reach for a block plane?

Do you wear a shop apron while working?

To me this plane would be very useful. Just like the five others that are capable of doing what this plane does.

jtk

[Charles Bjorgen]

I bought this plane when it was first introduced last year. Didn’t really need it but the size and looks attracted me. I used it mainly to chamfer legs and other parts of a small table I was finishing. I’ll say right now that I also own the Lie-Nielsen 102 block plan that I’ve had since the late 90’s and the Veritas plane pretty much duplicates what the LN plane does. In fact the chamfering on that table was started with the 102 and then the Veritas model was delivered so I then put it to work.

I don’t wear an apron for woodworking so the pocket idea does not apply for me. But it is a nice little plane and the PM V-11 blade is certainly nice. If you don’t already have a small block plane this could be a good purchase but for me it was an unnecessary but nevertheless interesting purchase. I’ll probably hang on to it.

[Simon MacGowen]

Anyone have any user experience with this (Veritas Pocket Plane) small block plane?



That pocket plane fills a WANT, not a need, unless you do miniature or instrument (guitars e.g) stuff. It is not as useful as an apron block or block plane, because of its small size. Try using it to level inlay string work, and you will love your block or apron plane a lot more!

The blade is smaller, and so make sure you have the necessary sharpening skill, done mostly freehand, I'd say.

If you are looking for your first small plane, the apron plane (or the block, if it is not considered too big) is a better choice, whether or not you wear an apron.

Simon

[Rob Luter]

I use a small block plane at various stages of a project, usually for easing edges and making minor tweaks to end grain. My first was an ancient Stanley #102 with a tight mouth. It was replaced by a modern LN #102. It lives in a drawer when not in use.

[lowell holmes]

I had an apron plane until the Hurricane Harvey flood decimated my shop. I think I will order another.

[Phil Mueller]

Simon: Try using it to level inlay string work, and you will love your block or apron plane a lot more!

Not sure I’ve interpreted this correctly, but I use both LN violin plane and the Veritas miniature plane for leveling inlay and stringing. I don’t know why the smaller LV pocket plane would cause someone to prefer a larger plane for this type of work.

[Simon MacGowen]

Simon: Try using it to level inlay string work, and you will love your block or apron plane a lot more!

Not sure I’ve interpreted this correctly, but I use both LN violin plane and the Veritas miniature plane for leveling inlay and stringing. I don’t know why the smaller LV pocket plane would cause someone to prefer a larger plane for this type of work.

You are referring to inlay work on a small surface (small boxes etc.) which, yes, smaller planes work well (I pointed that out in my last post). I am referring to inlay work on my previous dining table (3.5' x 6.5', give or take), cabinet doors, etc.

Simon

[Kevin Hampshire]

Kevin, How often do you reach for a block plane?

Do you wear a shop apron while working?

To me this plane would be very useful. Just like the five others that are capable of doing what this plane does.

jtk

Jim, I already have a LV LABP, LV DX60, LV Apron Plane, Stanley 60 1/2 and a LN 102.

I also have the LV miter plane and a pair of LV Rabbet block planes, but perhaps those don’t count.


So I guess I’m primarily asking if the LV Pocket Plane would add capability that I don’t already have covered by my other block planes?

[Phil Mueller]

Simon, yes, I was referring to smaller projects. I can understand your point on a larger piece. Thank you. Although, I do find a smaller plane useful for even larger projects. I can see what I’m doing better, as well as minimize any material removal on either side of the stringing/banding, especially when going cross grain.

[Derek Cohen]

I bought this plane when it was first introduced last year. Didn’t really need it but the size and looks attracted me. I used it mainly to chamfer legs and other parts of a small table I was finishing. I’ll say right now that I also own the Lie-Nielsen 102 block plan that I’ve had since the late 90’s and the Veritas plane pretty much duplicates what the LN plane does. In fact the chamfering on that table was started with the 102 and then the Veritas model was delivered so I then put it to work.

I don’t wear an apron for woodworking so the pocket idea does not apply for me. But it is a nice little plane and the PM V-11 blade is certainly nice. If you don’t already have a small block plane this could be a good purchase but for me it was an unnecessary but nevertheless interesting purchase. I’ll probably hang on to it.

I pretty much agree with Charles.

I've long been a fan of the LN #103, which I have had for over 20 years. I generally stick to using the full size block planes for most tasks, but the small block planes were purchased to work on small areas. The small plane allows for better visibility and to focus on specific points (as the width it can cut is narrower). I purchased the LN #101 for this work. My one concern about the #101 was the largish mouth (I modified this with brass shim). When the Veritas Pocket Plane arrived, courtesy of pre-production testing I do for LV, it was notable for the very fine mouth and fine adjuster. It is the block plane that is the most capable of all for working with precision in small areas. It is like using a scalpel in place of a bread knife. I like it so much that I ordered the SS version a few weeks ago as a birthday present to myself :) (I really do not need two of these, so the SS is just to keep my NX60 company).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Dan Hulbert]

This is the one I like to keep in my pocket.
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=56665&cat=1,230,41182

[Matt Lau]

No idea about the veritas block plane.

Compared to the apron plane. Smaller. More refined. I "feel" the wood better. Mine is the fancy stainless version.

In use, the adapter is a bit awkward. I tend to bump fingers on the cap. It's smooth and precise though.

Caveat: I mainly focus on small stuff like instruments and maybe chamfering some trim.

[Stewie Simpson]

Kevin; the clear difference in opinion may lie in the fact that Lie Nielsen is not the corporate sponsor of this hand tool forum.

Take the opportunity to trial both brands of block plane, and make your own judgement on what will best suit your needs.

Stewie;

[John Patric]

Some people bronze their kids first shoe and use it for ornamental purposes, I have the the Veritas stainless PP on the mantle.

[Jon Barnett]

I bought this recently, and I already had the apron plane, and various block planes, including the DX60.

I find it is now my go to chamfering plane, as the small size gives a very good feel for the angle it is held at, and the tight mouth keeps tearout to a minimum.

The apron plane is now set for very fine cuts for accurate smoothing.

[David Silverson]

Yes, I’m like that, I can rationalize most things.:)

[Kevin Hampshire]

FWIW, I went ahead and ordered the Anniversary edition Pocket Plane.

It’s much smaller than the Apron Plane or the LN. The mouth ends up being very tight. The plane (typical to Veritas and LN products) is very nicely made.

I haven’t formed an opinion on usefulness, usability or practically.

[Jim Koepke]

FWIW, I went ahead and ordered the Anniversary edition Pocket Plane.

It’s much smaller than the Apron Plane or the LN. The mouth ends up being very tight. The plane (typical to Veritas and LN products) is very nicely made.

I haven’t formed an opinion on usefulness, usability or practically.

My wallet almost got opened for a small, #101 violin maker's plane. (it's so cute!) Also was feeling the pull of a new Tite-Mark®. Alas, thinking about where they would be used came up short.

jtk

[Kevin Hampshire]

Jim, You may be spot on and this’ll get under utilized.

Generally I don’t like/want duplicate tooling or capability (coming from someone who has both the LN 102 and LV Apron Plane) and the Pocket Plane is smaller than the Apron Plane and has a much tighter mouth.

It is for a different use, but I may or may not need it.

Ironically, I did use it tonight and it worked perfectly. I use old hotel magnetic key cards to clean up and scrape off slightly stiffened glue. The edges of the plastic cards get rounded over from scraping, so I ended up using the LV PP for restoring fresh square edges so I could scrape glue. Not the most practical use for the plane, but it worked perfectly and I needed the scrapers for some panel glue ups.


BTW, the LOML chose the LN 102 for herself. I did the chivalrous thing and bought my own LV Apron Plane so I wouldn’t touch hers.

[lowell holmes]

I had an apron plane until the Hurricane Harvey flood decimated my shop. I think I will order another.

I found my apron plane. :) My shop is still not back to normal, bit it is close.

[Ted Phillips]

My wife just got the Veritas Pocket Plane for my birthday present. What a sweet little plane! I have started using it to do the fine tuning on jewelry boxes, rounding off sharp corners, etc. Very useful and a pleasure to hold in hand.

[glenn bradley]

If you don't have an "apron plane" this would probably be as good as any plane that fills that spot. I use my LV apron plane much more than a block plane; it is lighter and more nimble for small tasks. YMMV.

[Kurt Cady]

Ok....so if I want a lightweight block/apron plane which one do I want? The pocket plane or the apron plane? Or the LN bronze violin?

[Derek Cohen]

Given a choice of all the block planes available, with the criteria being you can only have one and it must be small, then my choice would be a LN #102. For a full size block plane, the Veritas NX/DX60, and the pocket block plane would be the Veritas Pocket Plane (especially the SS version).

The #102 would come with an A2 blade. This works perfectly well with a 25 degree bevel. I have an O1 for mine as well, and I think I actually prefer the A2! It takes and holds an excellent edge.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Kurt Cady]

Ok, for the sake of argument let’s add some more details. If you already have a full size block plane and you’re looking to supplement that with something smaller and lighter...

looks like derek is suggesting the LV pocket plane over the LV apron or the LN violin plane

[J. Greg Jones]

In my experience, the LV Apron plane is a great fit for the 'if I could have only one block plane' category, same category where Derek is recommending the LN 102. Both planes can do normal block plane work as well as lighter detail work, to a point. I see the pocket plane is more of a chamfering/light instrument work tool. So yes, if you already have a full-size block plane, the Pocket plane could complement it while the Apron plane would have more in common with your full-size plane. It really depends on the type of work that you are, or are wanting, to do. The larger the pieces you make, I expect the less utility you would get from the Pocket plane. I have no experience with the LN Violin plane.

[Derek Cohen]

Ok, for the sake of argument let’s add some more details. If you already have a full size block plane and you’re looking to supplement that with something smaller and lighter...

looks like derek is suggesting the LV pocket plane over the LV apron or the LN violin plane

Here is a photo of the planes I mentioned (except the LN #102 is the #103 in this photo). I do not have a #102. This #103 I purchased about 25 years ago.

https://i.postimg.cc/9M033nmB/B4.jpg

At the rear is the Veritas NX60. Finest large block plane. George loves it as well. This is art and a working plane in one. Who would not enjoy using it? (I don't think it is available at this time. The DX60 model is equally excellent, actually perhaps better in the hand as the body is grippier).

To the left in the middle is the Veritas Pocket Plane Anniversary Model. I received the iron model for preproduction assessment, and was knocked out. I really did not plan on purchasing the SS version, but it was my birthday (in January) and I said "what the Hell ... I shall regret it later if I did not do so". This one is even nicer in the hand than the iron version.

To the right in the middle is LN #103. I have loved this plane from the time I purchased it all those years ago. I thought that I was getting a #102 at the time and did not read the label properly (should have had my reading glasses on!). In some ways this has been a better plane than a #102 as the higher bed (20 degrees) creates a higher cutting angle, which is better for chamfering. The only aspect I did not like about the #103 was the large mouth. A few years ago I closed it up by epoxying in a brass shim ...

https://i.postimg.cc/W3BBz3dv/LN103-3a-zpsg9fhr6hf.jpg

The mouth is now tight, and the bed angle is 19 degrees. Great plane. Great fit in the hand. One block plane for all occasions.

Now there is a LN Violin Plane bottom right. I purchased this about 18 months ago to get into small places (purchased from LN Australia). Plus it is so cute! Again, the mouth was larger than desired, and again I modified it.

https://i.postimg.cc/vTKNdYqY/B2.jpg

An important difference with the Veritas Pocket Plane is that the latter has a true Norris-type adjuster, and this works well. By contrast, the LN only offers fore-and-back movement. The LN is comfortable in the hand, but the Veritas is more so with its squirrel tail.

https://i.postimg.cc/SRRv52G1/B1.jpg

The mouths of the Veritas Pocket Planes come tight. No modifications needed.

https://i.postimg.cc/MTFCzmXJ/B3.jpg

I think that anyone would be happy with either, but my preference is the Veritas (trying to be unbiased here).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Phil Mueller]

Derek, thank you for your post. I’d like to know a bit more about how you went about adding the shim to the violin plane. It appears you used a thin piece of brass, cut to fit and attached. Could you provide details on the thickness of the shim and what you used to “glue” it in.

I have one, love it, but a tighter mouth would be nice. Thank you!

[David Bassett]

Derek, thank you for your post. I’d like to know a bit more about how you went about adding the shim to the violin plane. It appears you used a thin piece of brass, cut to fit and attached. Could you provide details on the thickness of the shim and what you used to “glue” it in....

He has mentioned the Violin plane mod before:

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?267268-New-Veritas-amp-Other-Planes&p=2842028#post2842028

but described the mod on a LN 103 in more detail:

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?242247-Closing-the-mouth-of-a-block-plane

[Phil Mueller]

Thank you David.

[David Bassett]

Thank you David.

You're welcome, but really all I did was a search. Derek did the work and the write up.

[Phil Mueller]

You took the time to search for me...that’s why this is such a great community.

Now...back to sharpening....

[Kevin Hampshire]

Derek has been pretty clear with his description of these planes, but I thought it might be worth reiterating some things.

The Veritas Pocket Plane is way different from the V Apron Plane and the LN 102. There’s a significant size difference and for me, they don’t overlap in utility.

The Pocket Plane is tiny, but the squirrel tail makes it easy to hold. Looking at the LN Violin Plane, I wonder If it’s too small for me to use comfortably?

The mouth of the Pocket Plane is very tight. So much so, that I initially wondered if I would end up opening it up. In comparison, the Apron Plane has a fairly open mouth.

Like Derek mentioned, I also went with the SS anniversary version of the PP. While I wasn’t certain how it would fit in, I don’t regret adding it to my toolbox. It’s too early for me to say how much use it will get.