LV Smoother, Not Bevel up or Low angle

[Randy Klein]

I know most talk about LV planes are centered around their bevel up or low angle lines, but what about their other planes. In particular, does anyone have any comments on the 4 (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=46294&cat=1,41182,48944) or 4-1/2 Smoother (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=44751&cat=1,41182,48944)? It seems to have some nice features, such as a full blade support to the sole and the ability to advance the blade and effectively open/close the mouth.

And would anyone know how this plane compares to the LN 4 or 4-1/2?

[Martin Cash]

Randy
There is a fairly good review of the LV Smoothers here:
http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1949&highlight=number++review
On this forum, Alf is considered to be something of a hand tool guru, and her opinions widely respected.

There is a second opinion here which is a comparison of Veritas, Lie Nielsen and Clifton smoothers:
http://www.individualfurniture.com/maker/Planes.htm

Hope this helps.
Regards
MC:):):)

[Mike Henderson]

While I like the fact that LV tries to develop new ideas in planes, the one thing I don't like in their regular (not low angle) planes is the blade depth adjustment, which is a Norris type adjustment. The reason I don't like it is because it requires you to take your hand off the plane to make the adjustment. With the regular Stanley adjustment, you can use your finger to adjust the depth without taking your hand off the tote.

Of course, it could also be that I'm accustom to the standard Stanley adjustment and just don't like the change.

Mike

[Randy Klein]

While I like the fact that LV tries to develop new ideas in planes, the one thing I don't like in their regular (not low angle) planes is the blade depth adjustment, which is a Norris type adjustment. The reason I don't like it is because it requires you to take your hand off the plane to make the adjustment. With the regular Stanley adjustment, you can use your finger to adjust the depth without taking your hand off the tote.

Of course, it could also be that I'm accustom to the standard Stanley adjustment and just don't like the change.

Mike

Mike, I've heard that issue brought up by a few other people. In fact, Chris Schwarz mentions it in his blog as his #1 difference between BU and BD. And although he doesn't come out and say it, I think it's the tipping point for him to prefer BD. I could be wrong though.

[Randy Klein]

Randy
There is a fairly good review of the LV Smoothers here:
http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1949&highlight=number++review
On this forum, Alf is considered to be something of a hand tool guru, and her opinions widely respected.

There is a second opinion here which is a comparison of Veritas, Lie Nielsen and Clifton smoothers:
http://www.individualfurniture.com/maker/Planes.htm

Hope this helps.
Regards
MC:):):)

Martin, thanks for the links. I wasn't aware of those reviews and I thought I had read everything...

[James Mittlefehldt]

I have the Lee Valley 4 1/2 and frankly I don't think you could go wrong with it, I like it and diubt I will bother buyong the BU stuff simply because I don't feel I need them. I have no isue with the Norris style adjuster, even though I do have and use a number of Ohio Tool metal planes with the Stanley version.

In short it is a fine piece of equipment, and worthwhile to buy if you need something like that. As to it's comparison to the LN I can't help you there as I have only handled them briefly at woodshows, but again either is good and your choice should come down to which one you are comfortable with.