LV Low Angle or LN #164?

[Lewis Moon]

I'm replacing my Bailey #4 and I WAS thinking about a #604, but since I already have a really nice #3 and #4 1/2, I was thinking of expanding my collection with a low angle smoother in the #4 slot. I've heard good things about both but the LV's handle design looks a little iffy for someone my size (6'5" with big hands). I like the classic design of the LN #164 but have heard that it is not as practical and user friendly as the LV. I've heard both are great users.....
What's more, the Canadian Dollar now renders the price pretty comparable...
Any suggestions or reviews from you folks?

[Mike Cutler]

Lewis.

I'm 6'3" and have hands that are 8 1/2" long, wrist to fingertip. I have the LN 164, and have had no problems with it ergonomically.
It's a fine plane, and I have had no issues with it. I tend to baby planes like this,and think some of the negative comments concerning the adjustability of it are related to folks trying to take too much off at once, and going outside the intended use of the plane.

[Mark Singer]

If you are getting the LV that is part of the trio of 3 planes that share the same iron, then go that way if you plan to get the others. Otherwise the 164 is a great plane

[Lewis Moon]

The LV that I'm looking at is the Low Angle Smoother as opposed to the Bevel Up Smoother, which is part of the trio that share the same blade. The BUS, being wide and heavy would overlap my 4 1/2 and as I said, I'm looking to fill the 4 slot. I read a review of the LV that I'm looking at and the reviewer indicated that there was little room between the tote and the blade adjuster and that the tote was much more upright than "normal", possibly leading to an awkward hand position (this probably has something to do with getting two bolts down the tote). I also know that the adjuster on the 164 was Stanley's way of dealing with the tight quarters behind the blade.
Both planes seem like they would fill the bill and in a nutshell, I like the updated features on the LV and the classic design on the LN. To tell you the truth, if I could get a Stanley #164 without hocking my car, I'd be leaning that way.

[Brad Olson]

LV totes are designed for ergonomics. Traditional totes that LN uses were designed for smaller hands and looks as far as I can tell.

Some prefer the LV style (me included) and others prefer the older style tote that is more arched.

For me it is the arch in the old style that fatigues my hand during heavy use and why I appreciate the re-designed LV totes.

[Jack Camillo]

There's no substitution for trying it before you buy. Except the fact that if you get the LV and it doesn't feel right, you can send it right back with no questions asked. I don't work for them, but this is what I was told last week at a ww show with an LV kiosk. I've never had to return anything to them because I love everything I've bought.

[Brad Olson]

I am almost positive both LN and LV will take back a plane and pay return shipping if you don't like it.

If possible, find someone locally to try out both.

If not you probably won't be disappointed with either, but if you are they will stand behind you.

[Lewis Moon]

Unfortunately, no one in the PHX AZ area carries LV planes. I own the LV iron edge trimmer and I love it and the local Woodcraft carries LN but usually never has the 164 so that is about as close as I can come to comparing.....
I think you're probably right that I can't go wrong with either. I'm leaning toward the 164 for, admittedly, aesthetic reasons and I think the shape of the tote is closer to what I am used to with my Stanleys.

[Derek Cohen]

My advise is to try both, if you can. What you will discover is that it is easier to change blades on the LV (you do sharpen, don't you), and that the LV is easier to adjust. The LV has a depth stop for the adjustable mouth, which may save the edge of your blade. But don't take my word, find out for yourself.

My LV LA Smoother with She-oak tote and knob ..

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Planes/LV%20planes/LVLAS2.jpg

Terrific plane.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Lewis Moon]

You had to go and wave a little tool porn in front of me, dija? Here I was all decided on the 164 and you turn my head with that.....
I'm still going back and forth. I like the LV lateral adjustment, especially if I happen to inadvertantly get the blade a little racked in my MkII sharpening guide. If only the Canadian dollar wasn't so strong...or LV offered free shipping like FTJ....

[Lewis Moon]

My advise is to try both, if you can. What you will discover is that it is easier to change blades on the LV (you do sharpen, don't you), and that the LV is easier to adjust. The LV has a depth stop for the adjustable mouth, which may save the edge of your blade. But don't take my word, find out for yourself.

My LV LA Smoother with She-oak tote and knob ..

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Planes/LV%20planes/LVLAS2.jpg

Terrific plane.

Regards from Perth

Derek

That's a gorgeous tote. I love the more traditional lines. Did you make it? If so, how hard was it and how did you drill the holes? (I assume in an oversized square block prior to roughing the shape)
Why do I want to know....I pulled the trigger on one this evening.:eek: I weighed the LV's more versatile adjustments and the more ergonomic shooting board grip against the LN's mystique, classic design and value retention. Both are great planes but one had to win.

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Lewis

A friend gave me the tote and knob already drilled, but I did extensive reshaping of it. The original looked close to the standard LV set. This now provides a little more downforce. It is not difficult to drill - if you start the block with the holes and shape the tote around tem.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Michael Schwartz]

I have the LV Bevel Up Smother and the LN Low Angle Jack. Both are great planes.



The LN Low Angle Jack is the one plane I have that I trust the most, and the first one I reach for. Same thing for the LV BUS as far as smoothing. I like the simplicity of bevel up planes and the fact that they just work when you need them too. They take a few more seconds to sharpen due to the wear on the back of the blade, but that hasn't really been much of an issue for me.

[Lewis Moon]

Hi Lewis

A friend gave me the tote and knob already drilled, but I did extensive reshaping of it. The original looked close to the standard LV set. This now provides a little more downforce. It is not difficult to drill - if you start the block with the holes and shape the tote around tem.

Regards from Perth

Derek

I like the shape of the knob, too. I never have understood or felt comfortable using the ball-like stanley knobs. My hand always felt more comfortable on top of the knob rather than around it. I may just try my hand at fabbing a new tote and knob after I get the feel of the new LVLAS. I snatched a pic of yours for "inspiration" (read: frank immitation).
Thanks.

[Lewis Moon]

The LVLAS showed up on my doorstep this afternoon.....Wow. I lapped the A2 blades and proceeded to make some of the finest and prettiest gossamer shavings I have ever seen. Also, the piece of plain sawn red oak looked as if it were polished after just a few strokes.
Fit and finish are nothing less than spectacular and the plane just feels heavier than my #4 with a Hock blade and chipper, perhaps because all of the weight is in the sole.
I love the adjustment mechanism(s) and like that I can back the lever cap off just a smidge when adjusting the blade and still keep everything snug. The set screws make changing blades a snap.
Santa, I want a LV LA jack.....