......and the Union (new) planes. https://www.unionmfgco.com/
......and the Union (new) planes. https://www.unionmfgco.com/
Being a bigger guy with bigger hands it is easy to understand why a #4-1/2 would be your primary choice. It might be a good idea to call first to see if the tote is actually larger for the larger plane.I have a #4 right now from Stanley, and I find the feeling in hand is not very pleasing while I work. I like the way my bevel up jack feels in my hand from Veritas, so I imagined the Custom 4 1/2 would have a handle size similar to that, rather than going with the Custom #4 where the handle was noted by Derek as being smaller in feel. I am a bigger guy, and I have found smaller saw and plane handles less than pleasing in use.
On some of my saws and planes, tight feeling totes have been treated to a bit of wood removal with a rasp and sandpaper to make them more comfortable.
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
It's my understanding that Veritas offers 3 tote sizes in 2 styles for its custom planes, so you can pick a plane, then pick the tote.
The LV web site just shows the standard config for #4 and #4 1/2 planes
link for totes
Totes for Veritas Custom Bench Planes - Lee Valley Tools
Last edited by Mike Soaper; 04-14-2021 at 9:45 PM.
One of the reasons I got a Lie-Nielsen 4 1/2 was that it takes the same frogs and blades as the 5 1/2, 6, and 7. So if you want some flexibility in blade angle, plane length, and blade camber then you might want to consider that.
In my use, I have my LN 4 in one shop and my 4 1/2 in the other. Both are set up for smoothing (for me that means 30 degree bevel, no camber, 45 degree frog angle, close chip breaker, and very light cut). I use what is there, no strong preference for smoothing. Thin shavings are not so much work that the width matters. Probably would not feel the same about thicknessing with a heavily cambered blade taking a heavy cut in a 5 vs a 5 1/2.
The truth is that after you have it, you will use what you have and it will work.