Lie-Nielsen vs. Veritas Bench Planes | Tool Duel #5

[@MattEstlea]

Like the workbench? Watch me make it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImuiqqDZctojbc&t

[@shanelandon7593]

Thank you so much for sharing your. As a recovering alcoholic. One of the reasons that I’m so successful this time as I’ve re-invigorated my love for woodworking. I appreciate all the knowledge you share and I think you do an extremely good job on your videos. Step-by-step day by day I work hard to save up for the tooling so that I can start my craft again. I haven’t worked Wood for over 25 years. So I feel like I’m starting all over again once again I appreciate your time and I think you do a great job on your videos thank you.

[@benschmolze1266]

Thanks for the video, Matt. I started off with all LN planes and have slowly been falling out of favor with most of them and swapping for LV. What I find to be major deal breakers in the LN are: - Lateral slop in the bevel up planes (lots of it!) - Adjusting cutting depth also shifts the blade laterally when you don't want it to There is an aftermarket part called the "Howard Adjuster" made in Australia, designed to eliminate the friction between the adjuster and blade. So obviously this is a big problem. That part is around $30, and generally LN is already significantly more costly then LV, so I'd rather just buy the LV. I also have the LN #4 bronze smoother. Beautiful tool once set up but extremely fussy and the lateral adjuster is almost useless. Ultra sensitive. If you feel it move, you've moved it too far. Also massive slop in the adjusting knob - I'm talking like two full turns of slop! LV solves all this with the lateral set screws. It's extremely handy to be able to pop out the blade for a quick honing and pop it back it exactly where you had, and have it stay put when changing cutting depth, as I do often. I also personally like the Norris adjuster on the LV block planes. LN you have to basically do it with your hands as there's really no room even for a hammer tap. With the set screws, there's no risk of skewing the blade with the Norris adjuster. I'm considering installing set screws in my LN low angle block and jack planes. LN looks way better to me, and seems to be higher quality casting and machining, but function of the tool is more important and to me LV wins hands down.

[@738polarbear]

Thank God ,someone with some fucking sense.

[@bigkiv47]

I own both a 5 1/4 Veritas and a no 62 Henry eckert with the howard adjuster. The Veritas shits all over the Henry eckert in that it was just such a pleasure to setup, hone the blade and adjust on the go. My henry Eckert, whilst now a decent plane, was a nightmare to get right... you have to hone the blade perfectly square as there is zero lateral adjustment if you don;t,. The howard adjuster is smooth though so once ty get thje blade square and in place it never loses its lateral adjustment. But the veritas is just quality from start to finish and the grub screws for the blade alignment are just a sensible idea imo

[@FrankTheTank612]

@benschmolze1266 I completely agree. I have three LNs and they are basiclaly just really expensive dust collectors since I started purchasing LVs Veritas planes. The set screws are the key to precision and perfection with the LVs. LNs are just a really pretty version of a very old abd tired design. Don't get me wrong. I love Stanleys, but I will buy a $50 vintage Stanley and not a $450 LN.

[@FrankTheTank612]

​@@bigkiv47Indeed. LV made massive improvements in design for half of the price of an LN. It's really no question in my mind which one is better.

[@sosrob8085]

Matt, keep up the good work! Many of us “older” “experienced” gentleman appreciate your help and your enthusiasm! Forget the haters! I also am w

[@ward459]

Great review. One point about the bronze finish on the Lie-Nielsen is that it won't rust

[@raizt1596]

Is the finish just a covering/veneer or is the entire body made of the bronze material?

[@devemch7851]

@@raizt1596 When LN began 40 years ago he had to cast his first planes in house. Iron is very hard to poor on a small scale and ductile iron is almost impossible due to metalurgy. So he used a bronze alloy. The #4 was the last plane made before moving to ductile iron. Bronze weighs more than iron and has a unique patina and feel. LN planes can also be converted to higher pitches if needed. My current #4 is an orig 604 and my 4.5 is an iron LN. The LN 4.5 slightly outperforms the 604 but that is likely my not having had the chance to tune it. It’s over 70 years old!

[@midi510]

I like having all my planes from the same manufacturer, too, which is Lie-Nielsen. Every time I pick one up, I get satisfaction from the feel of the handle in my hand.

[@mtjgoeke]

Who does not enjoy your fresh and honest approach. Haven’t seen any video from you that isn’t all thumbs up.

[@markkoons7488]

The only modifications I've found to improve the Lie-Nielsens are to strip off the lacquer from both the metal and wood then oil the cherry with tung oil. The more mellow tones are beautiful initially and after a few years the tools become yours in a way that the factory finishes will never allow. In my view is that the factory lacquers are strictly to preserve the newness of the merchandise until it finds a permanent home.

[@atomjordan]

I'm glad you brought that up because I thought it was just me. I'm not a huge fan of shiny over finished wood. I prefer warm tones, oiled and imperfect.

[@andrzej3511]

It seems that both companies produce the best planes in the world, the differences are really small. From this video for me it is clear that it is not minor differences that determine which of these planes are better, it seems that personal preferences (and of course prices) are key factors.

[@greggmiller6623]

One thing you neglected to cover with the L-N #4 Smoother -- it has the ability to change frogs from the stanmdard 45 deg pitch to a different pitch for 50 deg, and 55 deg on both the #4 and #5 planes.

[@MintStiles]

The custom version of the Veritas can do the same (you can pay for other odd angles too). But they use a different system of frog than the standard bench.

[@DanielGuillette]

Very helpful review, I ended up going with the Veritas. Little less costly for extra blades as well and different hardness options. I really like the design of their saws and have many of their backsaws. So when it came time to get a low angle jack I really wanted a Lie Nielsen but the features you mention really helped seal the deal. Thanks

[@thesergeant3524]

Great comparison. Agree with your assessment as well. I have several LN planes, with my favorite also being the #4 bronze, but when it came to the LA Jacks the Veritas is just a more functional plane. I think Veritas has their joinery plane line and their LA plane line dialed in and are superior but there is just something about the traditional feel, look and quality of the Lie Nielsen hand planes that make them a pleasure to use.

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Thanks for the help. Looking to buy my first jack plane. Discussing the nuances is important

[@hassleoffa]

I've got one Veritas ... it's magnificent. I can't wait to get another.

[@bigkiv47]

Yep me also mate... they are a great plane... Which one did you get. I got the 5 1/4 and it is just the best thing

[@davidjennings9253]

Hi Matt - I think the adjustable stop for the mouth is really only there to solve the fact that the front knob lacks a cam adjuster. With the Lie Nielsen you can control the adjustment so much better and are very unlikely to slam the toe into the blade. On the Veritas as soon as you loosen the from knob the toe is free to move around so the adjustable stop is only there to solve a problem which does not exist on the Lie Nielsen.

[@StevenJamesPorter]

I've been doing a ton of research on planes. I am fairly new to woodworking but I'm in love with it. I know people usually suggest bringing back an old Stanley or something, but honestly I have no problem spending the money for a tool that is going to last my lifetime. I am Canadian, so I am in favour of buying Veritas, especially as Ottawa is not far from me (I'm in Toronto at the moment). But wow the Lie-Nielson. Wow, the brass is gorgeous. Maybe a mix of both, but I am fairly strange in I like the idea of eventually having a plethora of planes that are all the same brand.

[@zackeryhardy9504]

I mean when looking at the 2 companies in their entirety, they are about the same. But each company has the specific tools that are better than the other. The lie nielson no.4 bronze smoothing plane is considered to be one of the best on the market. While the veritas low angle is considered to be one of the best low angle planes on the market. And they trade off in all different areas. So I cannot say one company is better than the other as they both have the top spot depending on which tools. I personally am for mixing and matching so that we you get the best of both. I really cannot see much benefit in staying 100% only 1 brand over the other if a different brand has a legitimately better product.

[@nino9273]

@@zackeryhardy9504 The only point in staying loyal to a brand is basically because you like nice tools and you like having them matching. Practically it makes no sense but I do like having matching tools like that

[@GrantHendrick]

Nice video. Why no comment that with Verona’s one can choose different knobs and totes?

[@markmoreno7295]

If you must buy just one style or the other, low angle vs regular, which should i get first?

[@clemoniii]

THANK YOU for this vid. Bought the Veritas LA Jack. Love starting with a tool that is ALMOST ready from the box. Even with Veritas' "fiddly" honing guide I've got a slightly out of square edge, and haven't yet mastered the Chamfer, so use the Norris adj to compensate. May get the LN guide to work on chamfered b4 I hone the 38 degree blade. I must say the EXTACY of a full width whispy thin shaving is... well, extacy.

[@tobarapprentice6618]

Great video. I only found your channel yesterday, but have watched several of your videos; thoroughly enjoying them. Looking forward to seeing more. Cheers.

[@MattEstlea]

Happy to have you here and I'm glad you like them! Any requests let me know!

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Consider the New Stanley 62 LA plane, I got it for $105 and It has same Norris style adjuster, thick A2 blade, have not even honed it yet and it cuts mighty fine...don't Always have to get the Pricey ones...Though I do want a LN 4-1/2 smoother :)

[@Camden04843]

Have you done a block plane comparison? Have you tried the super expensive NX60?

[@markkulyas2418]

Thank you, I was on the fence but your review has made up my mind. Stanley it is👍

[@mgildersleeve]

I love these style of videos you make. So informative. Thanks, man.

[@bretsehorn7372]

Lie-Nielsen handles use "hornbeam", a wood native to Maine, U.S.

[@sailrockpaperscissors8261]

great video, thx , how would either of these compare to other brands ?

[@glasgowguitarist3636]

Nice review Matt I gave up on Veritas a couple of years ago due to seriously poor quality. I bought several Veritas products and all of them had quality issues. The float glass lapping plate was guaranteed totally flat which it was - in the same way as a banana is totally straight 🤬 I got a Veritas honing guide. It is physically impossible to set it up so that the blade ends up with a square edge as the guide is off the square. I have a few other Veritas items and they all suffered similar issues. I really wanted to like them as they seemed to have great advanced features but in most cases these turned out to be more gimmicks than benefits and ultimately it all comes down to quality. I ended up going Clifton for my last plane as I just couldn’t justify Lie-Nielsen prices and have been really happy with it but will probably bite the bullet and go Lie-Nielsen next time round. I have their No62 block plane and a spoke shave both of which are excellent.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

Veritas/Lee Valley stand behind their products. I bought a factory second LA jack plane (the factory seconds are units that are sold as-is with defects) from veritas and there was a stripped nut in the tote. I emailed them a picture. They immediately sent me a replacement, no questions asked. They didn't ask for any bullshit. They didn't charge me shipping. If you bought a honing guide that was out of square, I'm sure they would have immediately replaced it for free. Their customer service is incredible.

[@hypnolobster]

I'm not a big fan of the bevel down Veritas planes, but I absolutely love the Veritas LA Jack over any other low angle.

[@MattEstlea]

Not sure what it is, but they really have hit the nail on the head with it!

[@trevsmith4605]

How do the Axminster Rider planes measure up against these?

[@schm4704]

One thing I really think makes the Veritas low angle planes stand out is that if and when the mouth is clogged with shavings, it literally only takes you a twist of the front knob to open the mouth, shake out the shavings, and close the mouth to exactly the same position it was before. I do that all the time (but then again, I might also watch my depth of cut more closely to prevent clogging in the first place...).

[@MattEstlea]

Second that! Being able to do something as quick and carelessly as that is awesome!

[@emanuelelamacchia7079]

What about veritas Customer bench Plane? Do you prefer eben better the lie Nielsen ?

[@AtypicalPaul]

Great video. Unfortunately the planes I want from lie neilsen are all out of stock or back ordered 😕

[@0student]

went with LN because of adjustment, didnt know there is an alternative to Veritas. thanks.

[@damonrondeau8416]

Very informative & comprehensive -- thanks for this!

[@fenderbender1296]

The Bailey style planes don't have mouth adjustment,a major drawback.You can get the blade closer but you have to undo the frog screws first.

[@RobyWanKenobi]

Have you ever gotten the chance to try Bridge Citys HP-12? Was sold on the Veritas Low-Angle Jack but the HP-12 was down to $469 so I jumped on it. But after ordering came across conflicting reviews. Never notice those important reviews/comments before making hasty decisions. Thank you for your all your videos. Have helped me out from finishing with Osmo to picking the Veritas Low-Angle. And of course love rocking my Osb stickers.

[@MintStiles]

It's just down to preference as both work very well. Not that it's a practical difference, the Veritas standard (non custom) bench has frog system that I really like. It's integrated in a stable triangle with the handle and goes all the way down to the sole as opposed to be mounted on the body. At the end of the day, both are collector items. It's a first world country problem. Of the countless examples, the easiest plane to use and maintain is... in fact a No 4 Record/Marples with a cheap stamped lateral adjuster... At least it still had wood handles. Sometimes, life is weird.

[@jrowe88]

Any thoughts on a LAJ vs. a 5 1/2? Rob Cosman seems to be a big fan of the 5 1/2, but the LAJ's look to do the same. I'm looking for something to shoot with and fit between a Stanley 4 and 7.

[@SWAMP52]

I have the same question. So many choices!

[@benjaminknight9275]

Very informative and a deep dive but I would argue that all your gripes with the Veritas #4, save the Norris style adjustor would be solved if you had compared the Veritas #4 Custom vs the LN. This would have put your #4's at an identical price point. Regardless, great video but I would be curious if the adjustments on the ergonomics would change your #4 choice.

[@TheLastPharm]

"... because I'm sad like that" lol; ohhhhhh, SOOOO relatable!!!

[@davidbald128]

Great video as per usual. Does the grub screw hole on veritas not also accommodate a fence? Or am i mixing up there planes?

[@benjarvis2424]

Would be cool to hear your opinions/tool duel on the Axminster rider series of tools, I'm dead chuffed with the 69.5 low angle block plane, but they have a whole range, go ask for sponsorship as well :)

[@MattEstlea]

It's on the list! Getting the controversial comparisons out the way first! Cheers Ben

[@profifox2168]

Hi Matt, unfortunately both Veritas and Lie Nielsen tools are way to expensive for me and unavailable in Slovakia. Do you have any recommendations for us, who can't afford those hi end tools what to chose? I went for Faithfull, that was still expensive for me, but for you its cheap rubbish, and it really is, struggling to get it setup properly. Tomas

[@TristanJCumpole]

I'm genuinely unsure as to whether a curved chipbreaker is more liable to vibration since it can be held under greater tension than a flat chipbreaker. It may well be so, however I think that without testing to prove one way or another it's a subjective opinion. I've got mostly curved chipbreakers on my planes and vibration hasn't presented itself as an issue when set up correctly.

[@yvranx]

Which is the better general purpose can-afford-only-one plane, the No. 4 or the No. 62?

[@silvermediastudio]

If you're going to do a lot of end grain, the 62 is probably a better option. If you're going to do a lot of highly figured soft wood, the 4 might be better because a chip breaker (properly set up) will help eliminate tear out. But it will take more work to get set up and you might need to get a second frog for end grain. Overall... I find the 62 low angle to be more versatile and anything it can't do you can take care of with a scraper or sanding.

[@AssafOppenheimer]

how do you upgrade the LN 62 adjuster? @08:17

[@dallasryan1485]

I notice the veritas has two screws securing the tote. Mine, purchased in 2023 only has one screw securing the tote. Looks like veritas is cutting corners.

[@allenwc]

Just to point out that Veritas offers three different handles and two different knobs on their planes. For different size hands. have to agree with you on the Norris mechanism, however, the Norris has a huge advantage in that the push pull mechanism is the same force throughout the entire range. Not so much for the other type mechanism, it loses mechanical advantage towards both ends of the adjustment, and if you are towards either extreme it can get rather sketchy. And I love the "grub" screws because unfortunately I have to work with a lot of knotty wood. Knotty Pine, Alder, and so on. Readjusting the skew every pass just drives me nuts.

[@suffolkmillwright2711]

Hi Matt, thoroughly enjoyed this review. I visited Axminster a couple of weeks ago and preferred the lie neilson over the veritas 4. Have you tried a Clifton 4? Clifton is my preferred bench plane but I have a massive soft spot for the bronze finish. Ps, not sure about Noris adjusters either.

[@wlial]

Here in Brazil, because of taxes, protectionism and the greed of some stores, these planes cost the equivalent of more than 850 US dollars. And the minimum wage is only 295 US dollars. It's hard to live here.

[@jc51373]

No wonder we have so many illegal Brazilians in the US!

[@Ed-lz4jv]

So buy a good old stanley bailey plane and replace with a hock blade, I have and they do JUST FINE,

[@conradorodriguez9498]

jc51373 is not people’s problem...it their government....don’t blame people like you or me...blame their fck politician

[@wlial]

@Marcin Berman The average salary in Germany is much higher than in Brazil, and the price of things is lower, in relation to the salary, than here. Today, in Brazil, 1 euro costs 6.34 reais (our currency).

[@bigkiv47]

WHilst I have never used the Lie Nielsen, as at present in Ausie you just can't get them, I did just buy a 5 1/4 Veritas bench plane. WHat a quality plane it is.... such a precise piece of kit.... the norris adjuster, whilst not traditional, does the job very very well. I had a woodriver #6 and # 41/2 and they did take great shavings they were useless on the shooting board as they had crap square tolerance. The Veritas is precisely square and flat and the blade was a dream to polish and hone... no complaints from me it takes 1/2 thou shavings and the timber is left silky smooth. I don;t think the lie Nielsen could do any better but they are also a quality product :)

[@kuffyswoodwork]

Gotta agree about your views on the bevel down planes. I have a Veritas #6 and a bunch of Stanleys. I will only ever own one Veritas bench plane because it sucks so much. The plane is nicely machined to high standards, but the design spec is just awful. The norris adjuster can't be adjusted if you have the cap screw too tight, and if the cap screw is loose enough to allow adjustments, the plane loses its settings each time you bump it or place it on your bench a little too hard. So I end up having to loosen the cap screw, make an adjustment, tighten the cap screw which then in turn adds more depth of cut as I tighten the cap screw. Just hopeless.

[@AndreaArzensek]

I haven't found that problem with my Veritas LA jack. My blade never loses a setting and I can still adjust the blade in&out. Maybe the sharpening is the problem?

[@ionut5316]

tighten the iron enough so you can adjust the deph of cut. use a small hammer for lateral adjustment.

[@meanders9221]

In 6 or 7 years of use I've never had that problem with my Veritas No. 4. I only use it as a smoother. The rest of my planes are old Stanleys. I think at bottom a lot of people prefer the L-N because it hews so closely to the Stanley design and feels familiar. It is a little awkward to switch back and forth from Stanley design to Veritas design, but those set screws that hold the blade in place are great.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

They tell you not to overtighten the lever cap screw. My settings don't move at all unless I'm being careless and abusing them. Maybe you got a bad one.

[@Teddy-zz6kp]

Man! how can you afford all these tools?

[@terryisaac8195]

Nice concise very informative comparison. Thanks!

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

I think a lot of the people on here saying LN no. 4 can’t look past the sentimentality of the Bedrock. Own both and the Veritas is the better tool if you’re more interested in what you build. If your more interested in being traditional then LN all the way. The Lee Valley is just easier to get versatility out of. The Lie Nielsen is a Bedrock at its core. It’s a great smoother. The Lee Valley no. 4 next to a 62 is the more versatile plane you can buy.

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

Nice video. What are the smaller planes like? As I get older I am struggling with some of the heavier planes, I have been looking at the small Lie-Neilson no 1, is it a practical plane or just a gimmick?

[@MattEstlea]

Noooo don't buy the No.1 if you're looking for something practical! The smallest I would personally go is a No.3 although I could possibly use a No.2 at a push. Just keep in mind that the LN ones are made from Bronze which is heavier than Iron. If you're after something lightweight, a Stanley No.3 would be perfect!

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

Thank you, I have bought a Stanley no3.

[@glebarshinov6870]

Hi Matt, i m begginer and want to buy my first low angle plane. I ve got number 4 from stanley, good old plane, but number 62 from old stanley is in the same price as veritas or lie nielsen. So, what plane should i buy? I watched your video, but cannot make a choise between li and ver 62 plane. For me li is more comfortable but veritas is more inovated. Please help

[@MattEstlea]

If you're used to using Stanleys, I would go for the Lie-Nielsen because they are based off the old Stanley patterns. Yes the extra features of the Veritas are nice but I have no complaints about my Lie-Nielsen what so ever. It's a great tool!

[@glebarshinov6870]

Matt Estlea - Furniture Thanks a lot for such a full and quick answer. Your videos about hand tools are very interesting.

[@DaCake2]

If you can't afford these and are just getting started, what low angle jack plane do you suggest? Thanks for the upload BTW!

[@Roct3874]

I've heard that the new stanley sweetheart is ok but honestly I wouls just save until you can get the veritas.

[@francocalcagni7290]

I would really like the LN #4 in bronze but read off their own website's FAQ's there is some concern with the bronze leaving marks on the wood. I am just starting out and may not use them daily, using them infrequently seems to be part of the issue. Matt or anyone else with a bronze plane, do you encounter this problem and other than applying wax (solution given on the LN website), anyone have other work arounds for users that may use them less frequently? (BTW, how long does it take for this "oxidation" to form on the bronze plane to be an issue...a couple of days a week or more than a month?) Matt, great videos, this one and the others you have

[@5000loto]

I have the LN #4 in bronze and a few others in bronze. I work a lot of exotics and very light colored spruce, cedar and holly and I have never noticed marks on my wood. I do use wax occasionally and a spray lubricant made primarily for power tools that does not leave visible residue or interfere with finishes.

[@6h471]

I can't imagine why anyone would use a soft metal like bronze on a plane body.

[@johqcitizen7851]

Did u know that Veritas allows for multiple choice with their choice of totes,blades and adjusters.

[@rbs52guy]

Like the tool duel videos and have made some very informed purchases based upon them. Can I suggest a tool duel betwixt a Lie-Neilsen No 51 Shooting Plane and the Veritas Shooting Plane. Besides the obvious price difference, would like to know if the bells and whistles of the Veritas make it a better deal. Thanks Richard

[@MattEstlea]

I have plans to do that soon! Just waiting until I can get my hands on both of them!

[@keenowl1410]

Excellent and unbiased. Thank you!

[@mikealantempleton2133]

Great video as always. I’m mike and I’m 16. I have been woodworking now for two years and looking to start into hand tool work. Can you recommend 2-4 starting hand planes specially for me to look into starting with. I like Nelson and Veritas but not sure on which to start with. Thanks in advance for your help

[@ionut5316]

Matt, this is a very informative video (actually all of your videos are very informative). I have the low angle jack from Veritas, and I am looking for a smoothing plane. I have an old Record no 4 and I want to turn it into a scrub plane. I was looking at LN No. 4 and at the Veritas smoother plane (but the low angle one, not the one from this video). I can use a high angle iron, and share the irons with the low angle jack as well (they are exactly the same size). What do you think? Thanks.

[@MattEstlea]

Why thank you! It's weird. Veritas have 2 low angle smoothing planes. One is simply called a LOW ANGLE Smoothing Plane. The other is called a BEVEL UP Smoothing Plane. You'll have to look into the exact differences between them BUT you are able to use the same blade for the Low Angle Jack plane and the BEVEL UP smoothing plane. Hope that helps!

[@anhadbaninr6736]

Beautiful plane

[@viktorcieslar9776]

Ani jeden není z výroby připravený na práci. Ani jeden nemá srovnanou spodní stranu do roviny. Hodnotíš jednotlivá řešení a uniká ti nepřipravenost obou hoblíků a schopnost litiny jednoho či druhého výrobce zůstat dlouhá léta rigidní vůči kroucení. Zapomeň na značky. Omezují v úsudku ☺️

[@18roselover]

Cdn living in the usa , well done review . I have a few LV products and IMHO I prefer L/N the quality of their tools is better

[@ericswain4177]

So in the end it is about personal preferences when your at this level of planes.

[@settebello28]

Hi, is plastic or iron the level cap of veritas #4 standard?

[@ziggen78]

Alluminium🥳

[@settebello28]

@@ziggen78 thank you i just to read your answer

[@ziggen78]

@@settebello28 ✌✌🤗

[@settebello28]

Thank you, better late than never

[@edwardchester1]

Fantastic video. Really informative stuff.

[@jonq8714]

I don't care if Veritas planes are better in every way because the aesthetics of the Lie Neilsen planes are so far superior according to my sensibilities. Plus, they are made in the USA and close to my home so I can go to the showroom from time to time to play around and that for me is the clincher. That said, I am leaning towards the Veritas shoulder plane because it has a more traditional look and not that 90's Batman aesthetic of their bench planes.

[@steverochon1620]

I've never used the Veritas LA jack, so I have no way to compare, but the LN version is the most used plane in my shop. I've found that Veritas seems to be more "thoughtful" about design, which is why I chose their models of shoulder and router planes. LN seems to focus more on making high quality replicas of great old Stanley's. Here's hoping you're hard at work on that spoke shave video brother! Enjoy your weekend.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Very welcoming intro haha

[@afidram]

Nice fair review, thanks bud - “because I’m sad like that..” haha - nice.

[@MattEstlea]

Haha no point in being dishonest! Cheers Anthony

[@gordonmcnally899]

Your videos are so good brother!

[@bsouza1675]

Great review! Thank you. Cheers 😁

[@gworxtaiwan402]

This was helpful to me. I have the Lee Nelson #4. The editing style here (quick flip of perspective to a detail just mentioned) helps a lot. Subscribed!

[@mchristopher]

Your bias toward Lie Nielsen is showing in this video. I don’t say that in a bad way, just comes across that way to me. We all have our preferences and that is fine. Where you conceded that the Veritas is superior, you qualify it with “but that has never been an issue for me”. On the low Angle Jack I think you left out a couple of key differences. Veritas is 15” long while the Lie N. Is 14” long. On the Veritas, There is extra length at the front of the plane which gives you a longer reference surface to begin your pass- for me that is the biggest difference (having never held the Lie Nielsen myself). I own the Veritas and it is my favorite plane. I am considering a No. 5 1/2 plane for my next purchase based on Rob Cosman’s declaration that the 5 1/2 is his favorite plane. I’m considering the Lie Nielsen and the Wood River since Veritas doesnt make a traditional 5 1/2. (See...my pref is for Veritas haha). I appreciate your videos. I would like to see a comparison of the 5 1/2 or at least a video review of the Lie N. 5 1/2 if you have that plane? Thanks!

[@738polarbear]

I am a Veritas man but I bought the Wood River #4 AND 5 1/2 Jack from Rob Cosman . I have to say I use BOTH as my goto planes now . In truth if I could ONLY have one plane it would be the WR 5 1/2 Jack.as it is marvellous . 1/1000th shavings no problem . I think that too fine myself but the amount of backlash is only 1/3 of a turn as well . Very well engineered planes.

[@mchristopher]

@@738polarbear I think Rob Cosman is the greatest! I’m a displaced Canadian living in the US for almost 20 years now (wow! Can’t believe its been that long). Rob cannot ship planes to the US or I would support him for sure. By the time you pay Rob to tune up and ship the Wood River you are spitting distance to the price of the Lie N. I also like that you can get different angle frogs for the LN if you ever wanted. Plus... I would like to have a Lie Nielsen in my quiver, but before pulling the trigger, I would just like to see a good in-depth review of the LN 5 1/2.

[@АлександрСтепанов-ч2ю]

А по итогу согласен 4 lie Nielson, и Veritas❤

[@big66bob66]

great review, thanks

[@davidpolacek1051]

Hello Mat, I really like your videos. Do you have any experience with DICK planes. They are much cheaper than Veritas or Lie-nielsen. Thanks a lot. D

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

Love the lie Nielsen bronze no4 .. spend the money it’s an awesome plane . With the added mass it’s a pleasure to use.. its also the sexiest plane I have and life’s too short for ugly planes..👍😊 great job Matt 👍

[@738polarbear]

How can a chunk of metal be "SEXY"? FFS.

[@Bogie3855]

Up here in the True White North(Canada) Veritas planes are HALF the price of a Lie Nielsen. I live in Vancouver so I can drive to the Lee Valley store and handle it before I buy.

[@Blackrain4xmas]

Great video-THANK YOU. Ever make your own handle? I saw a grip on a 22cal target pistol that had a cool thumb rest running down the L side (for right handed). I wonder if that would help direct the pressure/imprint on a bench plane. Be neat to try

[@newinspiration2108]

I prefer the bulged chip breaker of the Veritas, it'd help prevent tear-outs with correct setup,

[@ianelley]

No comparison with Clifton planes at all ?

[@MattEstlea]

Never used them! I base these comparisons on my long term experience using the tools and it would be an unfair disadvantage to the Clifton if I was to compare it against other brands. I have other manufacturers that I will be comparing in the future, it's just Veritas and Lie-Nielsen are the more controversial ones!

[@ianelley]

Nice one Matt, worth a gander if you get the chance, I've only recently found your channel, finding it very practical, keep up the good work mate

[@juniorpatrick407]

Great Review! Thank you!

[@horsetowater]

Bedrock style still wins over standard style as at least you can retain your iron/cap iron setting and skew if wanting to transition between hogging and refining in the one sitting

[@devemch7851]

I just finally found a LN 5 1/2 jack. The only plane harder to find is the orig bedrock late model 605.5. The LN is a faithful reproduction of the original with a ductile body versus a grey iron body. The chip breaker performs a tad better but only a tad. The Veritas planes tend to drift from the gold standard by quite a bit. I have made Norris planes in the past and love them. But a Norris drives way differently than a Bailey. Having a rapid ability to change the frog has not been useful. In fact the bedrock ability to move the frog with ease never excites me. I was more into the solid bedding of the bedrock. What I have found is that the Clifton planes are also impressive. While not a true bedrock they are heavy accurate and a pleasure to use.

[@oakleyjack7600]

Good video.! I love my Veritas planes but when it comes to a #4 size smoother Lie Nielsen wins hands down for two reasons, love the bronze and the friction of the sole is better and I like the depth adjustment wheel location. I would of like to have seen you compare the LV customizable #4 with the adjustable mouth and choice of frog angles in comparison to the bronze beauty.

[@AndreaArzensek]

Friction of the sole in bronze better than iron sole? I don't know, I find waxing my LN4 Bronze more than iron bottom planes. But still the LN4 is the nicest looking plane in my shop.

[@nicpye248]

Chip breaker? Is it because they’re both American planes?

[@738polarbear]

Lee Valley is CANADIAN.

[@slash18gabita]

please do the spokeshave comparison :D

[@thewoodweldingfabricator9300]

At the end of the day, you need to try out both of these planes and figure out which is the best fit for your personal needs.

[@englewood1957]

A skilled worker will make any plane work.

[@totobill22]

Merci Matt pour cet avis. La différence de prix également peut entrer en jeu ...

[@markharris5771]

Are you allowed to mix and match in the woodworking world? Or are they like cameras, and you are stuck with one make and if anyone defames the brand you use you have a punch up behind the bike shed at 3.00pm? (Yes there really are people in the photography world this sad).

[@terryisaac8195]

If you want to try to expand your hand and your woodworking skill, give Swiss Chip Carving a go. You can do a lot of it sitting down comfortably using only two types of Swiss-style chip carving knives, both ergonomically designed by Wayne Barton, and that you can purchase directly from Wayne Barton's website. I think you would enjoy the creative nature and fine craftsmanship of it. Don't know where you live, but this is great creative entertainment for our long, cold, snowy Midwest winters!!! Look up books and DVDS by Wayne Barton, who was my teacher and mentor. He apprenticed and studied Swiss Chip Carving over in Switzerland directly from his Swiss father-in-law. So Wayne is the real deal! He owns and runs the Alpine Valley School of Chip Carving out of his studio. He is very personable, friendly, and approachable. His studio is in a suburb of Chicago, IL. All the Best! Terry

[@chriscunicelli7070]

I agree with your thoughts on these planes

[@sly9263]

The Lie Nielsen knobs are too small. The wide knobs on Veritas are superior in that regard.

[@tchevrier]

you should take a look at WoodRiver hand planes and give your evaluation.