VERITAS HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD! Veritas Custom No 5 Review and Set Up

[@blahahbly11]

Just found your channel (after a year and a half of watching hand plane channels), and I have to say, you do an excellent job of fully describing issues and topics not typically addressed. Very in depth without being long winded. Love the reviews sir! Great job, got my sub

[@BatCaveCreations]

This is amazing to hear!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@douglasanderson7260]

Good video, I am glad you like your veritas plane. I am not super happy with mine, but that is because I have to spend far too much time playing around with it to get it back to t u e working state after sharpening, which to take longer after searching for an Allen wrench that works with it. And by the time I remember how to take it apart, sharpen it and put it back together, I have spent twice as long as it would take to sharpen my stanley or lie Nielson. But that was my only real complaint about mine. I take it down every once in a while to remind myself that I do not like Norris adjusters, but it was a learning experience for me.. I have other veritas planes, a scrub, a router, and a small plow. And I agree that lee valley does a really good job figuring out how humans use tools, not perfect, but at least they are tring something new.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Thank you! I think, imma put a hook on the bench to loop the Alan key on so its handy. This will be my only bevel down 5 so I thunk it will be easier when it's the only one. But deff see what ur dmsayijg if you are switching between no 5 brands it would be a learning curve each time lol Thank you for sharing! Good for ppl to keep in mind!

[@ytakahashi7742]

I just ordered 5-1/2, 40 frog and 55 frog last week. I could not find a lot of reviews but I'm more confident your review and wood by wright. I'm looking forward to arriving mine soon. Thank you!

[@BatCaveCreations]

Let us know how you like it and the diff frog angles! I'm still amazed by mine. I have a no 4 with a 55 on the way now too :D

[@mikeumpstead6422]

The new planes, whether Veritas or LN or ? are well made and should be highlighted for that, as you have done. Been a woodworking hobbiest for more than 4 decades. I have collected a complete set of vintage Stanley #2 thru #8 and some specialty planes as well. My 1940’s Stanley 5 1/2 will pull a shaving as well as you demonstrated and can get to “whispy” transparent shavings as well, original plane iron and cap. Paid $25.00 and gave it 2 hours of attention. Thank you for your content and excitement.

[@BatCaveCreations]

I love this! Thank you for adding on, you are spot on!! I have to ask, the no2 - no 8 collection. What type did you go with and why?

[@mikeumpstead6422]

I purposely did not tie my collection to a type, allowing me to experience all. I prefer pre-war era, as the castings were heavier and plane irons had more carbon content (sharper longer). Post war era on specialty planes like the Stanley no 10 were machined better. I have found no advantage or disappointment with the corrugated sole. As far as play in the depth adjustment, it’s a side note for discussion, it has no effect on the planes performance when set up correctly. On the topic of set up correctly, can you say “pandoras box”. Correctly is tied more to you as an individual and the type of work you do vs shaving performance, etc. So many pros and cons, could easily make a 3 hour vlog on that topic alone 😊. All the best!

[@BatCaveCreations]

Yes!!!! Thank you! It is rare to find a woodworker, who has done the craft as long as you have be... "chill" about it and not automatically say their way is right and "this" type is better than that type. Thank you for this breath of fresh air! It appreciated more than you know.

[@JeffRL1956]

I agree, Lee Valley's customer service is fantastic.

[@anthonyseiver7000]

A Veritas custom (a number 4 smoother) is on the "I want list". But the same list also has a Lie Nielsen No. 4 listed too. I love my Veritas planes (and I have a couple) but my recently acquired LN No. 62 has me lusting for another LN.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Lol I get that for sure, all I'll say is the clifton 4 is replacing the LN 4, I also have a custom 4 with a 55 frog on the way. The custom 5 is replacing my LN 5. No matter what you pick, LN, Clifton, Veritas custom, ull be happy. A note ok custom vs standard. The veritas standard hand plane is what made me lean to LN as my users but this custom changed the game for me haha

[@MintStiles]

Lots of props for planing the face!!! Can't stand people demonstrating planing edges in perfect wood. 5 and under should really be demonstrated on the face as that's their main application. 6-8 on edge makes far more sense.

[@BatCaveCreations]

I agree with you there!! thank you!

[@MintStiles]

@@BatCaveCreations love what you are doing. Keep it up brother! Great great content.

[@BatCaveCreations]

thank you!!!!I appreciate that!

[@russelljames1811]

Your ambidextrous screwdriver skills just blow me away...😊

[@BatCaveCreations]

Hahahah thank you? :D

[@craigpierce4941]

It’s a thing of beauty. Happy for you and pray you have many years to master it.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Thank you!! To both!!

[@joekindon3935]

Dang it Jamie! I want one!!!

[@BatCaveCreations]

Hahaha sorry!!! Lol

[@fredpierce6097]

On the strength of your shavings and your user experience, I will consider that this plane is a winner. I must say, the learning curve for getting along with this plane is steeper than a first date with a Downtown Penthouse dwelling Divorcee!

[@BatCaveCreations]

Hahaha very true!!! Normally checking out a plane I do everything right when opening the box.... this one. I had to mess with a bit before giving a good review hahaha

[@mikeneedham5742]

Great overview, thanks. I have the 4 1/2, 5 1/2 and no 7 custom planes. All really good, but the no 7 is amazing. Everything is interchangeable, i purposely chose a set with the same width blade, frog, etc. So I have 45 degrees frogs as standard but then i have one low and one high frog which I put into whichever plane I need it in. That said the high frog seems to live in the 4 1/4 for smoothing difficult grain. The only thing I don't like is the iron to cap iron connection ring. It doesn't grip the blade so well and I've had a holding screw sheer; replacement expensive for what it was and not a stock item in the UK. Overall.....I'd agree probably the best planes out there. The PMV11 blades are wonderful too.

[@BatCaveCreations]

That was a genious move!!! Getting the 4.5, 5.5, and 7 so everything can be interchanged! Dang I wish I would have thought of that hahahhah

[@thomasgilbert9347]

Thanks for all the information and the detailed video

[@wintermutt9090]

Okay, I'm convinced Jamie. Dang, now I want one. 😄 I'm blaming you for reactivating my own plane obsession. Ever since I started watching your videos I've been pulling out all my various old planes, sharpening 'em up, and taking them down to my wooden boat-building club and blathering on to anyone that'll listen about all the finer points of plane design and use. Also getting going on restoring a few old neglected beauties. Even got one of my buddies competing with me on who can get the finest shaving. I'm still mostly a vintage Stanley/Sargent guy with a couple Lie Nielsens thrown in the mix, and he's more of a Veritas guy, but we're both slowly converting each other to the benefits of the alternatives. Luckily (or maybe unluckily), the Lee Valley/Veritas store is just 15 minutes away. Really appreciate all the great enthusiasm and great technical reviews you are doing. Keep up the good work and huge congrats on breaking the 1K barrier.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Hahaha, you're the 5th to tell me I'm hurting their wallet because of this video, hahah I love that you are getting those older planes back up and running and sharing knowledge! That is an amazing competition!! Love it!! I would have 0 dollars left if I loved that close to a LV store. It's on my bucket list to visit one, tho! As always, thank you for the encouragement and support! I really appreciate you and your comments on the channel. And WE BROKE 1K!!!! I did a happy dance, hahah

[@wintermutt9090]

@@BatCaveCreations Hahaha, now I've got this crazy image in my mind of you happy dancing around your shop. Lol.

[@BatCaveCreations]

It is 100% accurate! Hahahha

[@richardc6932]

Can you give me your opinion on the pros and cons of the low angle custom that you’re looking to acquire versus the standard version you are demonstrating? The low angle demonstrated by Veritas show like a versatile plane as well and no cap iron as a bevel up design. Is it just personal preference?

[@BatCaveCreations]

I haven't been able to try the 40* or low angle frog in the customs yet so I can't compare it to a bevel up right now. Unless I misunderstand and you are asking about bevel up vs bevel down. That is a LONG TIME argument and I settled on having both and using both depending on what I'm doing. Bevel up I use for endgrain. Bevel down 45* frog for standard use. Bevel forn 55* frog for tough and curly grain. Sometimes, I reach for the bevel up on regular grain just for fun or like of the bevel down iron need sharpened and I'm being lazy haha If I had to guess the 40* frog would be ok for endgrain but not as good as the bevel up planes. I hope that helps!

[@richardc6932]

@@BatCaveCreationsthanks for a quick reply to my question. I just want get an understanding of the difference between a bevel down versus bevel up plane. I contemplating buying a custom #4 smoother bevel down and a 5 or #51/2 Jack for additional length and for waste removal for longer surfaces. These will be my first two long term keepers. I did buy the S&J #4 you recently reviewed. After some attention to it’s not a bad little plane. Thanks for the tip. Best $50 I have spent to date.🇨🇦👨‍🦳👍

[@BatCaveCreations]

@richardc6932 oh ok! If you have already got the bevel down plane to work then go for custom. If you didn't learn how to get a bevel down to work I'd say go with bevel up because they are easier. I would also suggest going with either 4 and 5 or 4.5 and 5.5, the frogs and irons are interchangeable on them so you can get 1 45* frog and 1 55* frog to work in both. But if you go 4 and 5.5 then they aren't interchangeable

[@StefanoLBP]

Thank you

[@timothymallon]

I wonder if that throat adjustment stop screw allows the throat to close much further so that when you're using a high angle frog like the 50, the iron will rest better.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Dude! YES! Thank you. That makes sense and I didn't even think of that 😅

[@burningtree878]

Dig your content Jamie and thank you for sharing. It would be great if you would mention what type of wood species you are planing.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Thank you! And ur right I missed that :( it's maple

[@nobuckle40]

Nice plane at a surprising lower than expected price. Thanks.

[@BatCaveCreations]

I agree! I thought it was going to cost alot more than it did when I was checking them out!

[@shawnstuart1029]

I have the 5 1/2 and its a pleasure to use. Great review.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Thank you! Why did you decide to go 5 1/2 instead of the 5? I like hearing ppls opinions on this topic lol

[@shawnstuart1029]

@@BatCaveCreations It's just faster when planing larger surfaces. I already have a LN low angle jack, and a vintage stanely bedrock #5 with PMV 11 blade in it. Also both fantastic performers.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Do you find it significantly harder to push than a 5?

[@shawnstuart1029]

@@BatCaveCreations With a properly sharpened blade and waxed sole it requires little effort. The extra weight adds to the momentum as well.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Thank you!! I may have to try one. Only really ever tried a 4.5 but that was when I was a noob hahah

[@GuntherJones]

5 or 5 1/2? I love the Stanley 5 1/2.

[@BatCaveCreations]

I prefer the 5, but I can't say that I gave a 5 1/2 a fair go haha

[@mitchblackmore5230]

Wow, I have some how stumbled into the 'Wood Plane' version of Audiophile Snobs. You guys are insane.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Thank you! :)

[@Devon.Martin]

Timing on this couldn’t be better.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Happy to hear it!!!

[@PeanutsDadForever]

Good overview video! Thanks. 👴🏻🇦🇺

[@christopherreiss1320]

Thanks for another great video! Maybe this is a dumb question, but being that these have optional fences, how would you say this might compare to the Veritas shooting plane for that purpose? Do you think there are things with the shooting plane you just can't get with this?

[@BatCaveCreations]

Love this question and not dumb at all! If we are talking shooting edge and face grain, the fence on this plane can take over unless the work piece is small For end grain. Nothing is better than the veritas shooting plane imo. (Not even LNs). But you can use a bevel up jack for the same thing just not as good as that dedicated tool. For bevel down, like this plane, I hate using them for shooting end grain. Tho I know alot of people that do, I just don't prefer it. If you want to put a fence on this plane to plane endgrain without a shooting board that will take alot of effort, push downward, forward, and the fence against the board. The shooting board design take 2 of those factors out with the fences and all you have to do is push forward. Does that help answer the question?

[@christopherreiss1320]

@Bat Cave Creations that does help a lot; thank you! You mentioned several factors I hadn't considered when thinking about this earlier. I've been thinking about getting the LV one soon and this just helped solifiy that. Thanks again!

[@BatCaveCreations]

You won't be disappointed with the veritas shooter! If you run into any issues lemmie know and I can amke a video for you!

[@cerberus2881]

I've had better luck getting L-N's but if I'm ever able to get the Custom #7, I will.

[@BatCaveCreations]

A clifton 7 would be amazing!! Ln is deff easier to get :(

[@ericwhetstone5383]

You having KZbin is bad for my wallet…. This is a great overview! I also need the slow adjuster!!!

[@BatCaveCreations]

Hahhaha I've heard that 3 times since this video posted lol And yes! Deff recc the slow adjuster!!

[@OrangeGeemer]

Are the sides square to the bottom?? They seem to be angle towards the front

[@BatCaveCreations]

I thought the same thing but it is our eyes playing tricks on us with the details they added in lol they are square to the bottom :)

[@OrangeGeemer]

​@@BatCaveCreations thanks (I like using the plane on its side for support while transfering dovetails).

[@BatCaveCreations]

it will be good for that too! :D

[@blayne2029]

Do you use it for smoothing?

[@BatCaveCreations]

Yes and no lol my system is scrub, no 5, no 4.

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Very narrow shavings compared to iron width! For me, the quality of sharpening (both the edge formed and the geometry) are way more important than minor design changes to the plane body.

[@XxIcedecknightxX]

For some reason, I like the design of the plane for its aesthetics. Maybe because it's anti-modernism and almost Victorian in a way.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Yes! It's not only functional but it's artistic!

[@inspectr1949]

Interesting how Rob Cosman, Lie Nielsen and Lee Valley all have a disdain for each other, hand tool woodworking has always been my mental retreat and the 3 of them even try to mess that up.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Lol trust me. I wish they would combine forces and make like the end all be all best plane, best tools ever but I don't think that's going to happen 😆 But don't let that take away from hand tools being your peace, because they definitely are for me!

[@morganjames2137]

Another wonderful Veritas product we can't get in Aus. Cmon @carbatec!

[@BatCaveCreations]

Dang :( I wonder why they won't ship there :/

[@morganjames2137]

@Bat Cave Creations good question. They only carry part of the veritas range and don't seem willing to order things in. BTW I've got the LA jack, router plane and combination plane arriving this week finally! Thankyou for your recommendations and videos on those subjects.

[@BatCaveCreations]

Oh ok! I'm happy to hear you can at least get some of them!! And I'm happy to help!! I haven't tried a combo plane but love the LA Jack and the router!!!

[@morganjames2137]

@Bat Cave Creations yeah the combination was an opportunistic impulse purchase. Was looking over a stanley 55 at the fagan park mechanical museum and came home to see the veritas available on carbatec online. The combo looked beautiful and should be a bit of fun to learn to use instead of the power router.

[@BatCaveCreations]

I never tried a 55, but I know the stanley 45 made me want to RIP MY HAIR OUT haha so if I get a combo it will deff be the Veritas. Check in with me after you put it through the paces and lemmie know how you like it!