Early Access Video: Low Angle Plane Shoot-out!
Added 2019-11-09 12:01:00 +0000 UTCFriends:
I guess I caught the low-angle bug for real. Not only did I make a low angle jack plane, I also bought the Stanley and the Tay Tools versions. Then our friend Ethan loaned me his Veritas. With all those low-angle planes around, I had to do a shootout.
So here we are: I put these three planes head-to-head to see which one is the best and which is the best value.
Enjoy!
--Rex
Comments
Great review. After watching, I ordered the Stanley. Nearly six months now and it's still working great, excelling on the shooting board while providing a different option of attack should I run across a board with an area of odd grain that's challenging my bevel down planes. And the money I've saved? I put that toward other tools.
Larry Peters
2021-05-31 13:54:32 +0000 UTCFor just over $100, you kind of can't go wrong. I'm very pleased with mine and I use it quite a bit.
Rex Krueger
2019-12-19 11:38:34 +0000 UTCI'm coming back late with this comment. Thank you again for doing this series. Long story short, I ordered the Stanley via Home Depot, happy to find the price dropped to $114 over the course of this series. I love what it does. Everything was perfect; it worked out of the box, but better after honing a quick micro-bevel. The LV, which I considered a year ago, is certainly sweet, as you confirmed, but the price difference makes it hard to justify. I'm glad I've never actually used the LV. That might have left me with more thoughts of what might have been. Again, Rex, thanks. I'm happy with the Stanley low-angle jack and wouldn't have gotten there without your series on the topic.
Anderson Young
2019-12-18 20:18:28 +0000 UTCI threatened to cancel the CC if I did not get any tracking info. Today I got an answer (I really wasn't expecting that). If there is any reality to this, it is shipping from China. More later.
Michael Ross
2019-11-20 07:05:41 +0000 UTCFantastic! I'm delighted that I could help!
Rex Krueger
2019-11-15 14:18:48 +0000 UTCThanks for this shoot out video. I was so pleased to see your review and now have a much better idea of what will best suit my budget and needs when it comes to a low angle plane.
Daniel Baugh
2019-11-15 14:00:15 +0000 UTCOk, thanks for clearing that up! :)
Daniel
2019-11-13 14:37:19 +0000 UTCHey! My videos are available on Saturdays for Patrons and you can watch them anytime Saturday-Wednesday. On Wednesday morning, I set the Premiere, and that makes the video unwatchable for about 5 hours. This week, you'll have the video 4 days early. I'm done shooting it and on to editing.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-13 14:08:50 +0000 UTCYes, me too!
Steve Symes
2019-11-13 14:08:49 +0000 UTCSo is this video supposed to be available now for patreons because I get the "premiere in 5 hours" both here and on yt?
Daniel
2019-11-13 13:43:10 +0000 UTCI took a push stick to the palm the other week. Dumb mistake, tried to push it back down into the workpiece after it was lifted out of contact by the blade. Not serious, just a superficial scrape (in the shape of Australia!) but a good reminder to switch off and walk away when you've got that "hmm" feeling
Matthew Leigh
2019-11-12 19:57:13 +0000 UTCIve done that EXACT same thing. The piece sailed clear across a 10,000 sq ft warehouse. I think it also hit me. I was wearing winter cover-alls at the time and the whole thing happened so fast. I'm not even sure if I got hit.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-12 15:05:00 +0000 UTCThis souvenir is on the wall next to the table saw. https://photos.app.goo.gl/KyPnSVWH83cxdPky5
Bill Smithem
2019-11-12 14:55:52 +0000 UTCI used a table saw for fifty years without incident, then got distracted for five seconds and did this. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mw4ev4vXq3dpLydD8
Bill Smithem
2019-11-12 13:34:47 +0000 UTCGlad you thought it was funny!
Rex Krueger
2019-11-12 12:12:50 +0000 UTCMy brother just visited last week and got the shop tour. Weird.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-12 12:12:26 +0000 UTCI used to do EVERYTHING on mine, then I had an accident with it. Soon after: Woodwork for Humans. Coincidence?
Rex Krueger
2019-11-12 12:10:45 +0000 UTCI'll admit I thought it was going a little long, but the tool fairy payoff was worth it.
Brian Murray
2019-11-12 05:16:26 +0000 UTC‘If you’re scared to use you tool, what’s the point?’ Ribald jokes aside, this is why I don’t own a table saw. They scare the BEEJESUS out of me.
A1BASE
2019-11-12 02:50:19 +0000 UTCOh. I forgot to mention. My family came visiting last month and my brother wanted me to give him the workshop tour. I’m showing him some of the more unusual tools in my metal drawer system and he opens the plane drawer... then puts his full glass of rum and coke IN THE F$@!!ING DRAWER. Guess what happens next?? The entire thing and a whole bunch of tools is still a sticky mess. Families. Gotta love em. 😡
A1BASE
2019-11-12 02:47:46 +0000 UTCThe angels singing was a great touch. Thanks for the laugh.
Bill Smithem
2019-11-12 02:14:27 +0000 UTCI thought corny was funny!
Jim Williams
2019-11-11 18:42:36 +0000 UTC:) both ;)
T. Flo
2019-11-11 18:22:50 +0000 UTCThat was a very thorough answer and taught me some things I didn't know even after testing 3 of these things. Nicely done!
Rex Krueger
2019-11-11 11:21:40 +0000 UTCI would like to try a jointer with a fence some time. Just to see!
Rex Krueger
2019-11-11 11:20:22 +0000 UTCI'm certainly paying attention.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-11 11:13:56 +0000 UTCI'm really glad! I'm never totally sure if these jokes are corny or actually funny.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-11 11:13:25 +0000 UTCLoved the humor with the tool fairy. Enjoy your videos greatly. Thanks.
Robert Horn
2019-11-11 04:05:51 +0000 UTCThere is a pull down with different currencies you might want to see on the sale price. The website is not very professional, which is either suspicion inducing or just inept.
Michael Ross
2019-11-10 20:47:02 +0000 UTCI think I didn't have enough coffee. I thought I saw something about currency conversion, but I don't see it now. Not the first time I was seeing things. ;)
Duncan
2019-11-10 19:46:54 +0000 UTCThe charge was $68. I got the company name from the charge record. No other way to find it. Glacial Farms LLC: SEC CIK #0001786376. 20275 BETHEL CHURCH RD. MANCHESTER MI 48185. No other way to find it. Given that I wasn't thinking there was any currency conversion going on. I should say, in this day of working out of one's home, reselling stuff is pretty common. I am happy to wait a little for some more communication.
Michael Ross
2019-11-10 19:17:49 +0000 UTCI've looked more at their various tools for sale. My bet is their currency converter or website some how does not register anything above the 10's digit. $168 is a plausible price for the Stanley, but not a really good price. And $68 is hard to believe. I checked the Dewalt heavy duty miter saw stand DWX723. Home Depot have it as $199, Burtoa have it at $62.19. I think even $162.19 would be a good price. All in all you might want to check what is actually charged to your card. Good Luck! I wish you the best. But I think I'll wait on your report before doing anything.
Duncan
2019-11-10 18:20:19 +0000 UTCI will be posting the two planes in community momentarily.
William Allen
2019-11-10 17:48:23 +0000 UTCOops, brain fart. Not purchased through Amazon.
Michael Ross
2019-11-10 17:32:30 +0000 UTCI am wary. The confirmation I received back from them had no tracking or other way to get back with them. I am not all that hopeful. The charge came through to a company in Michigan that has an SEC listing with near nothing of information. The address is a farmhouse near Ann Arbor. I should be able to cancel the charge for non-delivery, or go to Amazon to get it straightened out if it necessary. I don't recommend anyone else risk it at this time.
Michael Ross
2019-11-10 17:14:45 +0000 UTCMichael, Let us know if you get it and if it is a second or somehow defective. I looked at their other tools. Their prices are hard to believe. They are low enough that it makes me think something strange is going on.
Duncan
2019-11-10 16:40:13 +0000 UTCI have a Stanely-Bailey block plane. It has the A2 blade. It requires only marginally more sharpening than my PMV Veritas blade, but sharpens a bit faster. I'd say try the Stanley blade, likely you won't replace it.
William Allen
2019-11-10 15:45:25 +0000 UTCI got mine on the advice of Paul Sellers. Bevel up planes allow you to swap out the blades very quickly. Low Angle on the other hand is fantastic for edge grain, cross grain and end grain. Especially in softer woods like cedar, which I use for all my outdoor projects pretty much (fences, gates, arbours, most furniture). The problem with low angle is that they can and do rip up face grain if they are used against the grain. And you have to keep your low angle wicked sharp at all times (not a problem, just a quick touch up every now and again). However, by the time I'm ready to use the jointer to perfect the face, end or edge, I know which direction the grain is running and if there is any contrary grain. If there is a spot of contrary grain on a face, if you use the low angle you need to push through that bit slowly and carefully, working it more like a chisel. On the other hand, you could just pop out the low angle blade and use a high angle blade. Physics gives the low-angle another advantage, though small you can feel the difference, even in the same plane. Low-angle planes are easier to push, the point and angle of cut are much more directly in-line with the mechanical centreline of the plane, even more so in the longer jointer than in shorter planes. Another advantage, and it's really big, is if you have to plane across the face grain, the only way you are going to get a nice smooth surface is with a low angle plane. Every other plane will leave a furry waste land, but a low angle plane can produce a smooth surface if sharp and pushed with care. So, we have two things at work: Bevel-up and Low-angle. Low angle gives us physical advantages, and Bevel-up gives us ease of maintenance and versatility. Hope I remembered all that correctly. :P
William Allen
2019-11-10 15:41:37 +0000 UTCSounds like another comparison video in the works! 😂 Cheap vs Stock vs Aftermarket premium blades. It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s just as much marketing nonsense in that area.
A1BASE
2019-11-10 14:26:46 +0000 UTCI use gnarly or burl wood quite a lot for guitar tops that get book matched then jointed together. Plus it came with an extremely handy little fence that ensures you’re jointing exactly perpendicular to the face. And it’s just gorgeous to use... 😉
A1BASE
2019-11-10 14:24:45 +0000 UTCPlease DO keep up posted on that deal. That's too good to be true?
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:23:10 +0000 UTCEasy, spend too much money, turn your hobby into a business, alienate your family and friends through workaholism. They'll show up. Although, with your basement, it's amazing that you don't have some.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:22:24 +0000 UTCThe Stanley comes with an A2 blade, so you might want to hold off until you try it. It sure is a nice blade for the money.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:21:14 +0000 UTCMan, I really think you're describing what most of us have gone through with planes. We start with junk and slowly creep up in money and skill until it starts clicking. I wouldn't mind seeing pics of the Record and the no-name blue plane. As to the Veritas Jointer, I don't get why low-angle is valuable in jointing. Can you help me get it?
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:19:36 +0000 UTCI'm not sure. Do you have the Lie Neilsen? What do you think of it? I could be talked into reviewing it if it was going to add something really valuable to the conversation. If you have one, then you'll have to be my guide.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:15:51 +0000 UTCI really do think the Stanley is pretty outstanding. And I was very skeptical.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:14:38 +0000 UTCSo, I really struggle to get these videos up on time for Patron Early Access. When you see them, the Tip Sheet, Plans, and links aren't done. They'll be in place by Wednesday. As to the draw knife; I'll take it. Check your messages: I'll send my address.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:09:38 +0000 UTCFairies are like trees: different species depending on where you live. They all sound different.
Rex Krueger
2019-11-10 14:06:14 +0000 UTCYa, me too. I actually use it as the final step on almost all my stock prep. It makes sure that everything is 100% 6 square.
William Allen
2019-11-09 23:27:48 +0000 UTCRex, thanks for your work on this! I ordered the Stanley from an online purveyor I never heard of before "Burtoa." Free shipping and $68.00. If that pans out, what a frigging deal. I will reply if it is a good transaction and the plane is right. Well, I will reply if the transactions turns out bad somehow also.
Michael Ross
2019-11-09 20:08:43 +0000 UTCRex, How do you get tool fairies to take up residence in your shop? I don't have any yet.
Paul Krueger
2019-11-09 19:54:04 +0000 UTCAbsolutely solid conclusion. I’d be tempted to get the Stanley then spend the extra on a couple of phenomenal Hock blades.
A1BASE
2019-11-09 18:31:01 +0000 UTCI love my low angle jointer. Enjoy it!
A1BASE
2019-11-09 18:29:32 +0000 UTCThat was really fun. :D I don't have much money, being an artist, money is not something I have to just spend on speculation. I bought a flea market blue No.4 plane with no name on the cap plate. Turns out it was a really bad purchase, the plane was so poorly made that it can't be used. I made it into a scrub plane, and it does indeed tear up the wood and quickly eats the wood down towards where you want it, but it's not comfortable, it's super fiddly and the blade steel is very soft. I cleaned up a douglas fir board on Wednesday, and by the end, the blade was a toothing blade. It required a complete re-edge. I also bought a Record No.4 plane for $70. A bit dear, but I figured it's a record, how bad can it be? Well, pretty good, except 70 years of hard use has left it rather wobbly. None of the screw holes are truly tight anymore, which means I have to retighten them every few strokes. The adjust has a lot of slop in it, as does the hole in the blade, meaning you have to make sure that the adjuster is holding the blade forward, even you pull back a bit you must go forward again or the blade will push back. In the end, I bought a Veritas Low Angle Smooth plane. $225. But only after I got to see it, touch it, take it apart, and plane some wood. I was sold, completely. I also got to try the Wood River and a Lie Nielsen Bailey style. Honestly, no real comparison to the Veritas Bench plane. But I bought the low angle because with a a 3sec blade switch I can go from Scrub plane, to tooth plane, to low angle to high angle. Just by changing the blade. I like it, a lot. Too much :( I also got the Veritas Low Angle Jointer as a present for my birthday.
William Allen
2019-11-09 16:58:31 +0000 UTCAny interest in comparing a Lie Nielsen? Or are you done with this?
Steven Zentz
2019-11-09 16:26:02 +0000 UTCA truly entertaining video as usual Rex. When I do catch the bug, I'll give it up for the Stanley first (unless of course, the Lottery genie hits first)
Lawrence Jones Jr
2019-11-09 15:25:32 +0000 UTCI'm curious what's the tip sheet you're talking about in the video description? And I also didnt see the links to the Stanley or the Veritas, not that I'm buying them cause I cant afford them but you know in case someone else wants to see them. I also wasnt joking if you tell me where it's going you can have my $20 Amazon draw knife, I dont like it, it's almost completely "U" shaped I couldnt keep an edge on it for more than like 15 pulls and then resharpening it is a pain for me, maybe I'm dumb but yeah I hate it, and you can have it in case you want to compare different cheap draw knifes. I bought it because it was cheap and I needed one for a project I was working on, the description said it was slightly curved and the reviews were mostly 4 stars so I figured well ok this should do the job and be good to me- spoiler it wasn't. Let me know if your interested.
The Poor Man
2019-11-09 14:45:48 +0000 UTCGreat video! So that's where that sound comes from. I like yours better - mine sound like an old bagpipe. Another great use for WD-40. It's even better than Windex....
Mark Petersen
2019-11-09 14:25:45 +0000 UTC
