It comes with three cutters, 1/4" and 1/2" straight, and 1/2" pointed, as well as a blade holder for honing, and a complete instruction manual.
The heart of the feed system is a fixed threaded shaft with a flange to retain the collar. The collar can revolve around the shaft, permitting lateral and bullnose use. Above that are two brass jam nuts that act as a depth stop for the depth adjustment knob.
The locking knob is beautifully knurled, with a spring loaded plunger.
This plunger allows the locking knob to be loosened enough to adjust the cutting depth while maintaining some pressure on the iron. Loosened further, it allows the collar to extend to permit the disengagement of the iron.
Out of the box the cutters would make a shaving in curly maple, but it was very rough. Without a mouth to close, this was too much to ask for these blades. After a honing, however, they cut a beautiful shaving and left a gleaming polished surface.
The depth adjustment knob is fantastic, very sensitive and precise.
The plane itself is very nicely machined.
I also purchased the optional fence. It is $8 cheaper when you buy as a set. It may or may not be useful, but it's nice to have all the "accessories". It too is well made, although I would have preferred a knurled knob to the slotted screw mounting fastener. It is reversible for straight or curved work.
I've wanted one of these for quite some time, and after the initial use I'm glad I made the purchase. Like all Veritas tools, it's well made, functional, and beautiful. It will be a useful additon to the shop.
WANTED!
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Grats! I am interested in how functional this will be. I have been thinking about getting one for a while, but didn't know if I would actually use it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, I want one of these prety bad, my old Stanley is just not up to the task... the sole is like a banana...
ReplyDeleteOne day!
Cheers
John, I used it for the first time in a project today and I am very happy with the results. I made two dadoes with the stack in the table saw. I set the plane for a very light shaving, and was surprised with the amount of material that was removed. The planed dado had a much better fit than the off the saw one. I think this is the end of mysterious poor fitting joinery!
ReplyDeleteDavid, if your Stanley isn't way out you could always lap it back to flat. Otherwise, if you decide to buy new, I'd look at picking up the Veritas. Derek Cohen did a fantastic review, and he compares the Veritas to the older Stanleys- http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/The%20Veritas%20Router%20Plane.html