| Review by 3fingerpat | posted 13 days ago | 1220 views | 0 times favorited | 16 comments |  |
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- Lee Valley Mini Shoulder Plane
- Brand: Lee Valley | Category: Hand Planes
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This was a total impulse purchase, when I got the ad I couldn’t pass it up, if you are into hand planes, then you know what I mean ;o)
Last week at the WW Show in SoCal, the LV rep had one and let me try it out. I knew it was going to be small, but Wow, it is very mini. The Norris Style adjuster makes setting the blade quick and easy. In use, I found it somewhat difficult to use on tenon shoulders due to it’s very small size. It worked better when the tenon was shorter than the height of the plane. There just isn’t much metal to hold onto, could be my fat fingers? Once the blade was set, it did trim the shoulder nicely, just hard to hold onto, I think with more use and practice, this plane will grow on me.
I found it to be more useful at making a 1/4” dado; in fact it was quicker and almost easier to use than my router plane. I can see where this tool would be good at inlaying banding.
The tool is very well made, as are all my LV products and it comes with a very nice storage case that includes a rust inhibitor pad.
I only gave it 4 stars because I had a hard time using it for it’s intended purpose. I plan on using it more to see if it is just me and will provide an update later if I feel it is warranted.
-- "You get what you inspect, not what you expect"
16 comments so far
DynaBlue
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62 posts in 81 days
posted 13 days ago
Pat, how the heck do you even hang on to that little thing? Tacki-wax on the fingertips?
-- Mistake? No, that's just an unexpected design opportunity....
WayneC
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5949 posts in 988 days
posted 13 days ago
Thanks for the revew. Think I am going to pick one up. I am one of those poor souls who is into hand planes…. lol
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
a1Jim
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16488 posts in 468 days
posted 13 days ago
Thanks for the review
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
woodworm
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8135 posts in 481 days
posted 13 days ago
I think it well fits my small palm. Thanks for the review.
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
Douglas Bordner
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3424 posts in 954 days
posted 13 days ago
I’m swung over, just on the inlay comment. The gee-whiz factor, and Lee Valley pedigree seal the deal.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Rick Dennington
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310 posts in 85 days
posted 13 days ago
Not too shabby, Pat, not too shabby. Reviews always tell you to buy, or not to buy. Some folks are just “tool mongers”. Sorry to say I fit in there, somewhere!!!
-- Remember--- one good turn-- gets most of the blanket!!!!
ken90712
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312 posts in 79 days
posted 13 days ago
Not to shabby…Might be those big hands you have. lol
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
Jarrod Zion Murphree
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348 posts in 614 days
posted 12 days ago
When I first got the email for this from LV all I could do was think about their crazy April Fools ads, and wonder what they were trying to pull over on us this time… A little trick for Halloween perhaps…? But, it’s kind of a neat concept, and I’m glad to hear that it is funtional and I’m certain that one could find a suitable use for such a small plane.
-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/
frostwood
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32 posts in 78 days
posted 12 days ago
In a weak moment I two ordered this mini plane and the little marker as a pair for $39. It is my first new lee Valley product. We’ll see!
-- With each new day, celebrate life. Love God with all of your heart. Share Jesus with those around you and make a positive impact on those you meet. Bob
WayneC
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5949 posts in 988 days
posted 12 days ago
Was there a link to the web site for the deal?
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
KellyS
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41 posts in 123 days
posted 11 days ago
I found this in the Sale “catalogs ”: http://www.leevalley.com/home/OnlineCatalogs.aspx?c=2 I think it is on Page 2…..I just noticed something in the catalog that I will have to be careful not to let my wife see. It’s a lemon zester that looks way too much like one of those Stanley screen type wood rasps. If she sees that, she will try to confescate mine. ...I’m putting the mini-plane on my stocking stuffer list.
KS
-- He who dies with the most tools wins!.....Just wait, I'm going to win!..ERR my wife will at least.
mmh
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1377 posts in 613 days
posted 11 days ago
I got caught by their latest advertisement AND their catalogue. Oh well, it’s only $$$$. I will go to Tool Heaven well adorned.
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
Llarian
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69 posts in 498 days
posted 10 days ago
Just got mine in the mail.
Its cute, I’m not sure how much use it’ll be though. Even so, it’ll look nice in my shop. :P
-- Dylan Vanderhoof - New woodworker in training. =)
woodworm
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8135 posts in 481 days
posted 10 days ago
It’s in my wishlist!
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
TheDane
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195 posts in 554 days
posted 9 days ago
Mine just arrived yesterday … used it last night to fit 16 tenons on some small picture frames.
Next to this little plane, my Stanley No 92 looks like a brute, but this little shoulder plane is more than just a toy!
-- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -- Vincent T. Lombardi
frostwood
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32 posts in 78 days
posted 9 days ago
Got mine today- Oh well, I guess I can a least now say I own a Veratas Plane! Not sure how useful it will be but it does work. I am not convinced it will be a big seller. I have doubts it will go into full production but it might at least be a keepsake.
-- With each new day, celebrate life. Love God with all of your heart. Share Jesus with those around you and make a positive impact on those you meet. Bob