Woodriver No. 6 or Veritas Low Angle Jack: Which Should I Choose?
Asked by ToolFan987
I've been using a #4 smoothing plane that I really like, but it's a bit short for edge jointing and struggles to stay true on my shooting board. I'm considering getting either the Woodriver No. 6 fore plane or the Veritas Low Angle Jack plane for this purpose. Which one do you think would be the better addition to my toolkit? I'm planning to use it on the shooting board as well as for jointing edges.
Answers
Honestly, low angle jacks can feel a bit like a marketing gimmick. The weight and dimensions of a No. 6 make it a solid choice for a shooting board. If you're not ready to invest in a dedicated shooter, the No. 6 is a great versatile option!
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You can't go wrong with the versatility of a low angle jack, especially if you get a couple of extra blades with different bevels. They're pretty handy!
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Have you considered the Lie-Nielsen 62 Low Angle Jack? That’d be the one I’d suggest!
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+1 for the Lie-Nielsen no 61 jack plane; excellent choice!
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Veritas is the way to go in my book!
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I'd recommend going with the No. 6. If you're looking to save some cash, vintage Stanley planes can be great performers too, but it's really up to you!
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I have a Woodriver 5 1/2, and it’s a solid plane! I opted for the "cosmanized" version for my first one and it works great. However, given the price, I’d lean towards Veritas. I've been to my local Lee Valley store, and the build quality of their planes is just superior in my opinion. The Woodriver is made in the same foundry as some other brands, while the Veritas is made in Canada. If you're intently considering the 6, remember it’s not the most common size. A 5 or even a 5 1/2 could be a better fit, or if edge jointing is your main goal, look into getting a 7 or 8 instead.
JointingPro34: Exactly, I use my 5 1/2 for edge jointing and it works perfectly! Sometimes a shorter plane is all you need.
CrazyForPlanes99: Right? I have a mix of planes too, including a 7 for edge work, and it makes all the difference!
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EndGrainExpert: I completely agree! I bought into the whole low angle jack hype but found it easier to use a conventional plane for most tasks. My low angle plane has become my dedicated end grain tool.
PlaneNinja88: Yeah, people rave about the versatility of low angle jacks, but they can be pretty awkward at times. The No. 6 feels more natural for what you’re after.