I've decided to go for a serious #4 Smooth to replace my $35,
15-year-old Stanley. After years of tuning the plane and refining my technique, I feel like I'm at the point where better hardware will make a difference.I've been looking at Lie-Nielsen and Veritas as candidates. The L-N seems to have the reputation of being the best on the planet. But I see some very good opinions voiced about the Veritas too (it seems to get high marks for its easy adjustability), and I've always been pretty impressed with Veritas tools.
I'm mostly a power-tool guy, not a neander (otherwise I'd have been asking this question ten years ago). I'm coming more and more to appreciate the pleasure and pride of a job done with muscle power and a sharp blade, but I wonder whether I'd really appreciate the difference between the $300-$350 L-N and the $215 Veritas, or be equally happy forever with either one.
Anybody care to offer experience and/or opinion? I'd especially like to hear from somebody who's familiar with both and can offer a comparison, but all advice is welcome.
Reply-to address is real John