Old Stanley No. 80 versus Veritas Cabinet Scraper?

[Michael Ray Smith]

Thinking about buying a Veritas cabinet scraper. Any opinions on whether the improvement over the old Stanley No. 80 is significant enough to make it worthwhile? (Not you, Rob. You have a conflict of interest. )

[paul cottingham]

I can't compare it to the original Stanley, but I like mine so much that I sold my LV scraper plane. It's easier to adjust, too.

[Lloyd Robins]

I like my Stanley, but I haven't tried the LV. Either should work well. Do you like the newer items ( Rob and crew usually do find a way to modernize things) or the older well used more traditional items? That and price are probably the deciding factors.

[glenn bradley]

If you have an 80 I would just use it. If you are acquiring, I would get the LV and enjoy the larger sole, improved handle positions and what-not. I love mine.

[Greg Wease]

I agree with Glenn. I have an older Stanley #80M and a LV #80 and their performance is really pretty comparable. If you are comparing the LV with the currently offered Stanleys or knock-offs like the Kunz, the LV wins hands down.

[Bobby O'Neal]

I do not own an 80 of any kind but I've been curious about them. I've mostly seen them used as a glue remover and rough leveling tool. I am hopeful they can do more finesse work.

What are you guys consistently using them for?

[Greg Wease]

I cringe when I see our students using a #80 as a glue scraper. Cabinet scrapers do an excellent job smoothing surfaces prone to tear-out. They are easier on the thumbs and maintain a flatter surface than a card scraper. I consider my 80M one of my best $10 investments.

[David Barnett]

I do not own an 80 of any kind but I've been curious about them. I've mostly seen them used as a glue remover and rough leveling tool. I am hopeful they can do more finesse work.

While indeed capable of rough work, the #80 performs admirably on difficult woods with challenging grains; burls, crotches, rowy panels, table tops, and so on. Although I'm apt to take final passes with a card scraper, the #80 gets me to that point reliably. It can take thick to wispy shavings and is much easier on my wrists and fingers than the thicker cards, and I even prefer it to my#112 and my wooden scraper planes.

I use it for just about everything, from furniture to guitar backs and sides.

[Igor Petrenko]

Had both. LV was somewhat better, felt more stable. Eventually I sold both because 99% of times I reach for card scrapers. Rigid one can smooth wider area, flexible one is easier to control for spot work. Also #80 needs to be tested before every use on critical areas. Misconfiguration through chatter produces nasty hard to remove waves.

[Jim Matthews]

I'm with Greg.

I've had both, and can't tell the difference.
The nice thing about the new LV I use is that it has no rust. (yet)

Getting a proper burr turned on the steel is the secret handshake with either tool.
Combined with the Bahco scrapers, these things are excellent.

I have card scrapers and hate the cursed things.

Just when I get one to cut well, it's too hot to handle...

[David Barnett]

I have card scrapers and hate the cursed things.

Just when I get one to cut well, it's too hot to handle...

That's what thumb cots, pinky cheaters and those flat vinyl advertising magnets are for.