Veritas - New Line of Hand Planes?

[Will Blick]

I have heard the hints around this forum. I am considering some new HP purchases, and am curious if anyone knows what the rumors are about the new Hand Planes Veritas is working on.... ?

[Brent Smith]

Hi Will,

The last thing I read was on the UK forum. Rob was still being VERY close to the chest....kinda unlike him . He said he wants to wait till they're ready to sell, which will be sooner than later, before he gives out any info.

[Montgomery Scott]

This was posted by Derek Cohen over at Woodnet not long ago:

"Well, I have only seen and used one of the new planes, but I must say that it was simply breath-taking. Easily one of the best thought out designs and the most stunning looker to boot.

That is not intended as a teaser but to answer your question.

Regards from Perth

Derek"

Based only on inference I would guess you better be able to spend several hundreds on one plane, but hopefully I'm wrong.

[John Schreiber]

The hints I have heard from Rob Lee on this board seem to indicate that they will be more up scale than their current line. My guess is that means tools that may work a small amount better than their usual, but which will be highly detailed, will look very good and will cost a lot more.

[Will Blick]

John, your logic sure makes sense... as often is the case...as their current line of planes sure have a ton of value IMO...

I hope Rob goes after the Bridge City type planes.... a bit more bling, a few more features, some more heft, etc.

Based on LV's new product offerings, they rarely if ever miss their intended target. The right combination of factors which create successful products..... any idea on announce date?

[John Powers]

With this economy I think the "intended target" will get smaller and smaller. I cannot imagine LV or LN tacking another dime onto their tools. I am not questioning the quality or the value but I know I personally am looking more at garage sales and flea markets than catalogs and saying that I just don't need that little jewell. I defer to the craftsmen on this as I am just a hacker working on another set of oars and a new rowboat.

[Will Blick]

they say in hard times, the rich still spend....so maybe that is the strategy... the wealthy ww and / or tool collector. I was told about 1/2 of BCT planes never get used... just collectors... interesting, huh...

[Dave Lehnert]

they say in hard times, the rich still spend....so maybe that is the strategy... the wealthy ww and / or tool collector. I was told about 1/2 of BCT planes never get used... just collectors... interesting, huh...

I work in retail and for years we built our business on low end bargain shoppers. But in the last few months we have switch to capture the higher end shopper. Sounds crazy but the typical bargain shopper does not have the money to spend right now.

[Rob Lee]

Hi Will -

We are cranking on designs at both ends of the spectrum... from planes starting at $40, and running up to .... well .... higher....

Our premium line will still be excellent value - and while it's easy to promise different materials, finishes, and higher tolerances... they will still be good value...

Some of what we learn on the "higher end" will be applied directly to the rest of our line too ...

I know I'm deliberately not saying much... but what I am saying will make a lot more sense in just a few weeks....

Cheers -

Rob

[Greg Cole]

Dunno about unveiled ones. But I went to work and to my pleasure there was a box from LV on my chair awaiting me... with a LA Jack with 3 different pitch blades.
This one is quite nice I'd say.

[Pedro Reyes]

Rob,

Thanks for chiming in. World Class! I am glad you are looking to extend your high end tool knowledge to the rest of the line, makes me think of great companies like VW-Audi-Porsche who do the same thing by sharing the innovations throughout their product line, world class.

I just went to look at my LV medium shoulder plane, and was wondering, how much better could this get? Sorry, I doubt it can be done, whoever was part of the design team for this tool (Mech E. myself) deserves major recognition.

Looking forward to the release.

/p

[Will Blick]

OK Rob, you peaked my curiosity, I await!

BTW, for what its worth.... I love your planes, in the Bench variety, I have the BU smoother, LA Jack and the BU Jointer...

I think your planes are just remarkable value, and they are extremely functional, easy to operate, great feel, great irons, etc. I could not be happier.....but then....

I strayed a little.... I bought a BCT CT-12 Bench plane....



and I was stunned how well this plane worked. It's weight, blade support mechanics, its heavy iron, excellent ergonomics, all worked in concert and it's beyond a joy to work with. Now granted, this plane cost about 4x what yours cost, so from a value stand point, LV wins hands down. But this BCT plane demonstrated a new level of performance for me, and yes, I liked it. Agreed, this comes down to Toyota vs. Porche, both do the job, but sometimes its the experience that moves us.

I feel like this is a confession, I think I cheated on LV, now I feel guilty :-( I hope you can forgive....and still allow me to purchase from your premium line? Please?

[Rob Lee]

(snip)

I feel like this is a confession, I think I cheated on LV, now I feel guilty :-( I hope you can forgive....and still allow me to purchase from your premium line? Please?

Will -

Go forth and plane some more.... ... all is forgiven.

Having choice in tools in tools is a good thing. No one else can decide what you like, for what reason, or how you ascribe value to a tool. There will be a "best" tool for every user - and it can be a different tool for each. Much of the results one gets from tool usage can be due to how you approach, maintain, or wield the tool; I would argue that specialised or expensive tools are wielded with purpose, forethought, and are better maintained - all factors which result in superior results.

Tools are part of the jouney - not the destination ...


Have to go rake my virtual zen garden now....

Cheers -

Rob

[Michael Pilla]

I feel like this is a confession, I think I cheated on LV, now I feel guilty :-( I hope you can forgive....and still allow me to purchase from your premium line? Please?

You mean we're supposed to pick one brand only???
My plane cabinet is mostly LV planes because they suit me best but it's peppered with a few LN, Bridge City and vintage Stanleys to fill in the gaps.

It's a great time to be a handtool person for sure


Michael

[Will Blick]

> Tools are part of the jouney - not the destination ...


In some cases, yep!!


Thank you for your forgiveness Rob ! i knew you would understand! Nothing beats a good sense of humor, thanks! ;-) I hope you announce your new planes here first !