How a hand tool split the woodworking world

Summary

In this video, the reviewer compares three popular hand planes—Stanley, Veritas, Lie-Nielsen, and Jonathan Katz-Moses (J-Katz)—focusing on design, performance, sharpening, and price. The tools are found to be very similar in terms of functionality, with slight differences in depth adjustment, sharpening ease, and price. The J-Katz plane is praised for its sharp blade and simple sharpening method. The reviewer emphasizes that the choice of plane comes down to personal preference, budget, and brand loyalty, urging viewers to select the tool that feels best to them rather than worrying about controversies in the woodworking community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker compares three hand planes: Stanley, Veritas, and Lie-Nielsen, along with the J-Katz plane by Jonathan Katz-Moses.
• 😀 All the planes are of high quality and function equally well, with minimal differences in performance for most users.
• 😀 The depth adjustment mechanisms of the planes are similar, but the J-Katz plane has coarser threads, requiring smaller adjustments.
• 😀 The blade on the J-Katz plane is sharper out of the box compared to the other tools.
• 😀 Some planes (Stanley and Veritas) require you to sharpen the blade as a single unit, while the Lie-Nielsen and J-Katz planes allow you to remove the blade for easier sharpening.
• 😀 The price range for these tools is fairly similar, with the Stanley being cheaper on the used market, while the Veritas and J-Katz planes are priced around $210–$230, and the Lie-Nielsen at $250.
• 😀 The Stanley tools, despite being collectible, may require restoration if bought used, while Veritas and Lie-Nielsen tools are ready to use out of the box.
• 😀 Personal biases are acknowledged in the review, with the speaker noting past experiences with Lie-Nielsen and Katz-Moses but trying to remain as objective as possible.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that the woodworking community's criticisms of J-Katz tools stem from jealousy and elitism, rather than the quality of the product.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the best tool for each person depends on budget, personal preference, and how comfortable they feel with the tool, as enjoyment in using the tool leads to better results.

Q & A

What is the main comparison between the three tools discussed in the video?

The main comparison revolves around three key factors: the quality of cuts, ease of use (especially the depth adjustment mechanisms), and price. The reviewer notes that while there are small differences in each tool, they are functionally very similar, and all can perform the task well.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the depth adjustment mechanism of the tools?

The reviewer finds the depth adjustment on the Veritas particularly good and easy to use. For the other tools (Lie-Nielsen and JJ-Katz), the reviewer feels the mechanism is functional but not ideal. They note that for rough cuts, they often set the depth and then take a final pass on all surfaces.

What issue did the reviewer have with the JJ-Katz tool’s depth adjustment?

The reviewer found that the threads on the JJ-Katz are reversed compared to the other tools, which was a minor inconvenience due to muscle memory. They kept turning clockwise to lower the blade, which actually raised it instead.

How do the threads on the JJ-Katz compare to those on the Veritas and Lie-Nielsen tools?

The JJ-Katz features coarser threads, making it require more turns (about a quarter turn) to adjust the depth compared to the Veritas and Lie-Nielsen, which take slightly finer adjustments.

Which tool did the reviewer find had the sharpest blade out of the box?

The reviewer found that the JJ-Katz had a sharper blade straight out of the box compared to the Veritas and Lie-Nielsen tools, which they had to sharpen initially.

What is the sharpening difference between the tools?

Both the Veritas and Lie-Nielsen tools allow the blade to be removed and sharpened separately, like a regular chisel. In contrast, the JJ-Katz requires sharpening the entire blade as a single unit, which might be less familiar for beginners.

How does the price of these tools compare?

The prices of these tools are fairly close. The Stanley (used) might be found for around $75 to $150, while the Veritas costs about $210 (with accessories), the JJ-Katz around $220-$230, and the Lie-Nielsen about $250. The reviewer suggests that the price difference is negligible for most people.

What advice does the reviewer give regarding which tool to buy?

The reviewer advises that the choice of tool should come down to personal preference, budget, or brand loyalty. Ultimately, all three tools are similar in functionality, so the best choice is the one that fits the user's needs and feels most comfortable to use.

What does the reviewer say about the controversy surrounding Jonathan Katz-Moses and his tools?

The reviewer believes that much of the negative opinion towards Jonathan Katz-Moses' tools stems from a bias within the traditional woodworking community. Katz-Moses, as a YouTuber turned toolmaker, has been met with some resistance from people who feel that a popular online personality doesn’t deserve the same credibility as long-established brands.

How does the reviewer handle personal biases in the review?

The reviewer acknowledges their personal biases, including a history with Veritas and Lie-Nielsen and a relationship with Jonathan Katz-Moses. Despite these biases, they attempt to provide an objective review and remain transparent about their connections to the brands and individuals involved.