The New LV Catalog is Here!

Re: The New LV Catalog is Here!

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>The release of the main LV catalog is one of the major treats of each approaching Fall season. After all these years, i still peruse every page. While this year has a nice cover, it is not one of their top ten, IMO. However, the inside layout is the best I have ever seen. It seem brighter, warmer, and less cluttered than ever before. Organizational groups like planes and turning tools are really well done. You can't help but look at the plane section and really respect what a force LV has become in the hand plane area, and yet how open they are to offering designs of other manufacture.

The expanded emphasis on woodturning tools shows LV is prepared itself to be a major supplier to woodturners needs. I think this is great, as all to often ideas from flat woodworking are lost to woodturners, and vice-versa. I think having a full range supplier and designer of woodworking tools (both flat and round)is going to serve our interests well.

Most of all, I think this is the first catalog to really bear the stamp of Rob as head of LV. The transition has long been in the works, but I think it is truly completed here. Nothing has been lost from LL's reign, but the cumulative influence of Rob on new product design and development all comes together in this catalog.

A catalog that is truly wonderful, with people and practices behind it that are even more so.

Re: The New LV Catalog is Here!

david coburn

>I would like to put in a second on the wooden classy handled screwdrivers.... both flats and phillips. I find a few flats here and there but I can't find phillips anywhere.

thanks,

david

Thanks...

Rob Lee

>.. for all the kind comments - I'll pass them on to the staff here - they're the ones who really make things happen.

Screwdriver request is noted - we'll see what we can do there too..

Cheers -

Rob

Rob - What about the brace?

Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida

>

Brace..

Rob Lee

>Hi Don -

Sorry - forgot that!

We had to drop it, as the the manufacturer re-sourced a new chuck, and it was just not good...

We're still looking, but the the cheap ones are just...well, cheap!

Cheers -

Rob

Re: The New LV Catalog is Here! *LINK*

Steve Kubien

>Have you noticed these before? Ok, they're not quite as classy as the vintage ones you are looking for but they really "come-to-the-hand" nicely. I have a set and I love them.

2 cents which may be worth less than that,

Steve Kubien


LV's screwdrivers

Re: Brace..

paul womack

>I think LV are on a hiding to nothing here. Most handtool fans that want a brace know darn well just how many GREAT QUALITY old braces can be had at yard sales for "low dollar" (or local equivalent).

And most normites don't want a brace.

I'm just not seeing LV's marketplace for a modern brace.

And I'm quite happy to have LV (and Veritas) concentrate on things I can't otherwise get.

BugBear

No braces necessary

Christopher Schwarz

>I think Lee Valley would do us all a service to *not* carry a brace.

Every new brace I've examined has been less well made than vintage braces (think North Bros. 2101), which can be had for $10 on eBay. And they are beyond plentiful.

I use a brace all the time. That and my eggbeater are capable of just about anything.

Chris

:( Not Here

mfitterling in Lake Wales, FL

>Have not got mine here in central Florida. :(

It would be nice to have something to peruse to take my mind off all the dealings with FEMA, SBA, insurance company, lawyers, and adjusters!

Re: :( Not Here

Rob Lee

>Hi -

Apparently, the USPS is/had been holding some mail until storm effects had been cleared up...

If you give it another week or so, you should see something... if in doubt, just email our customer service dept, and they can confirm the date one was sent.

For those on the west coast - it appears a tractor trailer load of catalogs sat somewhere for five days or so - so that delayed those too...

Cheers -

Rob Lee

Re: :( Not Here

Marc Burt

>Don't feel bad, you're not alone. Mine hasn't made it's arrival here in northeast Georgia yet either.

Oh well something to look forward to ;)

Re: Brace..

Jack Guzman from Maine

>I agree with no need for a brace.I handled a new one.So what,it's just a drill.My main user is just as smooth to run but has pewter rings and a rosewood knob. Plus it has the feel of an old tool. You can't get that with a new one.Like has already been said-there are so many used ones to be had. Save your efforts for some nice screwdrivers.---Jack

No catalogue here either ...

Angus Barclay, in New Zealand

>You guys are almost making me cry with the descriptions of beautiful tools. Millions of us living outside the US and Canada (me included) can't get the LV catalog and have to get our fix from the website instead.

At least I have the internet ... pity the poor souls without online access.

regards

Angus Barclay

(currently saving discretionary shekels for a low-angle block plane)

I've got one...

Alice Frampton, UK

>... but perhaps you'd rather not know that...? ;~)

'Tis a thing of beauty, and already getting dog-eared with perusal

Cheers, Alf

Re: :( Not Here

mfitterling in Lake Wales, FL

>Thanks Rob. I hope they sneak it in between storms. They're lining up out there, each waiting to take their swing at us. Might want to think about putting out a waterproof edition for those of us down here in Florida. ;)

Re: The New LV Catalog is Here!

Robert Weber

>I missed those. They are beautiful. There's something, though, about the perfect handle design that's just incomparible...

Rob in Peoria

Of course, if LV offers a perfect handle line as well, that's just more tools that we need to buy. What's wrong with that?

Re: I've got one...

Andrew Pallas

>How can I get one too? Will the Pony express run to Scotland? I don't mind looking at the web site, but the drool plays havoc with my keyboard!!

Andrew

Re: No braces necessary

Andrew Pallas

>Hi Chris

For a woodworking newcomer AND an e-Bay virgin, what makes of brace would be worth looking out for, with use rather than collecting in mind?

Andrew

Re: No catalogue here either ...

Mark Nowicki

>Hello Angus

You can have my copy. I have asked LV to stop sending them, but I got one this year.

Regards Mark Nowicki

P.S. I am serious.

Re: No braces necessary

Ted Shuck, Centennial, CO

>Some people like the Yankee 2101 or 2100 model braces best. Others like the Millers Falls braces with either a "holdall" or Lion chuck. The Yankee braces were first made by North Brothers and later by Stanley.

Features to look for are a ball-bearing chuck, ball-bearing head, and a fully "boxed" ratchet. A ball-bearing chuck will tighten more securely on bits and can be used on conventional round drill bits. Both the Yankee and top-of-the-line Millers Falls braces have all these features.

As for sizes, 10" is the most common and most generally useful. 12" or 14" braces are useful if you have to drill big holes in hardwood. Smaller 6" or 8" braces are nice for tight spaces or work that doesn't require much torque. They are nice for turning screws since you can turn them more quickly.

Ted

What to Look For *LINK*

Christopher Schwarz

>I have a bunch of braces and am wild about the North Bros. tools. For furnituremaking, an 8" or 10" swing in a brace is ideal (I prefer the 8", personally). When you are buying on eBay, look for tools that aren't rusted or obviously busted. The North Bros. / Yankee braces come up just about every day so you should be able to snag one pretty easily.

For details, there's no better site than Sanford Moss' brace site. Spend a little time there (link below) and you'll know everything you need to get started.

Also, Sanford is a great person to buy from, if you want to avoid eBay.

Chris


Sydnas Sloot

Re: No braces necessary

Mike Lietzow

>Andrew,

IMO, the brace to look for is one (or two or three, etc.) that costs a buck or two. They all work pretty well for most tasks. After you figure what features you like or dislike, you can crowbar the wallet open a bit further to get more expensive braces (and even then they should still be pretty inexpensive). HTH

Cheers,

Mike

Ain't Here Too Niether

Alan Hamilton

>

Re: No braces necessary *LINK*

Jonathan Peck - N.Y.

>I agree with everyone's recommendations, but would just like to add a few to the list. The Stanley 813 has a clone of the Samson or Holdall chuck and is a premium quality tool like the 2101. If you want the original Samson chuck, go for a P S & W, they are much nicer looking than the Millers Falls Lion or Holdall versions. My personal favorite is the Spofford brace which is non ratcheting.

What not to get - watch out for low end braces. Manufacturers like Millers Falls and Fray made lots of low end models geared towards being made and sold cheaply.


MF, PS & W & Stanley 813