New LV LA Smoother ?

Mass and blade width

Eric Hedberg

>Both LA low angle smoothers use the bevel up configuration which gives you the option to change the blade angle to also achieve performance comparable to a high angle/York pitch plane. The new smoother is tilted towards smoothing large surfaces. With a wider blade it takes more of a cut. The additional mass helps it move through easily through wood variations (and also gives you the Popeye fore arms). If you are looking for one plane to buy, consider your use. If your plane is intended for a wide range of uses (edge and surface) the LA smoother will cover them all. If you are going to dedicate it to serious large scale panel/plank smoothing you are going to be more satisfied with the new bevel up smoother. Eric

Re: New LV LA Smoother ?

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>Well, I'm not into details today but I will say that this smoother embodies almost every single thing I've learned is desirable in an ultimate smoother:

High Body Mass

Very low center of gravity and orientation of driving force

Set back mouth

Adjustable Mouth

Screw Adjustment of the Mouth

Bevel Up design (for versatility, full bedding support to the sole, etc).

A thick heavy blade (which has no drawbacks on a BU plane)

Side blade stabilization screws

Lever cap hold down that allows for easy tweaking of clamping pressure

A Norris Style Adjuster

A Mushroom style front knob.

A two rod Tote (I don't care for the shape of the tote, though it can be modified)

Outstanding product support and customer service

All this at an insanely great price that has to be the ultimate bargain in smoothers. Think of this as the C6 Corvette of smoothers. Maybe lacking a bit in ultimate aesthetics and detail of manufacture, but with versatility and performance at the highest levels at a price dramatically less than its peers. Only the Mujingfang competes in low cost for high performance, but the Mujingfang doesn't even come close in versatility.

But Lynn, do you like it?

Eric Hedberg

>I think Veritas skimped on mass not going to the depleted uranium casting;-) Eric (Rats, now I have to add it to my wish list.)

Re: New LV LA Smoother ?

David Elrick

>Some of the answers to your questions can be found on page 28 of the 2004/2005 Lee Valley catalogue. In any case, I am sure they will explain their reasons for the design if you telephone the head office:1-(613)-596-0350, Fax 1-(613)-596-3073. Better still, and cheaper, call 1-800-267-8761 for customer service and they will patch you into the appropriate office. I have dealt with LV for years and I am sure they will be more than glad to assist you. There are no stupid questions! Cheers, David

Re: New LV LA Smoother ?

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>There is one point that neither Eric nor Lyn mentioned about the new large bevel up smoother (verses the existing LV bevel up smoother):

As was indeed mentioned, this is a dedicated smoother using the bevel up design. My understanding ( I have only seen pre-production pictures and not yet used one) is that the design represents an evolutionary step forward. To this end it is a dedicated smoother, unlike either the existing LA smoother or the LA Jack. A central part of the design involves lowering the centre of gravity (as Lyn mentioned), and the change of design here - it is no longer flat-sided - means that it is unable to be used on a shooting board. You must factor this into your decision to purchase one.

The new smoother promises to be a superior performer (if my experience with the existing smoother is any indication), versatile in terms of cutting angles (note that the standard blade of 50 degree cutting angle is optimised for hardwood and more difficult-to-plane timber), and with the ability to share blades with the LA Jack and forthcoming LA Joiner.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: New LV LA Smoother ?

paul womack

>...means that it is unable to be used on a shooting board.

Not a big factor IMHO - I wouldn't recommend a coffin bodied infill or a #4 1/2 on a shotting board either.

I would recommend a LA jack though :-)

BugBear

Re: New LV LA Smoother ?

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>Hi Bugbear

I agree - I'd rather have a dedicated smoother for smoothing (and not worry about whether it can be used for a shooting board or not). My note was just to let others know that the new plane is different from the existing smoother and jack in that it was not to be considered an all-rounder (but specialised for its purpose).

Regards from Perth

Derek