Veritas woodworking tools are some of the most innovative in the world. They are the manufacturing arm of Lee Valley Tools Ltd in Canada and have been a leader in design innovation since 1985.
Veritas produce a broad range of quality tools at great prices. They are a great alternative to high priced imports.
Bench Plane
If you’re a woodworker who wants a top-of-the-line, premium plane, then this new line from Veritas is worth a look. Its advanced stainless-steel hardware offers elegant elliptical knurled edges for a firm grip, and the lever cap has been extensively refined to integrate cleanly with the body of the plane.
These low-angle jack planes are a great solution for small-scale work where a larger plane would be too heavy, or for end grain use. They feature a 12deg bed angle, coupled with a 25deg blade bevel, giving them an effective cutting angle of 37deg.
They’re also a good choice for smoothing surfaces where a larger plane would be too difficult to handle. They feature an adjustable mouth that can be closed to a narrow slit for fine shavings with minimal tear-out, or opened for heavier cuts, all without removing the lever cap or other parts; just loosen two screws and set the opening with the thumb wheel.
Scrub Plane
The scrub plane is used for the initial flattening of rough stock before a smoother or jointer is added. The plane iron on the scrub plane is ground to a radius so it can remove lots of material quickly, making it an ideal first flattening tool.
In addition to removing heavy stock, the scrub plane can also be used for final finishing. The blade has a wave-like shape that cut multiple small grooves with each pass, creating an attractive texture on surfaces.
Dovetail Saw
If you’re a serious woodworker looking to take your woodworking to the next level, the dovetail saw is an essential tool in your arsenal. With a dovetail saw, you can cut perfect dovetail joints without using a router or any other machine.
Traditionally, a dovetail saw has a backsaw design with the blade stiffened by a metal spine. Veritas has broken with this tradition by molding the blade directly into the handle, creating a one-piece saw/spine/mount assembly that performs as well as expensive custom and production saws for less than half the price.
Veritas offers dovetail saws in two sizes: 14 tpi and 20 tpi. The former has a 14 degree rake angle with a 60 degree included angle, while the latter has a 20 tpi rake with a 90 degree included angle.
Infill Smoother
The Infill Smoother is the top of the line in this venerable woodworking tool. The company’s latest incarnation combines the heft and swagger of a dedicated smoother with the versatility of a low-angle bevel-up plane. It’s got all the right ingredients, including a nifty little toe piece machined into the sole and a mouth-adjusting screw tucked away under the frog. Using it to smooth a wide range of materials, from hardwood to softwood, it was a joy to use and a breeze to carry around.
The best part is that it’s a lot more affordable than its high-end rivals. If you’re on a budget and have an eye for a quality bauble, the Veritas 4 is a great way to test your mettle in the world of artisan woodworking. It’s also a worthy addition to the prized possessions section of your collection. For more information, check out the Veritas website. They have the newest and most innovative woodworking tools in town and have a great track record for producing a notch to suit every budget and skill level.
