I bought the Woodpecker version...mostly because I have wanted a "preston" style for a while now and liked the advertised features. So far, I'm thoroughly impressed and delighted with it...
Awesome! Hard to go wrong with a Preston style. I've been enjoying mine as well. Will be doing a follow up soon, I got a proactive warranty package for it last week
Thanks for your review. I was tempted with their claims of precise adjustment but glad i waited. All the precise adjustment in the world can't overcome a less than desirable depth stop.
I would agree, the depth stop was disappointing. I'll reach out to them and see if they have any available remedies before I buy a new screw for it. I think a longer screw will do the trick though. Maybe I'm just too ham-fisted with the depth adjuster 🤣
I've lost track of how many times I've said to myself, "Thank God, I bought the Veritas Large Router Plane. I also have an old Stanley No. 71 and the blades are interchangeable, so I feel I have the best of both worlds. You've used the word, "clunky" several times and I think it's particularly apt in regard to this tool. Thank you.
I still prefer this type of router plane over a Veritas by a good margin though. While I think they could improve things a little, I'd still take it over a Veritas or my Keen Kutter (Stanley) if I could only keep one. I plan on a follow up shorter video to go over the iron situation, I got self conscious about the length and too many tangents in this one so it got edited out. You "can" use the Veritas irons in this thing, but there's a caveat or two to it. Kind of like using them in the Walke-Moore. It is great that they work out of the box in vintage Stanley's though, and part of the reason I still keep my vintage one
I could see that side of it. The problem is that it's the only readily available modern one, so hopefully they address some of the shortcomings down the road (I'd be surprised)
Surprised you do not love the Veritas large router plane. Great to see videos from you. I remember ordering the brass Walke-Moore router. It was an exciting few minutes refreshing and making sure I got one. Elaborate amount of preparation to be there, logged in, with card number entered.
It's not that I don't like the Veritas, I'd just take a Preston style over the Veritas. If I bought a "traditional" style router, it'd be a Veritas 100% though. And I think all the Walke-Moore router planes were the same way, brass or iron. I just kick myself for not getting a fenced iron version when I had the chance (had it in my cart, but didn't pull the trigger)
@ I wish they would have preserved through the casting struggles. It seems like casting is the worst thing when your quality control is high. That’s all I heard about why they did not make many and may have completely stopped. Wish they’d make more. They even had a 1500 version that was a small version. It was cute as heck.
Buying to one's needs is always the most important! I saw they now have narrow blades available for the KM as well, at least on AliExpress, not sure if KM had any in stock yet
Well done on the review , that was good information , if you use the other end of the allen rench you will not get a full revolution but the knob will not be an obstruction 👍
Thanks! And that was what I meant by taking it out and putting it back in a bunch, basically half a turn at a time. Easier fix to just get a longer one though lol. I'm starting to think about grabbing flathead screws for things instead, as I already keep a flat head around for other hand planes
Thanks for the review. I was considering buying this when it was first offered, but I was not really in the market for one at that time. Based on your observations I'm glad I waited because I wouldn't have used it for quite some time and been disappointed when I found those small issues you mentioned. Hopefully, Blue Spruce will sort out the minor issues and make this a better plane overall. Of course I'm not saying it's a bad plane, just that it sounds a bit unfinished at the moment. I do plan on picking one up at a future date. I'd rather have this, a Lie-Nielsen, or a Veritas over the Catz-Moses. I'm sure the last plane is fine, but there was just too much stink about that plane when it came out, plus it's not made in the USA like the LN or BS. For what you paid, I'd reach out to Blue Spruce and see what they can do regarding the issues you mentioned with the plane.
Thanks! I agree that the Katz-Moses has no appeal to me either. I do plan to reach out to Blue Spruce and see what they say. I don't like to let companies "get away with it" when it comes to premium tools. Don't want it to b feedings habit lol
Good to know! I know Walke-Moore had said the same, but they've yet to make it to market after 4+ years. I'll have to keep an eye out on Blue Spruce for them. It would really be nice, even if just a 1/4" (or 5 or 5.5mm for plywood sized grooves)
That is the case, yes. Interestingly, I got a "Warranty" package from Blue Spruce and in it was a cutter post that is no longer black coated. I'm wondering if this was just a cost thing, or if it helps with the visibility of those marks. But yes, it does mark it up, and that's why it's better to clamp on the flat than the rounded corner
@ I've thought about designing and building my own router plane out of metal. It shouldn't be too hard except for the blade holder assembly. I'm considering a D-shaped hole to keep the matching blade rod aligned with a thumb screw to set the course depth. As for the blade, the 2-piece design is a lot easier build than the Stanley 1-piece one. It's also easier to sharpen and doesn't dull as fast, especially if you use a carbide insert.
I've been looking to purchase a router plane for some time now. Keep going back and forth between Lee Nelson and veritas. I tried the bench dog by Rockler and was not satisfied with it. Even two of their sales reps make comment about their lack of quality control. Having a shorter blade, how easy is this to sharpen?
I haven't owned a bench dog, just had hands on one at a Rockler store, and I agree that it's not great for someone who might use it more than a couple times a year. Sharpening this one isn't bad, you can either leave the blade on the post or remove it. It doesn't usually require a ton of time to sharpen. Usually 5-10 strokes on my ultra fine stone does the trick. I try to just use a strop in between uses for a while
The base is, but the way the Veritas handles angle out so aggressively the overall width is about the same. Glad the Veritas is working out for you though, it's a solid router (and the one I'd have between LV and LN personally)
Thanks for the thorough review-as expected! I can't say I'm pleased with Allen Keys creeping into plane setup more and more. The Veritas remake of the Record 043 suffered for that reason. Old wing nuts/thumbscrews have always been more ergonomic and preferable. I feel like Goldilocks searching for a reason to upgrade from a refurbished Stanley. The Lie Nielsen looks the best, IMO, but Veritas offers a greater variety of detachable blades at a more reasonable price. I was hoping Blue Spruce would surpass both in looks and functionality, but I'm still undecided. I came across a rare, old Manchester pattern metal router plane similar in design to an OWT, and the Melbourne Tool Co. seems to be the only manufacturer producing something inspired by it with a bed and straight blade. I'm just not keen on its looks. What do you think of that design?
You're probably well aware of the fact that I hate allen keys with planes as well, at least for things that are potentially adjusted/changed frequently (like on the router, or box maker's). I don't mind the combination of thumb screw with allen key socket like the depth stop on the Blue Spruce, because at least you get the choice lol. I hear ya on that LN vs Veritas debate! I am often in the same conflict. I agree that the LNs usually look the best (I like the traditional/vintage styling), but Veritas often has nice feature innovations at a lower (or at least similar) cost. The Veritas Router is probably the way I'd go between the two (and the KM isn't even in the running for me personally). I've already got all their irons because they work in my Keen Kutter/Stanley and my Walke-Moore. I've not tried one of the Melbourne Tool Co router planes (or that style). I'd be interested to try one some day, though, because they do seem to be gaining in popularity, especially some of the more affordable kits and such. I like the idea behind it, and it seems to afford a cheaper way to get a more rigid setup than making a really robust mechanism, etc. But I do agree, the look has never appealed to me either :D
Same boat here. I'm currently without a router plane. Sold my Stanley 71 and ordered a Lie Nielsen. I returned the Lie Nielsen because the depth adjustment mechanism. Just don't like the mechanics of the depth adjuster and blade removal. The depth adjuster has very few thread engaged at shallow depths like 3/32 and shallower. Also it is not easy to get the depth knob off to remove the blade. I'm pondering getting a Veritas or building a Paul Sellers from his kit. Just came across the Woodpecker/Blue Spruce review here and it might be a good buy at a sale price. Not sure about the locking knob for the depth and also the finish of the bottom of the plane. Glad those were pointed out.
@@jeffrogers8590 That's one disadvantage to basically all current/modern router planes, the depth adjustment knurled knob/mechanism isn't reversible like the old planes or Walke-Moore, so you're sort of stuck with the blade engagement at the bottom of the mechanism. One thing I like using a router plane for is flush trimming, so I would be similarly annoyed with little thread engagement as well. Removing the iron on the LN was one of the things that annoyed me, being in that hole gave it little clearance to wiggle on and off the depth adjuster (which I would argue is good for accuracy, but ... annoying). I do like the Veritas, and think that it's a good buy as well. I think if fenced router plane work is something you do often, it's probably the one to have. For how I use a router plane, this Blue Spruce is better suited to me. It's a hard choice, and that's not necessarily a bad thing for us!
I bought the Woodpecker version...mostly because I have wanted a "preston" style for a while now and liked the advertised features. So far, I'm thoroughly impressed and delighted with it...
Awesome! Hard to go wrong with a Preston style. I've been enjoying mine as well. Will be doing a follow up soon, I got a proactive warranty package for it last week
Thanks for your review. I was tempted with their claims of precise adjustment but glad i waited. All the precise adjustment in the world can't overcome a less than desirable depth stop.
I would agree, the depth stop was disappointing. I'll reach out to them and see if they have any available remedies before I buy a new screw for it. I think a longer screw will do the trick though. Maybe I'm just too ham-fisted with the depth adjuster 🤣
I've lost track of how many times I've said to myself, "Thank God, I bought the Veritas Large Router Plane. I also have an old Stanley No. 71 and the blades are interchangeable, so I feel I have the best of both worlds. You've used the word, "clunky" several times and I think it's particularly apt in regard to this tool. Thank you.
I still prefer this type of router plane over a Veritas by a good margin though. While I think they could improve things a little, I'd still take it over a Veritas or my Keen Kutter (Stanley) if I could only keep one. I plan on a follow up shorter video to go over the iron situation, I got self conscious about the length and too many tangents in this one so it got edited out. You "can" use the Veritas irons in this thing, but there's a caveat or two to it. Kind of like using them in the Walke-Moore. It is great that they work out of the box in vintage Stanley's though, and part of the reason I still keep my vintage one
@@MosquitoMade I can see a "Preston Type" router plane could be desireable, but your discussion of this one indicates this one isn't it.
I could see that side of it. The problem is that it's the only readily available modern one, so hopefully they address some of the shortcomings down the road (I'd be surprised)
Very through review, thanks
Thanks for watching and the feedback!
Surprised you do not love the Veritas large router plane. Great to see videos from you. I remember ordering the brass Walke-Moore router. It was an exciting few minutes refreshing and making sure I got one. Elaborate amount of preparation to be there, logged in, with card number entered.
It's not that I don't like the Veritas, I'd just take a Preston style over the Veritas. If I bought a "traditional" style router, it'd be a Veritas 100% though. And I think all the Walke-Moore router planes were the same way, brass or iron. I just kick myself for not getting a fenced iron version when I had the chance (had it in my cart, but didn't pull the trigger)
@ I wish they would have preserved through the casting struggles. It seems like casting is the worst thing when your quality control is high. That’s all I heard about why they did not make many and may have completely stopped. Wish they’d make more. They even had a 1500 version that was a small version. It was cute as heck.
@FearsomeWarrior 100% agree! They certainly weren't having a hard time selling them, that's for sure lol
The Woodpeckers/Blue Spruce router plane is a very nice tool and a good choice for many but the Katz-Moses version is even better for my needs.
Buying to one's needs is always the most important! I saw they now have narrow blades available for the KM as well, at least on AliExpress, not sure if KM had any in stock yet
Well done on the review , that was good information , if you use the other end of the allen rench you will not get a full revolution but the knob will not be an obstruction 👍
Thanks! And that was what I meant by taking it out and putting it back in a bunch, basically half a turn at a time. Easier fix to just get a longer one though lol. I'm starting to think about grabbing flathead screws for things instead, as I already keep a flat head around for other hand planes
Thanks for the review. I was considering buying this when it was first offered, but I was not really in the market for one at that time. Based on your observations I'm glad I waited because I wouldn't have used it for quite some time and been disappointed when I found those small issues you mentioned. Hopefully, Blue Spruce will sort out the minor issues and make this a better plane overall. Of course I'm not saying it's a bad plane, just that it sounds a bit unfinished at the moment.
I do plan on picking one up at a future date. I'd rather have this, a Lie-Nielsen, or a Veritas over the Catz-Moses. I'm sure the last plane is fine, but there was just too much stink about that plane when it came out, plus it's not made in the USA like the LN or BS.
For what you paid, I'd reach out to Blue Spruce and see what they can do regarding the issues you mentioned with the plane.
Thanks! I agree that the Katz-Moses has no appeal to me either. I do plan to reach out to Blue Spruce and see what they say. I don't like to let companies "get away with it" when it comes to premium tools. Don't want it to b feedings habit lol
FYI, I emailed them and asked if they are working on smaller plane blades. They said yes… but we’ll see. I’ll buy them if they come to market.
Good to know! I know Walke-Moore had said the same, but they've yet to make it to market after 4+ years. I'll have to keep an eye out on Blue Spruce for them. It would really be nice, even if just a 1/4" (or 5 or 5.5mm for plywood sized grooves)
Looks like the depth stop lock leaves some type of impression on the shaft of the blade. Is that the case? Thanks.
That is the case, yes. Interestingly, I got a "Warranty" package from Blue Spruce and in it was a cutter post that is no longer black coated. I'm wondering if this was just a cost thing, or if it helps with the visibility of those marks. But yes, it does mark it up, and that's why it's better to clamp on the flat than the rounded corner
Obviously, we're watching this video for your review, so it's not unsolicited.
Haha I could keep my opinion out of it and just walk through features, but.... I can't 😂
@ I've thought about designing and building my own router plane out of metal. It shouldn't be too hard except for the blade holder assembly. I'm considering a D-shaped hole to keep the matching blade rod aligned with a thumb screw to set the course depth. As for the blade, the 2-piece design is a lot easier build than the Stanley 1-piece one. It's also easier to sharpen and doesn't dull as fast, especially if you use a carbide insert.
Oh, a carbide insert could be interesting, I wonder if anyone has tried before, that's a cool idea
I've been looking to purchase a router plane for some time now. Keep going back and forth between Lee Nelson and veritas. I tried the bench dog by Rockler and was not satisfied with it. Even two of their sales reps make comment about their lack of quality control. Having a shorter blade, how easy is this to sharpen?
I haven't owned a bench dog, just had hands on one at a Rockler store, and I agree that it's not great for someone who might use it more than a couple times a year.
Sharpening this one isn't bad, you can either leave the blade on the post or remove it. It doesn't usually require a ton of time to sharpen. Usually 5-10 strokes on my ultra fine stone does the trick. I try to just use a strop in between uses for a while
Saw the WPs first, held off, then saw the wooden handled BS and bought it, don't have it yet.
Nice! I much prefer the look of the wood handles, and they're finished really well so they feel good in the hand too
It's huge! I'll stick with my Veritas
The base is, but the way the Veritas handles angle out so aggressively the overall width is about the same. Glad the Veritas is working out for you though, it's a solid router (and the one I'd have between LV and LN personally)
Sorry. I'm not spending that amount of money on a tool like that.
Ok, good news is you don't have to 🙂
Thanks for the thorough review-as expected! I can't say I'm pleased with Allen Keys creeping into plane setup more and more. The Veritas remake of the Record 043 suffered for that reason. Old wing nuts/thumbscrews have always been more ergonomic and preferable.
I feel like Goldilocks searching for a reason to upgrade from a refurbished Stanley. The Lie Nielsen looks the best, IMO, but Veritas offers a greater variety of detachable blades at a more reasonable price. I was hoping Blue Spruce would surpass both in looks and functionality, but I'm still undecided. I came across a rare, old Manchester pattern metal router plane similar in design to an OWT, and the Melbourne Tool Co. seems to be the only manufacturer producing something inspired by it with a bed and straight blade. I'm just not keen on its looks. What do you think of that design?
You're probably well aware of the fact that I hate allen keys with planes as well, at least for things that are potentially adjusted/changed frequently (like on the router, or box maker's). I don't mind the combination of thumb screw with allen key socket like the depth stop on the Blue Spruce, because at least you get the choice lol.
I hear ya on that LN vs Veritas debate! I am often in the same conflict. I agree that the LNs usually look the best (I like the traditional/vintage styling), but Veritas often has nice feature innovations at a lower (or at least similar) cost. The Veritas Router is probably the way I'd go between the two (and the KM isn't even in the running for me personally). I've already got all their irons because they work in my Keen Kutter/Stanley and my Walke-Moore.
I've not tried one of the Melbourne Tool Co router planes (or that style). I'd be interested to try one some day, though, because they do seem to be gaining in popularity, especially some of the more affordable kits and such. I like the idea behind it, and it seems to afford a cheaper way to get a more rigid setup than making a really robust mechanism, etc. But I do agree, the look has never appealed to me either :D
Same boat here. I'm currently without a router plane. Sold my Stanley 71 and ordered a Lie Nielsen. I returned the Lie Nielsen because the depth adjustment mechanism. Just don't like the mechanics of the depth adjuster and blade removal. The depth adjuster has very few thread engaged at shallow depths like 3/32 and shallower. Also it is not easy to get the depth knob off to remove the blade. I'm pondering getting a Veritas or building a Paul Sellers from his kit. Just came across the Woodpecker/Blue Spruce review here and it might be a good buy at a sale price. Not sure about the locking knob for the depth and also the finish of the bottom of the plane. Glad those were pointed out.
@@jeffrogers8590 That's one disadvantage to basically all current/modern router planes, the depth adjustment knurled knob/mechanism isn't reversible like the old planes or Walke-Moore, so you're sort of stuck with the blade engagement at the bottom of the mechanism. One thing I like using a router plane for is flush trimming, so I would be similarly annoyed with little thread engagement as well. Removing the iron on the LN was one of the things that annoyed me, being in that hole gave it little clearance to wiggle on and off the depth adjuster (which I would argue is good for accuracy, but ... annoying). I do like the Veritas, and think that it's a good buy as well. I think if fenced router plane work is something you do often, it's probably the one to have. For how I use a router plane, this Blue Spruce is better suited to me. It's a hard choice, and that's not necessarily a bad thing for us!