Lee Valley Box Makers Plane vs Small Plow Plane

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

Hello all

I've been debating between these two for longer than I'd like to admit. 

I'm wondering if anyone has experience or advice with either one?

 

I'm leaning towards the smaller box makers plane, as the main utility for me is plowing grooves for box bottoms. 

I think i read somewhere that it's small size makes it a little hard on your hand after a while. 

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with either? 

 

Plow Plane: 

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/plow/74089-veritas-right-hand-small-plow-plane

 

Box Makers: 

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/plow/115430-veritas-right-hand-box-makers-plow-plane

Thanks in advance!

[fcschoenthal]

I don't have experience with either, but went through the same thought process. I ended up finding someone who was giving away a broken Stanley 45 and bought another incomplete cheap one ($35) for replacement parts. It works pretty well and I don't have to worry about the RH/LH thing.

[Immortan D]

I have a Stanley #55 that can be used for that purpose, but if it’s just for cutting grooves, I’d go with the box makers’ plane since it looks ergonomically better suited for that task.

For the record, whenever I need a 1/4" groove set 1/4" from the edge, I use my LN #48. I can cut a mile of grooves before I’d even finish setting up the #55.

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 10/13/2025 at 8:04 AM, Immortan D said:

 

For the record, whenever I need a 1/4" groove set 1/4" from the edge, I use my LN #48. I can cut a mile of grooves before I’d even finish setting up the #55.

That's interesting and exactly the kind of info that i wouldn't have thought of on my own, which is exactly why i made this post. It's always helpful to me to learn how other people accomplish tasks. 

Anyway, thanks for the response. I think I'm going to order the box makers plane later this week or early next. 

[gee-dub]

I'm a hybrid guy so I use machines for grooves most often.  If I didn't (and I make a fair amount of boxes) I would go with the Box Makers plane.  JMHO.

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 10/13/2025 at 10:41 AM, gee-dub said:

I'm a hybrid guy so I use machines for grooves most often.  If I didn't (and I make a fair amount of boxes) I would go with the Box Makers plane.  JMHO.

Thanks @gee-dub. I usually cut my grooves on the router table. Which is about the main thing i use it for it anymore it seems. But I'd like to go by hand when the mood strikes. 

I think the BMP is the winner. 

[derekcohen]

The Small Plow is more comfortble to hold and control. The #043 (I have the Record not the Veritas, which us a copy of the Record) is very usable - and I use mine - but given the choice, will plump for the Small Plow every time.

The Small Plow can adjust blade with a turn of a knob. The #043 requires manual adjustment (fingers or hammer).

The Small Plow can use a wide range of blades. The #043 is rather limited in this regard - check the website. 

I do not use single-set planes for drawer bottoms, such as the LN #48 (which I own) since the positioning of the groove can vary depending on the dovetails, plus the width of the groove can be sized as needed ... I often make 1/8" grooves for smaller boxes with thinner bottoms or sliding lids.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 10/16/2025 at 6:45 PM, derekcohen said:

The Small Plow is more comfortble to hold and control. The #043 (I have the Record not the Veritas, which us a copy of the Record) is very usable - and I use mine - but given the choice, will plump for the Small Plow every time.

The Small Plow can adjust blade with a turn of a knob. The #043 requires manual adjustment (fingers or hammer).

The Small Plow can use a wide range of blades. The #043 is rather limited in this regard - check the website. 

I do not use single-set planes for drawer bottoms, such as the LN #48 (which I own) since the positioning of the groove can vary depending on the dovetails, plus the width of the groove can be sized as needed ... I often make 1/8" grooves for smaller boxes with thinner bottoms or sliding lids.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thank you Derek! 

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

@derekcohen i just read your article on your site about the small plow as a beading plane. Very cool and informative.