David Monette Posted February 18, 2014 Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 I have spent most of the past two days researching/reading about planes. From what I understand any Stanley plane pre WWII is a good buy or you can buy a Lie Nielsen. I am looking for something used/older. Basically I believe from what I have read, there are about 2 basic planes needed in a shop; a low angle block plane and a smoothing plane - about a #5? So, that being said, does anyone just happen to have an abundance of older quality planes they would be willing to sell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trip Posted February 18, 2014 Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 I'd start with some stuff from Chris Schwarz Book, "Handplane Essentials": http://www.amazon.com/Handplane-Essentials-Christopher-Schwarz/dp/1440332983/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1392690546&sr=8-3&keywords=chris+schwarz DVD "Handplane Basics": http://www.lie-nielsen.com/dvds/handplane-basics-a-better-way-to-use-bench-planes/ Chris makes a case for four essential planes -- block, jack, jointer and smother -- or block, course, medium and fine He reinforces this selection in two works, "Course, Medium and Fine" and "Building Furniture with Handplanes" http://www.lie-nielsen.com/dvds/coarse-medium-and-fine-fundamental-woodworking-techniques/ http://www.lie-nielsen.com/dvds/building-furniture-with-hand-planes/ I can recommend all three DVDs and the book... The block is a given in any shop... Even dedicated Normites have a block plane somewhere in their shop -- they just might not admit it I've got a low-angle and std-angle -- the one I pick is the one more recently sharpened Which planes you choose as the course, medium and fine -- #3, #5, #7 or #4, #6, #8 -- bevel-up, bevel-down, wood, iron, bronze or some combination is really up to you. You may want to take a class in handtool use to get a better feel... There are many sources of vintage tools -- eBay can be your friend... Around here, you may have a harder time... The phrase, "From my cold dead hands..." comes to mind... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted February 18, 2014 Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 If you want to make the drive to west bend, you can try out all of my planes. It's far, but thought I'd offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie Posted February 18, 2014 Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 If you're new to hand planes, I would suggest first adding a no4 sized smoother to your workflow. You will get the most out of that plane, using it to clean up parts off machines. Once you get the hang of tuning and using it, you will soon realize what planes you want to invest in. Mostly depends on your budget and how much tlc you want to invest in a tool before it is ready to take to the bench. It's not so much info you can receive from others, but it is more of a personal journey discovering hand tools and incorporating them into your work. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Monette Posted February 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 You all have excellent advise - I just have to be careful to not get information overload. I tend to be a perfectionist and usually gravitate towards the more expensive upper end tools. There is nothing wrong with Stanley - the older stuff. Looks like I need to do a little more research/homework. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisphr Posted February 19, 2014 Report Share Posted February 19, 2014 You all have excellent advise - I just have to be careful to not get information overload. I tend to be a perfectionist and usually gravitate towards the more expensive upper end tools. There is nothing wrong with Stanley - the older stuff. Looks like I need to do a little more research/homework. What makes this hobby both fun AND frustrating (based upon my 7 months in the hobby) is that many topics are hotly debated, perhaps no topic more so than hand planes. I think the best course is to go with what "feels" right to you then adjust based upon your own experience. My thesis is the same I applied to bourbon. Start with the top shelf, then try lower and lower quality until you are unsatisfied with the taste (results) then calibrate. The cool thing about woodworking tools, particularly hand tools, they hold their value. Expect 80-90% purchase price on eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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