I'm on the hunt for a small plough plane, specifically considering the Record No. 043, and I'm also in the market for a decent dovetail rip saw. I've been eyeing Veritas saws, but I'd also be open to vintage options. I plan to use these tools for making small boxes, mirror frames, and stands for leaded glass. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Lastly, is there a shortage of these tools in the UK right now? It seems like there's not much available, and I'm hoping to keep my budget under £100 for each tool. I'm located in Shropshire.
5 Answers
If you really want to save on costs, check out eBay and vintage tool online stores in the UK. You can find some real gems for less than £100, especially if you’re willing to do a little restoration work. Good luck on your search!
You should definitely look into David Stanley auctions for vintage tools; they pop up every couple of months. I’ve seen plough planes go for under £40 there. Also, the Hereford antique fair is worth visiting—it’s held once a month, and I scored a Record 44 complete with all the cutters for only £20 recently!
If you’re looking for a small plough plane, I recommend the Stanley 13-030. They’re pretty affordable—you can often snag one on eBay for under £20. They might not be the prettiest, but they work really well and are lightweight. Plus, they could give you a feel for using a plough plane before investing more in a vintage model.
Have you checked out antique shops in your area? They often have great second-hand tools. In southwestern UK, places like the Church Stretton antiques center have solid collections. For plough planes, I really like the (Rapier) #43 model; it’s reliable and has been my go-to. For saws, I prefer Japanese styles over Western ones, but if you're looking new, Veritas backsaws offer excellent quality at a fair price!
I suggest checking out Thomas Flinn saws. They’re incredibly user-friendly! I’ve had my share of fancy saws, but I keep coming back to my Record 43; it works beautifully even with modern replacement blades available. You can’t go wrong there!
I just got a Thomas Flinn 8" dovetail saw today. Can't wait to try it out!
Awesome to hear that! I've been thinking about those saws too, great to have some positive feedback.

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check out the antique shops.