I've been getting into woodworking for about a year now, and I'm starting to build up my collection of hand tools. I recently refurbished an old Stanley #4, and I'm considering getting a block plane and a spokeshave. My question is whether the 'old school quality' is as essential for these smaller tools as it is for larger ones, or if I could be satisfied with more budget-friendly options. There's a local seller of vintage tools where I found the Stanley, but these tools often need some work. While I enjoy the process of restoring used tools, I'm also tempted by the convenience and lower price of something ready to use right away.
2 Answers
Vintage block planes are pretty common, and honestly, opinions are all over the place about them. I got a vintage one for around $15 that had mouth adjustments, and it’s in decent shape. I personally enjoy restoring these old tools, but I can see how a newer block plane might do the job well too. For spokeshaves, I'd say there's a lot of variety, so you need to figure out what works best for you. Paul Sellers suggests the larger Stanley as a reliable option, and that's worked for me. As long as the handles feel good for your grip, you're likely to be happy with your choice!
I'd recommend looking for a 51-style spokeshave without the fine adjusters. They just work better for straightforward tasks!
Interesting! What’s the benefit of having no adjusters?