I just checked out this article about choosing hand planes from Popular Woodworking magazine and I'm curious about everyone's thoughts! The article suggests getting a block plane and a #5, which I'm on board with, but their recommendation for a three-plane setup seems a bit off to me. They suggest a #7 and a #4, which might be cumbersome for most tasks. Personally, I think a block, a smoother, and a jack would be a better combo. I don't necessarily agree with sticking specifically to a #4 and #5; I'd rather have a smoother or jack tailored to what I'm building. For instance, I've been using a #5 1/4 alongside a #3 effectively this year. And if you're getting a #5, I think a #6 isn't necessary—just a #7 if you need to do serious surface flattening. I'd prefer starting with a smoother and a jack over a block plane, but I'm curious to hear what you all think!
3 Answers
There's really no one-size-fits-all answer here! Some folks, like Paul Sellers, manage to do everything with just a #4 and don’t even touch a block plane. But yeah, it takes skill! Chris Schwarz suggests having a coarse, medium, and fine option—which is smart. A #5 with two irons, one cambered, can handle a lot of tasks efficiently.
I think the article's approach seems limited—especially for someone like me who works primarily with hand tools. The whole idea of just focusing on plane sizes doesn't cut it. I’d recommend starting with two #5s: one set really coarse and another smoother. It gives you flexibility without needing tons of planes right away.
Hey, long read but totally insightful! I primarily use hand tools too, and it makes a huge difference in options!
I'm leaning towards #4 and #6 myself. The #4 can pretty much handle what the others do, and the #6 covers lots of ground too. Although, you might not get the precision of a #7 when jointing, it’s still pretty capable!
I see your point about the #6 being like a jack, but I find it a bit unwieldy for smaller pieces—just not as nimble as a true jack.
I get that! Just want to make sure we’re on the same page that there’s no absolute right or wrong here—everyone's got their own style and needs.