Hey everyone! I recently got laid off from my job, which has given me some free time to dive into woodworking using hand tools. I'm trying to be smart about my spending, so I'm looking to buy used hand planes to restore. I've heard good things about Stanley's Sweetheart models, but I'm not sure which specific ones I should get. I think I need a smoothing plane, a block plane, and a jack plane. What numbers do you folks suggest for these?
Also, for hand saws, I'm planning to go with new ones. Should I opt for Japanese saws or stick with western styles? Any recommendations there? Finally, I want to upgrade my chisels; I have a worn-out set of Marples blue handles but would love to grab a new set. Thanks in advance for your advice!
2 Answers
Your Marples blue handles are actually pretty decent for sharpening practice! If you decide to invest later on, look at premium options from Lie-Nielsen or Lee Valley. They really don’t get in the way and can elevate your work once you know what you really need in terms of chisels.
When it comes to vintage hand planes, Stanley is definitely a solid choice! The Sweetheart era models are fantastic. While you're hunting, you might also run into Bedrock variations, but they can get pricey. For model recommendations, a jack plane is extremely versatile, so look at sizes like 5 or 5 1/2 to start with. For your smoothing and block planes, I'd suggest the No. 4 for smoothing and No. 103 for a good block plane - it’s compact and performs exceptionally well! You’ll learn a lot from your first restoration, and it’ll make future projects smoother since you'll understand what quality you’re after. Happy restoring!
Totally agree! A jack plane is a great multitasker. For block planes, I personally like the 60, but if you want a budget-friendly option, the 103 is a perfect pick. Just remember that it really comes down to personal preference in the end!