Hey everyone! I'm just starting out with hand planes and I'm keen on adopting a 'buy once, cry once' mindset. I plan to dimension all my lumber using power tools like a jointer, planer, and table saw, but I want to finish them off with hand planes. I was considering starting with a #4 and a #7. What do you think? Is that a good combo, or would a standard #5 be a better choice? I'm aiming to go with quality brands like Lie Nielsen or Veritas.
3 Answers
I’d recommend starting with a #5. It’s really versatile and can handle a lot of different tasks. After using it for a bit, you’ll get a sense of whether you need a finer plane for smoothing or something larger for jointing. Since you’re using power tools for dimensioning, a #5 might cover all your needs without the extra bulk of a #7.
A #4 and #7 could work nicely for you! I also think adding a scrub plane could be a good move. I've had good luck with Veritas products, but it really comes down to personal preference. Just enjoy the process!
You might find that a #4½ fits your hand better than a standard #4, especially if you're planning to smooth a lot. If you want a jointer, the #7 is solid, but be mindful of your budget. A #3 or #4 is great for smaller projects, so mix and match based on what feels right for you as you dig into the hand planes.
Absolutely! If you can swing it, having a scrub plane is definitely worth it. You can often find older planes missing parts and with just a little camber on the blade, they work great as scrubs. I snagged a Sargent variant for next to nothing!