I'm wondering about the effectiveness of using a #8 plane versus a #7 plane for flattening large surfaces. Is there a significant difference in ease of use or results?
3 Answers
It really depends on your size and how you handle them! Number 8 planes tend to favor taller people since they can be quite heavy, particularly models like the Lie Nielsen. However, some prefer the versatility of a #7. I personally use a #3, #5, and #8 combo, and I've been really happy with that setup!
I find that a #5 1/2 performs better for panel work, while the #8 excels at jointing the edges of long boards. If weight isn’t an issue, a #8 is solid, but it’s definitely heavier and requires more effort for minimal difference in flatness. They're not as popular for this reason!
When it comes to flattening large surfaces, many users feel there's not much practical difference between a #8 and a #7 plane. Sure, if you look around, you might find an #8 that's quite heavy and an #7 that feels heftier too. However, a #8 can be really useful if you need more width for working with thicker stock, especially when match planing lumber.
That's exactly what I'm looking for in a plane!