I'm not a complete beginner, but I'm also not an expert. I've built a few dozen guitars and some other furniture projects, mostly teaching myself. With retirement around the corner, I'm moving to a small town in Maine, not too far from Lie-Nielsen, and I'm considering transitioning to a hand tool-focused workshop. I'm excited about working with less dust and more shavings, and I've got some decent planes already, including a Stanley Bailey No. 4 and No. 5, as well as a few block planes. My plan is to build a solid workbench when I settle in.
To get started, I'm looking for recommendations on good books about planes and planing techniques. I want something that covers everything systematically, especially sharpening and setup. Also, I've noticed that Lie-Nielsen's #7 jointer is quite pricey! I'm torn between investing in premium tools versus going for more affordable options like a Grizzly benchtop planer/jointer. Are those high-end tools truly worth the investment?
3 Answers
For book recommendations, check out Paul Sellers' "Essential Woodworking Hand Tools". It's packed with detailed instructions and real-world experience, making it super useful for someone transitioning to hand tools. You might also like the compilation from The Lost Art Press, which has articles about old hand tool techniques but requires a bit of digging to find specific plane info.
If you're looking for a detailed guide tailored to bench planes, I recommend Schwarz's "Coarse Medium Fine". It's contemporary and explains how hand planes fit in even when you also use power tools. Plus, Bob Rozaieski's hand plane foundation series on YouTube is great for visual learners; he does a good job of explaining without pushing products.
Absolutely, premium tools like Lie-Nielsen are worth it! The quality of construction is top-notch, and they stand up well over time. My tip is to stick to the essentials—don’t buy everything they offer. Focus on the tools you'll actually use frequently. Vintage options like a No. 7 jointer can also be great if you're on a budget, but I promise a good smoother from Lie-Nielsen will elevate your woodworking experience significantly!
Thanks for that insight! I'm seriously considering the smoother. Do you have any book recommendations for understanding different planes better?
Awesome! I'll check those out. I'm really trying to build a solid foundation before diving deeper into hand tools.