I'm diving into woodworking and have a couple of vintage hand planes—like a Stanley Handyman and a Craftsman bench plane that belonged to my grandpa. Although I've restored them, I'm looking to use these tools for projects instead of just displaying them. Given my limited budget, I'm considering purchasing some Faithfull hand planes (#4, #5, and #7 initially, possibly adding a #6 later). I've watched some great videos by Eoin Reardon and Rex Krueger that inspired me, but I'm seeking advice on whether investing in Faithfull is a good idea or if I should stick to vintage options instead. I mainly use power tools for my job as a framer and remodeler, but I want to transition to more hand tools for future projects. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
You're totally right in wanting to make the most of the tools you have. Your Stanley Handyman and Craftsman planes are actually user-friendly, so don't hesitate to use them! For new purchases, I’d recommend sticking with trusted brands like Veritas or Lie-Nielsen. The newer planes from places like Faithfull sometimes have quality issues, and they can be heavier, making them less efficient for your work. If you only want to buy one or two new planes, consider getting a No 4 or No 5 as they cover a lot of ground for bench work. Just make sure to check the return policy if you go for a different brand!
Honestly, I'd steer clear of Faithfull if you're tight on cash. There’s a lot of risk with those tools, especially if they’re linked by influencers. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, vintage hand planes are where you wanna focus. They might take some searching locally, but it’ll be worth it!
Thanks for the tips! I really appreciate the advice and will definitely consider looking for vintage options.