Hey everyone! I've been diving into hand tools recently and I'm considering getting a scrub plane to help with the rough lumber I've been using. My jack plane is taking too long, and I've heard Lie Nielsen has a decent option, but I'm curious about what other recommendations are out there. Thanks for your advice!
8 Answers
I settled on getting a second iron for my #5 with a more aggressive camber. It does the job well for me!
I’m using a #3 Dunlap with a camber for my scrub work. I find the smaller size makes it easier to maneuver exactly where I want it!
Are Stanley number 40 scrub planes not a thing anymore? They used to be so common at flea markets, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Am I just showing my age here?
If you're looking into Lie Nielsen, don't forget to consider Veritas from Lee Valley too. I love my Veritas scrub; got it at a discount! But sometimes I wish I'd gone with a lighter wooden one instead.
You could try using a No. 4 or No. 5 1/4 plane and modify it to suit your needs. It's a way more cost-effective solution, and you'll probably get performance quite similar to a dedicated scrub plane. Veritas also makes a good scrub plane if you're interested.
I also converted a No. 4 into a scrub plane. It's super affordable and works perfectly!
That's awesome! I'd love to see how you did that.
I went with the 78 conversion method that Paul Sellers recommends, and it works great for me!
Don’t bother buying a new scrub plane. Even a cheap, old one can be turned into a pretty effective scrub with a little tweaking. It's all about making what you've got work for you!

Yeah, they used to be everywhere! Seems like people are grabbing them up fast these days.