I'm experienced in woodworking but I'm just getting into hand planes. I find them really useful for some of my projects and want to assemble a solid set for various tasks. I'm particularly interested in finding a good jack plane, a long wooden plane, and a router plane. How can I identify which planes are worth buying and which ones are just junk?
1 Answer
When you're at the sale, make sure to check if all the parts are present—key components like the frog adjustment screw can often be missing. Look for pitting on the sole; a little rust is fine, but avoid large holes. Bring a square for checking flatness; the less flat it is, the more work you'll need to do later. Router planes can be hard to find, so ensure the depth adjuster is there. If you spot a metal plow plane like a Stanley #78, grab it if it has the fence, adjuster, and blades, as those can get pricey. Also, don't overlook wooden rebate planes; as long as the blade and wedge are included, they're super handy and can be quite affordable! Good luck hunting!
I'll also bring a straight edge ruler since I'm hunting for a five-point rip saw!