Hey everyone! I'm just starting out with woodworking and I'm looking to buy some second-hand hand planes to improve the quality of my work. I'm really excited about restoring them, even if they have some rust or imperfections. I have a few questions: 1. I'm thinking of getting a #4, #5, and a low angle block plane to start. Does that sound good, or are there other planes you think I should consider? 2. I plan on sticking to Stanley brands, but are there other brands you'd recommend? 3. When searching for second-hand planes, what specific things should I look out for? Any major red flags? 4. Lastly, I'd appreciate any additional tips from your experiences. Thanks a lot! Also, what are your thoughts on shooting board planes?
2 Answers
There's a ton of info out there on this! Starting with a #4 and #5 is a solid choice. Personally, if you're only going to have one block plane, go for a low angle one. Finding good hand planes can depend on where you live since they've gotten pretty popular, which means prices have gone up a bit. If you're mostly working with surfboard wood (S4S), a #4 and #5 might be enough for you. But a #7 can be super useful for jointing and flattening larger pieces. Just keep in mind it can be a bit of a learning curve at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll fall in love!
If you're based in the USA, I'd say keep an eye out for Miller's Falls #9 and Record #4; they're often undervalued. Just be cautious with vintage Stanley planes since the price is hiking up due to collectors. If you can spend a bit more, you might consider a brand new Veritas #4 for about $279. As for block planes, I see limited use for them. A chisel or sanding block can manage sharp corners just as well. But hey, everyone has their own style!
I get what you're saying, but I personally wouldn't trade my block planes for anything. I have a bunch, and honestly, I use them way more than my larger planes. If I had to pick just one, it would definitely be a block plane!
Totally agree! Block planes are more suited for on-the-go tasks where you might not have a proper workbench. For precise work, a #3 or #4 is usually way better. Uses depend on your setup! I guess it comes down to personal preference.