I'm considering buying a shoulder plane for the tenons on my workbench project, but I'm uncertain if a rabbet plane might be a better fit. My budget is limited, but I want to invest in a quality tool that I'll be happy with. I already own a few Juuma bench planes and a couple of vintage Records from 1956 (a No. 4 and a 4 1/2), along with a router plane from the Paul Sellers kit. High-end brands like Veritas and Clifton are out of my price range, so I'm looking for alternatives like Luban or old Stanley or Record planes. I'd appreciate any recommendations on what models to consider, how much they typically cost, and tips on avoiding tools with missing parts. I live in Spain, where finding specific tools is a bit tricky and can get pricey. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
I used a Clifton shoulder plane once while fitting tenons, and honestly, it wasn't the best tool for that job. I find that a sharp chisel does a way better job here. It’s just more reliable for cleaning up those edges than a shoulder plane could be, especially if you’re just starting out.
Just a heads-up, the term 'shoulder plane' is sometimes referred to as a 'Cabinetmaker's Rabbet Plane' by Stanley. As others have mentioned, a chisel is arguably the better option for fitting tenons. A shoulder plane can be handy for tidying up cuts from a rabbet plane, but I'd suggest starting with a dedicated rabbet plane for your projects.
For tenons, I’d recommend going for a router plane or even some paring chisels. I have shoulder planes, but I mostly use them like small block planes or for minor rabbet work since they tend to tear out a lot. If you really want a shoulder plane, I'd suggest looking at the smaller models. The Stanley 92 is a solid choice—it’s popular for a reason!
Yeah, I totally agree. A good rabbet plane is usually a better investment for your needs!