Replies

1. 
   gdblake | Jan 11, 2011 09:00pm | #1

   What do you want to do with the planes?

   Walt:

   Tell us what you want to be able to do that you can't do now.  The two you have are mostly used for smoothing.  Adding a #4 which is also a smoother before other planes doesn't make any sense.  A #5 is a jack plane.  May I suggest you get a copy of Christopher Schwarz's book "Handplane Essentials" and read it before adding to you collection.  It is packed with information that provides the best short course on handplanes I know of.

   gdblake

1. 
   Walt71112 | Jan 12, 2011 11:12am | #3

   Hand Plane recommendations

   Thanks for the quick feedback, I have been using power tools for years and would like to get back into using hand tools. I remember how much I enjoyed using planes for surfacing wide boards, edges etc when I was younger.  I think your recommendation to get Chris Schwarz's book is where I'll start.

   Walt

2. 
   roc | Jan 12, 2011 12:01am | #2

   3+4+5 is a luxury jack is necessity planes bellow are necessity

   Save your money for longer and longer and longer then go here:

   http://www.veritastools.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?cat=44

   You might consider getting one of these next (they make three or four sizes):

   http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=115

   Or one of these; very nice tool !

   http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=112

   Restoring/fettling old junk tools is a catch twenty two in my opinion.  Meaning if you got to ask you probably are not ready to jump into this for your first tools.  You kind of need to have used properly set up tools to know when they are right.

   I got lots of other stuff to say about all this  but I am trying to learn to be good.

    Veritas planes are great great great and practically free when you compare what you get for your dollar and put your time fixing the junkers on the scale too.

   PS:  I have many LNs.  I like them very much.  I use them all the time.  But if we are talking low bucks and high performance then Veritas.  They even beat LN in performance some times.  I would rather look at an LN and that is part of what you are paying for.  Worth the extra price in my opinion.  ANNND they are American made.  Don't hesitate to buy the LN if you can swing it.  (I bet you can )  Oop there I go.

3. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 12, 2011 12:00pm | #4

   Plain Jane planes

   The Chris Swartz book is good, but there is also a lot of information about planes here on the FWW site. Click on the Tool Guide tab on the main page, then Hand Tools and Hand planes. There was also a short-ish downloadable e-book about plane basics done by Garrett Hack that is quite informative.

   This article by Garrett Hack also provides a good overview:

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/fwnpdf/011195072.pdf

   While it's tough for a fella (or, gal) to have too many planes, it's also good to remember that having extra irons that are sharpened with different cambers (curves) can make one do the jobs of several.

4. 
   noviceneil | Jan 17, 2011 09:10am | #5

   adding planes

   While I agree with what every one has said to you so far (especially the statement that you can't have too many planes), you should also consider a block plane and a shoulder plane. The block plane is quite helpful and many consider it the most  useful plane in the shop....personally I feel the most useful plane is the one you need right now.....

   Neil

5. 
   SteveRice | Jan 17, 2011 02:25pm | #6

   Hand Plane Recommendations

   Walt,

               Although I can empathize with the necessity of having to watch one’s budget, I’d like to suggest that, when it comes to hand planes, a quality tool will eliminate a great deal of frustration and disappointment and will last a lifetime.

               Perhaps you might read Christian Becksvoort’s article “One Bench Plane Can Do It All” and consider purchasing one high quality low angle jack plane instead of multiple inexpensive planes.  I believe you’ll be amazed by the success and enjoyment derived from a high quality tool.  Such a tool will do wonders for your confidence and skill level. It will be a tool you’ll come to love and treasure for the rest of your woodworking days.

               I had a collection of mediocre hand planes for a number of years.  Yes, I flattened the soles and yes, I honed the irons until they were razor sharp, but when I finally broke down and bought my first high quality plane, I couldn’t believe what a difference it made. 

               I honestly believe you’ll be significantly more satisfied with one Lie-Nielsen or Veritas low angle jack and a couple of spare irons than you will with a complete collection of mediocre hand planes.

               Just one man’s opinion and some food for thought.

               Best of luck,

               Steve