The hand plane bug is starting to take hold and I am debating the next purchase. I have a LV #5 1/4, a Stanley LA block with a Hock blade and a LV medium shoulder plane, all of which I am working up the learning curve and starting to like a lot. I think my next purchase will be some sort of dedicated smoother as that is what I find myself thinking I could use most often.
I have narrowed down the choices to either a LN #4 or a LN or LV bevel up smoother or jack. I like the idea of being able to easily flip in a higher angle blade in one of the bevel up planes (which one – bigger or smaller?) although I must admit that I don’t work with difficult grain wood very often. All three are roughly within the budget. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Chris
Replies
I think you need a Marcou Smoother. Then, you'll never, ever ever get the bug to upgrade, because there is no such thing.
Come on, it's only money....it ain't arms and legs.....those caskets don't have side pockets, so you can't take it with you.
Jeff
<G>
Yes, yes! A Marcou smoother. Beautiful planes. But my question remains - which one? The distant relative of a #4 (S45, S50 or S50A) or the highly refined version of a #62 (S15, S15A or S20)? One of each is the obvious answer but that is, sadly, a bit beyond the current budget.
Chris
I'm a bevel down sorta guy, and it has to have a blade adjuster. Philip will definately fix you up. You should shoot him an email.
For a smoother, I prefer the #4 or 4 1/2, sizewize. You can always smooth with a larger plane like a 5 1/2, but to start with, get the traditional size, and stick with an iron that is between 2" and 2 1/2" wide. That tool, especially if Marcou makes it for you, will last you the rest of your grandkids lives.
Down the road, when you see a need for smoothing nastier timbers, etc... you can get more specialized with the bevel up crowd.
Jeff
I'd get the #4 smoother and a jointer. The jointer's a workhorse in my shop.
Norman
No expert here, but I find great joy in a jointer. It was early Stanley no. 7 that got me onto the plane bug in the first place; a well worn relic from my great grandfather. I have bought other used planes since then, but my only new purchase has been a LN no. 7.
If I were limited to only one plane it would be the LN #7, as it will do pretty much everything. Then a 4 ½ with a high angle frog. I know others swear by the bevel up planes, but not me, just my opinion.
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