First Buy,, Rabbet Block Plane with nickers or Shoulder Plane
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Any Advise of which to purchase first. Med. or Large Shoulder Plane or a L.N. Rabbet Plane with Nickers? Rabbet plane is more $ but is useful more often?
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I used my Lie Nielsen Rabbet block plane last night for the first time in about a year. Each time I use it I think this is a beautiful tool which made the job better and was worth the investment. With that said, the per use cost for lots of the specialty tools we enjoy using can be quite high. I do not own a shoulder plane so it is not fair for me to say which to purchase first.
I have a LN Should plane (it fits in 1/2" housing dados if that helps determine the size). I have a block plane. I don't have Rabbet plane with nickers. I work mostly with hand tools. I'd want a No 4 hand plane first, then a router hand plane second, then my third choice would be likely a shoulder plane (or a bull nose plane as they are handy as well) then a block plane as No 4. If someone wanted to switch the order of No 3 and 4 I wouldn't argue that. I don't feel the need for Rabbet plane with nickers. It's probably becuase I've found ways and methods for doing without.
I have both the LN rabbet block plane (pre-nickers) and the LN 042 medium shoulder plane (3/4” wide). While I use both with some regularity, the shoulder plane does everything the rabbet block plane does, but not vice versa. So the shoulder plane would be my first choice between the two, unless…
If you don’t currently own any planes, a block plane of some sort is a must. The LN rabbet block plane was my first quality plane purchase, and I don’t regret it. That said, my plane collection now includes four block planes, and the LN 60-1/2 adjustable mouth block plane gets more use than any of the others.
It all comes down to what you are trying to accomplish with the planes and what tools you already have. The two you ask about are primarily used for the tenon half of mortise and tenon joints — very common for furniture, but much less so for other types of work like boxes. As joeleonetti points out, a good #3 or #4 smoother is very useful for virtually all project types.
Thanks Guys for helping in my decision .. I'll get a 1/2 Shoulder Plane ! Probably Veritas, I have a Lo,A "SweetHeart and a Lo,A "Wood River" Block, I have a lie N #4, & the Lo,A #62 1/2Veritas so was just look for out-side viewpoints. Again Thanks Guys.
I have the Veritas large shoulder plane and it's one of my favorite planes. It's massive, which helps keep it on track and reduces chatter. The blade is great. I sometimes use it for difficult areas on flat boards, just because it cuts so well regardless of grain.
I have both L/N. I use the shoulder plane (large) way more than the rabbet block.
You should look at the Veritas shoulder planes before you take the leap. In my hands they are way more ergonomic, and the set screws in the side are very, very nice feature.
The LN is a copy of the old Stanley design, IMO leaves something to be desired. One of the main issues with the LN is the blade appears to be too wide for the body. When set flush to one side, it is a full 1/16" wider, and that presents issues sometimes.
But it's all a matter of personal comfort and choice.
Another vote for Veritas shoulder planes, particularly the large shoulder plane.
In a quarter of a century or more of woodworking I've bought then sold many planes, as I sought better performance. Only a Veritas standard block plane and the large shoulder plane have been with me since the start of my woodworking adventures. Every other plane type got swapped out for a better version over the years.
Some designs are classic and the Veritas shoulder planes are one such design. The blade control & positioning arrangements are first class, as are the heft, grip, precision and performance.
The large shoulder plane also gets used frequently on just about every project. A shoulder plane, especially of the larger sort, is a very versatile beast.
Lataxe