Replies

1. 
   DaveHeinlein | Mar 27, 2003 01:43pm | #1

   Here's a site that should answer all your questions;

   http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0.htm

2. 
   BG | Mar 27, 2003 02:10pm | #2

   Sparrowhawk,

   Your absolutely correct, its a confusing mess of names and not very consistent either.  I think of a Jack as a #5 but others may call a #6 or #11 a Jack too. The link that Dave gave you really helps.  I also find it helpful to think of planes from a different perspective.  Each plane differentiates itself from the others by modifing one or more variables.... and is modified to do a speific task more easily.  The good news is there are only a few variables...length, weight, width, mouth opening, blade angle..perhaps a few more minor ones that I don't know yet.  Primarily the length, mouth opening and blade angle are varied to the specific task..from the block to the scraper.  I find trying to understand how the varibles interact to accomplish the job makes it easier to remember the # and the funny names.

   PS. It's also kind fun...like in golf they used to have mashies and niblets..now its just numbers..sigh

   
   

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   Edited 3/27/2003 7:20:01 AM ET by BG

3. 
   Kunzwerks | Mar 28, 2003 05:25am | #3

   You ask a straight forward question. A short answer is possible, however it would do you a disservice.

   As an example, take a look at this link about analyzing a number of smoothing planes for best "surface result". http://www.traditionaltools.com/highangle.htm The findings are quite different and yet these planes are all "smoothers". In short, one smoother is not another man's (or woman's) smoother.

   The world of woodworking planes can be complex. Take your time and learn as your interest grows.

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Mar 28, 2003 12:42pm | #4

   Thank you all for the links ... there is a great deal of information there that will take me some time to absorb. With the price of planes today I don't want to make a mistake but spend my money on the best plane I can afford for the job I would want it to do. From the comparison I was just reading it seems that you pretty much get what you pay for ... however $2700 for a plane is just the smallest tad bit out of my budget limits - assuming domestic tranquility has any value for the rest of my life. I imagine I can make do with something that costs a bit less ... but it's a great place to start. Now picture this ... "honey, look at this really great plane I need for that table you wanted!". When the shock wears off almost any of the rest look like a bargain. :+)

   Ken

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Mar 28, 2003 07:08pm | #5

   Ken,

   The title of your message brought back some memories....  My father, also named Ken, never bothered (or, perhaps, didn't know how) to properly hone his plane irons, the result being that he didn't use a plane unless he had to and when he did it was a struggle.  The other result was that - being a man of little patience and somewhat limited vocabulary - his poor planes were given names that didn't even closely resemble the names you mentioned.  Although I remember several of them explicitly (pun intended), it's best not to post them here.

   Here's a good link for info.  http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0.htm

   Jeff

   BTW, if you haven't purchased Garrett Hack's The Handplane Book (Tauton Press), by all means do so.  If you're not yet madly in love with your planes, a few hours with this book (filled with exquisite photographs) will make you a hand plane lover for life.  http://www.tauton.com/store/pages/070286.asp

   
   

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   Edited 3/28/2003 12:16:10 PM ET by Jeff K