So i have started to collect some hand planes. Two from ebay and two (one each from both of my grandfathers)
I currently have
1 Miller Falls #9 (the same size as a #4 stanley smoother)
1 Stanley bedrock 605 (old style with the rounded sides in very good shape) this one was one grandfathers
1 Keen Kutter #5 Not in the best shape but a good user and very serviceable
1 Mohawk 9814 jack plane (my other grandfathers plane, most likely will be a restoration project, its in rough shape now but cant get rid of it)
1 #6 stanley jointer, good shape very serviceable
So I have a log jam of sorts at the jack planer size. But I figure I can put slightly different cambers on the blades and just have more than one of that size besides I cant get rid of them since two of them where my grandfathers. I have about $300 I can spend and now my question is what do you think the best thing to do is?
I was thinking about adding a stanley #8 to use as my big jointer. Then purchasing some new replacement blades for them and calling it good. But i am not opposed to going a different direction.
Replies
Do you have a (machine) jointer? If so, I'd hold off on a #7 or #8 plane. Get a really nice block plane (rabbet block, perhaps), and spend the rest of the $300 on wood.
http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=60_5R
Don't get me wrong, a #7 or #8 will come in handy, but less so than others - if you have a (machine) jointer. Remember, too, these guys are heavy. Around 8 pounds for the #7 and around 10 pounds for the #8.
Wisky:
A large jointer is a nice tool to have, especially if you do a lot of panel glue ups. You will also end up wanting a smoother with a higher pitch than 45 degrees. You may want to consider making it yourself using the Krenov method of plane making as taught by David Finck in his "Making and Mastering Wood Planes" book. They are quick to make and once you have the basics down you can move on to making yourself any other bench plane you want in any style that suits you.
Here is a link to Ron Hock's website http://hocktools.com/videos.htm where he has posted videos of constructing a Krenov style smoothing plane from a kit he offers. It will give you a good idea of how simple these planes are to make.
There is no such thing as calling it good with hand planes. Once you get the bug you can't help wanting just one more or up grading to something better.
gdblake
If buying an old 7 or 8, give some thought to the mechanics of tuning it. The extra length creates some additional issues - a larger flat reference surface is needed, and continuous-roll W/D papers may be better than risking uneveness from multiple sheets.
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