Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | Nov 01, 2004 03:57pm | #1

   The three planes you have are an excellent choice for three workhorses.  If you intend to do a lot of edge jointing, you should add a jointer plane, but you can get by without one.

   Veritas and Lie-Nielsen are (imo) about the same in quality, with Veritas starting to edge LN because of their innovative thinking.  But either brand is superb.

   I have 3 Record planes (4, 5, 51/2)  They are usable, but I am not satisfied with them and cannot recommend them.  They are difficult and tedious to adjust, and there is way too much slack in the blade depth adjustment.

   My ancient Stanley block plane is wonderful, but lacks the adjustable throat.  Stanley, Veritas or LN would all be great for a block plane.  If money is no object, I'd say go LN and it can be an heirloom for the next generation.

   If money is really no object, buy two of each and send me the spares for safe keeping!

   Paul

2. 
   Alan | Nov 02, 2004 01:40am | #2

   davidgenrich,

   Would those three planes be a well rounded start to do what?  On your list, only the smoother will help with any of the chores you mention in your first paragraph.

   For "final cleanup after the table saw, jointer, or planner" you would be best served with a jointer and a smoother.  Use a jointer plane to clean up the edges after your table saw and power jointer; and a smoother to smooth the flats after your power planer.

   My real point is that you need to decide for yourself what kinds of planes you ought to get.  If you can't--as your post infers--you should first invest some time in educating yourself so you can.  Once you've decided which planes you really want and will probably use, then come back and we'll argue about brands and types.

   Woodworking clubs, a community college course, books and magazines, and maybe a relative, friend or neighbor who's heavily into hand tools are all good places to begin your research.  The Handplane Book by Garrett Hack is wonderful, as is Planecraft and any or all of Saint Roy of Underhill's Woodwright's Shop books.

   Turning yourself into an informed consumer will save you lots of time, trouble, frustration and money.  It's the best advice I can give you right now.

   Alan

3. 
   JeffHeath | Nov 02, 2004 05:16am | #3

   David:

   In my shop, I hand plane every piece I build before it is finished.  Nothing beats the shiny surface left by a well tuned and sharpened plane.  The key to my statement is that the plane must be well tuned and sharpened.  The Handplane Book by Garrett Hack shoud be the first purchase you make, before investing in any tools.  You'll learn how important it is, as well as how to tune a plane properly.  I have a full set of older Stanley Bedrock planes which I used for years in my shop.  Each and every one of them was found at either a garage sale or flea market.  They all required several hours of sole flattening, frog tampering, and chip breaker adjusting, and sharpening, and I enjoyed every moment spent on them.  They work very well.  About five years ago, I began investing in Lie Nielsen planes, and have acquired quite a vast collection of their tools.  I must say, they are awesome!!  With very little tinkering, if any, they are ready to go with a good honing of the blade right out of the box.  Now, my bedrocks sit in a glass case I built for them, enviously staring at the Lie Nielsen's scattered around my workbench.  I hope this helps.

   JC