Reply by Cosmicsniper

Get something used.

New planes do not necessarily work out of the box.

You’ll need to learn proper setup of a new plane anyway, especially after you’ve dulled the blade the first time.

Like Don said, the only one that is guaranteed to work out of the box is a used plane from a reputable restorer. From what I’ve heard, Don himself is quite a good one.

But for me, I’d get a good block plane first. There’s not a time I’m in the shop when I’m not using it.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com