Posted on First hand plane; another question!
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#1 posted 204 days ago |
If you’re dead set on new, I’d recommend going with the WoodRiver planes. I don’t know that I would buy a #4 and a #6. Perhaps a #5 and a #3. For me, in terms of smoothing planes, there’s not a lot of difference between a #3 and a #4. I have both and tend to just grab whichever is closer. A #5 is about as versatile a plane as there is. It can be used for heavy stock removal as well as smoothing. Grab an extra blade for it. Put a camber on one and keep the other mostly straight across and you’re set. Woodcraft sells replacement 2” blades for their #4 and #5 for under 20 bucks. Or you could go with a nice Pinnacle or Hock blade. If you’re open to vintage, you can get a lot more for your money. Don W has told you what he has ready to go. Or you can invest some time and elbow grease and get even more. I’d recommend looking for plane lots or lots of misc tools that include planes. For the $250 you’re looking to spend, I’ve gotten 2 Stanley Bailey #5s, 2 #4s and 2 Stanley Handyman H1203s (basically #3s). I’ve also gotten a bunch of braces, an eggbeater drill, some Yankee screwdrivers, a bunch of auger bits, and 5 vintage saws. Actually thinking about it, I’m pretty sure that’s cost me less than $250, more like $200. And the restoration process is enjoyable, and not overly expensive. I think I’ve spent about $30 on some Evapo-rust, sandpaper, Simple Green and valve grinder. Whatever route you go, you’ll have to spend money on a sharpening system. Scary Sharp has a cheap initial buy in. Diamond stones can be had relatively cheaply. Good waterstones are a bit more. And then there’s Worksharp and Tormek and on and on. Good luck! Rich;) -- Rich;) -"Dada make a big mess?" "Yes Dada made a big mess." |
