Reply by BTimmons

Ok, it seems fairly evident that I may be overdoing it regarding the planer. I guess I was thinking of getting one that I won’t want to upgrade anytime soon. But I suppose that even with a cheap used one, I can always get boards glassy smooth with my #4.

Other suggestions are good so far.

Loren – I do have a cheap 6” bench grinder that does a passable job grinding initial bevels. I’ve been practicing on some older flea market chisels so I’m getting the hang of hollow grinding by hand.

Kreegan – Don’s page is the first place I look when considering planes! He’s where I got my trusty #4 from.

Don – So you advise against waterstones. Alright. Do you think I’d be better off with the WS3000 then?

sixstring – I do have a digital gauge, and I agree that it’s great to have.

crank49 – Thanks for the vise advice. I’ve used that Marples saw you mentioned. They’re good to have around, but not as my primary saw. These ones are pretty much the equivalent of disposable shaving razors.

-- Brian in Arlington, TX - Laziness is the foundation of efficiency.