Help choosing next hand plane

I have a veritas small shoulder plane I use a lot and I just got a vintage stanley 93 which I believe will be used as well. Look at shoulder planes.

I am also looking for a Stanley #140 to restore. I think I’d use that a lot as well.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

Hi Don. Would you recommend a small or large shoulder plane. Would maybe waiting for a combination plane until later be a wiser choice. I can’t believe what I have been missing out on by not using planes. I have not used my power planer in weeks. I think my Delta jointer is crying in the corner knowing what’s coming.

-- 160th S.O.A.R

I know what you mean. I still use my loaner because I use a lot of rough cut lumber from my sawmill, but my Delta jointer doesn’t get turned on much

As for a shoulder plane, think about what size you’d use most. I bought the small one first because of recommendations from LJs, but I think ill use the large one more. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I got both.

I really like the Veritas, but I’m a vintage guy, so I’m not sure what my next one will be. I like the new style rabbit blocks because of the fence.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

Shoulder planes are pretty darn useful. I have a vintage Stanley 92 and a small Clifton. I would love to get my hands a new LV set, just wouldnt want to pony up the cash.

Router planes are catching my eye too…so many options, so little money.

Shane, I don’t use the router plane much, but if you do a lot of stop rabbits, you’ll want one. I could get by with the shoulder and a #75. But the a router is nice to have if you’ve got a use.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

Shouldder planes are ok, but if you are going to be working with rough lumber or gluing a lot of stock together, grab a scrub plane.

If you are going to be working on less rectangular stuff, you can start on spokeshaves and compass planes.

-- Woodworking shouldn't cost a fortune: http://lowbudgetwoodworker.blogspot.com/

I just sold my Delta jointer today because I’ve found using my hand planes so much quieter, less hassle (no need to hook up the DC, etc.). You’ve got a good set of planes now. I agree a shoulder plane might be the next logical choice, or a scrub if you plan to work with rough lumber.

-- John, BC, Canada

Hi All. This is why I love this site. Great opinions and advice. I do reallu like the vintage stuff. Nothing against new but as a guy who restored my 1940 Bsa and 1968 T100 Triumph I just feel great using the old atuff. I always imagine who might have used it and what they built. I am watching a couple of Record and Clifton shoulder planes on ebau right now. Also an older neighbor asked me today if I would want a Stanley 78 rabbit and fillister plane he has had for years. It’a a little grungy but for free who am I to complain. He just wants the wifevto bake him a couple of pies. Is it wrong to use my wife for my tool obsession? Nah I’m ok with it. Please keep the suggestions coming. Flyboy

-- 160th S.O.A.R

My vote is for a larger shoulder, like the #93. It gets uses 10 to 1 over the #92 for me. And there’s alot you can do with a complete #78, including raised panels. Congrats on making the jump! :-)

-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. -- OldTools Archive

I love my Lie-Nielsen rabbet plane. It replaces my No.92 shoulder plane for most jobs and it’s serves as my normal block plane. In the same spirit, I have found my old No.10 rabbet plane to be terrificly useful. The router plane is a must have plane as well, but it sees only occasion use.

But sure, if you don’t use your joiner, you’ll need a scrub plane!

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

Concerning shoulder planes: I bought the Veritas medium shoulder plane based on their reputation and reviews here. It performs flawlessly. But, I am currently doing larger work (work bench) and the medium shoulder plane just isn’t big enough to clean up the shoulders in one pass. 2 passes side by side just introduces error. The large shoulder can do what the small shoulder can but not the other way around.

Thus I just bought a large shoulder plane. Your best choices are (not in any order)...

Veritas large
Lie Nielsen large (043)
Record 043
Stanley 93

My large shoulder plane cleans up a shoulder in a single pass leaving a single flat surface.

Face it, flyboy, your are going to end up getting a scrub, a router, a 4 1/2 anyway :^)

BTW, tell us about your 3,4,5,7, LA block and 12 1/2.

-- I hate being bipolar. It's awesome! :^ ) ^:

I will post pics tomorrow of what I have aquired so far. I would also like to tell you about the great guy I found on ebay. I have never met him but he offers great hand planes at a fair price. It’s so rare anymore to get somwthing you have never seen or held and have it be better than described. Thanks again to everyone and I look forward to more posts tomorrow. Flyboy

-- 160th S.O.A.R

You’re going to pay almost as much for a used shoulder plane as you would for a new Lee Valley, so I’d suggest you look at those real close. If there’s a woodworking show coming up in your area, you could probably test drive the LV and LN there. The neighbor that’s offering you a Stanley 78 fro free is doing you a HUGE favor. The 78 is one of my favorite planes. I use it for rabbets and for removing most of he waste before I use a complex molding plane. They are a joy to use. You will almost certainly want a 4 1/2 once you try one, but they can be kind of pricey. Good Luck and have fun!!

-- Dave, Colonie, NY

Hi. I am trying to post some pics from my phone. Can anyone give me some advice on how to do it. I will admit to being a little slow on this new phone. I still can’t believe the Army let me fly Helicopters. Guess I fooled them. Hey sikrap. That is a good idea as we have a show this weekend at a local lumber company. I agree hands on is best. Flyboy

-- 160th S.O.A.R

you can post the pictures to photobucket and then link them here. It depends on the phone. I have a windows phone and its a pain in the butt. I understand iphones work pretty well with photobucket.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)