What are the rules?

Rule #1: Sharpen it. THe road will be a lot smoother if you do. Welcome to LJ

-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....

welcome to fine woodworking , where the rules are usually 1/64” ;) jk

but consider this – even new chisels and hand planes out of the box needs to be sharpened and honed and in the case of hand planes – the entire tool needs to be setup (sole flattened, edges filed clean..etc). so definitely the same applies to tools purchased off of ebay, whether new, used, or antique. Start with that before you expect to see nice shavings coming off of it. search LJ, FWW, PW, and google for info/text/photos/videos/podcasts on how to setup a handplane, and how to sharpen plane blades and chisels, and get good at it – its one of those building blocks for fine woodworking that will stick with you and prove to be one of the best techniques you’ll have!

and have fun out there!

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

There is lots of good plane info here... worth the read.

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

As stated above, Keep it sharp!
Learn the proper way to set up and operate equipemt. To someone stating out a table saw blade that is not set up means nothing.
But when it throws a board back into your chest or face at 100 MPH you’ll be wondering where that came from?
We call it a Kickback, it will have your attention in a heartbeat.
These are NOT they kind of toys that you just take out of the box and start playing with. These toys can and will bite back.
Find a local College or High school for night classes, a local Woodcraft or Rockler store they are always holding a class. I cant stress the Safety thing enough!!!!!!
And take the introduction classes First.
Learn how to safely operate the tools and equipment, read the Owners Manuals.
Woodworking can be a blast a life long source of enjoyment. So just do it safely.
Measure twice cut once.
And most of all have fun.
And when you go to bed a night make sure everything is still there, you know like all 10 fingers !!

-- Ed - Milan, IN

As for tuning, setup, and cleaning there is a vast amount on any woodwork site, follow the methods/methods that seem to make the most sense to you. As for the wood, make sure nail free, no ply or laminated, avoid heavily knotted,to get those long ribbon like shavings minimal blade protrusion on a sharp and tuned plane is necessary on fairly/prepped straight lumber

-- Ciao, gth.

The rules are: You must post some of your projects so we can drool over them! LOL!

Pallets are a great source of reclaimable wood. Some contain pine while others may be oak, poplar or maple. Happy hunting and watch for nails!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!