Hand Planer Type?

You mean bench planes by Stanley? Get a #5 to start if you are
working at a bench.

If you are installing molding a block plane comes in handy.

-- http://amherstcabinets.com - also a marketing consultant with expertise in direct response marketing for woodworking and online businesses - http://COPYMATCH.COM

I find I use my block plane the most. Try to find an adjustable blade type, you should be able to find one on eBay for a reasonable amount. This will let you test your blade sharpening skills while you decide if you need a larger one too.

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

Loren has it right… I use my #5 more than any other and my block plane comes in a very close second. The #5 can easily used for dimensioning rough lumber or as a smoother. The next closest in use is my L&N block plane; it’s by far the youngest of my hand planes. all of the others are very old Stanley’s.

So, if you are just starting out I would get a decent #5 and good block plane. All of my planes, save the L&N Block plane, were ebay purchases and the most expensive was about $50. Be patient on that site and you can pick up a good deal. If you don’t mind spending a fair amount of cash you good go with a brand new L&N bench plane or other such reputable mfg….

-- Chris

#5 and #4 for me. The #5 is what I reach for first then finish it off with the #4. I do think I spent more time with the #4 though: I like it more.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

Unfortunately, the Lie-Nielson and Clifton hand planes are just about the only manufacturers who make a plane that is ready to go “out of the box”. Also, unfortunately, they are very pricey – but very high quality.

With this being said, one of the best places to shop for a good quality hand plane, is, of all places….... an antique store!! Look for a Stanley – Bailey plane that is good condition. This will be of just about as high quality as you will find anywhere. You will need to clean it up, sharpen the iron, and touch up the chip breaker where it contacts the iron, but this is a great way to start your hand planing experience without having to take out a second mortgage.

A good set of waterstones, and a quality honing guide such as the Veritas MKII are not cheap, but you will need them anyway as no plane iron stays sharp forever.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"

The Stanley Bedrock planes are the best of the Stanley line. Lie Nielsen has based many of their designs from the Bedrock plane. Lie Neilsens are much higher quality. Their bronze planes are almost indestructible.
If you buy a Stanley, you might consider purchasing a Hock brand replacement blade for it. They are good quality and better steel.

-- Oldworld, Fair Oaks, Ca

Biowa: ”Unfortunately, the Lie-Nielson and Clifton hand planes are just about the only manufacturers who make a plane that is ready to go “out of the box”. Also, unfortunately, they are very pricey – but very high quality.”

No experience with the Clifton and agree 100% on the Lie-Nielsens but would also add Lee Valley to that list. The decision between LN and LV for a given plane type is often a very close call.

-- Use the fence Luke

I own a few L-N planes… and they are lovely tools – though
only as good as you are at sharpening the irons. With a good
sharpening system worked out you can do exquisite work with
humble, used Bailey planes.

Japanese planes are nice too.

-- http://amherstcabinets.com - also a marketing consultant with expertise in direct response marketing for woodworking and online businesses - http://COPYMATCH.COM

Doug:

The Clifton hand planes are made in England and are beautiful precision tools. The irons are sharpened and honed, and the plane is ready to be used right out of the box. I have the #5. Initially, I had to “gulp” at the $299 price, but when I saw and handled this plane I was sold.

One place that I know of that sells them is Highland Woodworking in Atlanta, www.highlandwoodworking.com . They try to stock them but this is sometimes a backorder item due to limited production and demand.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"