Hmmm...A Low Angle Jack And 5.5?

[Frank Carnevale]

Hello guys and gals. So I finished my basement and I am in the middle of moving all my stuff down there. I didnt even realize I have Low Angle Jack AND a 5.5 Jack. They are both LNs. So I got to thinking, how much do I actually work in the shop to justify both planes? Both ended up Christmas presents to myself! :) So, if you were me, would you keep both or would you sell one? If you would sell one, which would you choose? My building is basically some wall cabinet/shelves, jewelry boxes, and other items like that. I am not chopping down trees so most of the wood has already been well processed. And the woods I use? your typical woods, cherrys, walnuts, maples, mahoganies. Maybe someday venture into some more figured/exotic stuff.

The rest of my tools are: A LN No. 4, LN large Router, LV Plow on the way, LN tongue and Groove, LN No. 8 and of course, the low angle jack and the 5.5.

Any thoughts? I thought about making a nice storage rack for them (it would like nice with all of them) but trying to simplify things :) Its not about raising funds for something else (unless you have an opinion...haha), just simplifying.

So sorry for the rambling and the crazy talk but just looking for some thoughts

[Brian Kent]

I would sell the 5.5 and buy a shoulder plane and a block plane.

[Jim Koepke]

My LA Jack is mostly used for shooting end grain.

The 5-1/2 Is a good mid-sized plane that is a good short jointer for small things.

If you do not need to sell it, give it some time in the shop. Then if it is never used, then sell it.

I do agree with the idea of acquiring a block plane.

jtk

[Frank Carnevale]

I always forget the block. I do have an adjustable block plane but was thinking over a shoulder plane (will put that on teh christmas list later this year for the little lady to surprise me :)

[Archie England]

Wait, wait...!

Since there's no fore plane in your list, the 5.5 ought to be a keeper. Plus, it can be a great shooting board plane. For me, it's the fore planes that really are my first "go-to" planes. You've got quite an impressive stable. Congrats.

[Frank Carnevale]

Thanks Archie. I had a bunch of user/beater Stanleys then over the last two christmas seasons I asked the family and the little lady for gift cards to LN or Craftsman Studio. Plus picked up a plane or two here with the cash from the sale of the stanleys.


Wait, wait...!

Since there's no fore plane in your list, the 5.5 ought to be a keeper. Plus, it can be a great shooting board plane. For me, it's the fore planes that really are my first "go-to" planes. You've got quite an impressive stable. Congrats.