Hans Braul
09-28-2006, 7:44 PM
OK, I know, this subject (or subjects very much like it) has been raised many times in various forms.
HOWEVER......
I need your help. I am a relative beginner, though I have dabbled for the better part of 30 years. I have become addicted to making shavings in favour of making dust. I NEEEEEED a few good planes, but can only afford one right now. I currently own:
1. A Record Jack Plane, which I have been able to tune and get reasonable results.
2. A vintage Stanley smooth plane with a seriously pitted blade and a body that REALLY needs work, including replacement of the Y-shaped thing (what's it called?) that engages the depth adjust screw (since one arm of the Y is broken off).
3. A really crappy new Stanley block plane that I have never been able to get working
4. An unidentifyable tiny block plane that gets my sentimental vote because it's really cute, but it really doesn't work all that well.
I have spend considerable time reading, honing, reading, honing again, testing, playing with my tools, testing again, etc etc, and I have reached the conclusion I have got the best out of my current fleet, and it's ain't that pretty. My shop includes a 6" jointer, a tablesaw, and a 10" lunchbox planer.
I clearly need to expand my collection of planes. The options under consideration are:
1. LV bevel up Jack plane with 25, 38 and 50 degree blades
2. LV low angle block plane
3. LV bevel up smoother
4. LV Low angle smooth plane.
I build furniture, picture frames, boxes, tables .... relatively small scale stuff but I aspire to beauty and really good work.
HERE'S MY QUESTION:
If you had the $$$ to buy only one of the above, which would it be????
I am leaning toward...
On second thought, better let you guys weigh in with your opinions, nevermind what I had in mind.
HOWEVER......
I need your help. I am a relative beginner, though I have dabbled for the better part of 30 years. I have become addicted to making shavings in favour of making dust. I NEEEEEED a few good planes, but can only afford one right now. I currently own:
1. A Record Jack Plane, which I have been able to tune and get reasonable results.
2. A vintage Stanley smooth plane with a seriously pitted blade and a body that REALLY needs work, including replacement of the Y-shaped thing (what's it called?) that engages the depth adjust screw (since one arm of the Y is broken off).
3. A really crappy new Stanley block plane that I have never been able to get working
4. An unidentifyable tiny block plane that gets my sentimental vote because it's really cute, but it really doesn't work all that well.
I have spend considerable time reading, honing, reading, honing again, testing, playing with my tools, testing again, etc etc, and I have reached the conclusion I have got the best out of my current fleet, and it's ain't that pretty. My shop includes a 6" jointer, a tablesaw, and a 10" lunchbox planer.
I clearly need to expand my collection of planes. The options under consideration are:
1. LV bevel up Jack plane with 25, 38 and 50 degree blades
2. LV low angle block plane
3. LV bevel up smoother
4. LV Low angle smooth plane.
I build furniture, picture frames, boxes, tables .... relatively small scale stuff but I aspire to beauty and really good work.
HERE'S MY QUESTION:
If you had the $$$ to buy only one of the above, which would it be????
I am leaning toward...
On second thought, better let you guys weigh in with your opinions, nevermind what I had in mind.