I've recently seen the light about hand planes and scrapers. As much as I like my power tools, sometimes the right tool is a hand tool. During a recent project, I discovered how enjoyable it is to use a card scraper, my Stanley #5, Type 11 (that I've had for several years, but hadn't even sharpened), and a cheap Buck Brothers block plane with a nice, sharp iron.
During that same project, I had a problem that would have been much easier to fix if I'd had a shoulder plane. SWMBO decided to get me one for our anniversary, and she's even nice enough to let me pick it out!
I've been looking around the 'net, and I think I've narrowed my search. But it seems to me that there are positives and negatives to each:
1. Stanley #92 - Versatile (converts to a chisel plane) and relatively inexpensive ($100), but maybe not the best quality.
2. Veritas/Lee Valley Medium Shoulder Plane - Reasonably priced ($149) and innovative, but not as versatile.
3. Clifton #3110 Shoulder Plane - Versatile (converts to a bullnose and a chisel plane) and high quality, but pricey ($250).
4. Lie-Nielsen medium Shoulder Plane - High quality, but higer price ($175), and not as versatile.
I really like the idea of multi-use tools, so I'm drawn to the Stanley and the Clifton. Obviously, there's a huge price difference, and probably an equal difference in quality. Can anyone relate some personal experience with the Stanley #92? Are there other manufacturers that I've not considered?
Thanks!