Recommendation entry-level shooting plane

[Brandon Speaks]

I generally grab whatever plane I think is sharpest at the time, if not that whichever one is closest. In theory I like using my 6, most often I grab my 4.

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

5-1/2 is also wider - a benefit if you shoot wider stock

[Robert Engel]

I would skip the 5 and go to a 6. More versatile, at least for me.

If I could only own 2 planes they would be a 4 and a 6!!

[Jim Koepke]

I would skip the 5 and go to a 6. More versatile, at least for me.

If I could only own 2 planes they would be a 4 and a 6!!

My #6 was my shooting plane for a while before acquiring an LN #62.

It is still one of my more used planes.

jtk

[steven c newman]

IF I ever do use the chuting board....this would be the plane I'd use...
Jumbo Jack, side.JPG
And, the sole is indeed square to the sides....
Jumbo Jack, smoothie.JPG
Nothing really special about this plane..
Jumbo Jack, front.JPG
Just a heavy old Stanley Type 19....last of the ''good'' types...
Jumbo Jack, back porch.JPG
The Jumbo Jack...No. 5-1/2.


However...last time I did any "shooting", it was with the board in the bench vise, level with the top of the wood jaws, and a #3 sized smoother was used...since it was already on the bench, anyway.

[Scott Clausen]

My shooting board was made with knife, saw and chisel. Nothing fancy but it works, I did get a Veritas LAJ to use on it just because I always wanted to get a new "premium" plane but I have others that would work. I regularly see on YouTube someone using a low angle block plane for shooting, not much heft but I guess it works for him.

[Deirdre Saoirse Moen]

I used to use my cheaper 5-1/2 for this, but I recently got the (very not budget friendly) LN 51 and its amazingly oversized box. Was planning on finally using it tomorrow.

I used the longest plane that made sense for wood of the size I was shooting, but usually wound up using the biggest bronze plane I had (because of mass).