I am looking to add a larger plane to what I currently have. I have been trying to read up on these planes but I often find them referred to "almost" interchangeably. As in #7 or #8. The largest plane I currently have is a low angle jack. I know that the #7 is a jointer plane but would like input as to whether one is more versatile than the other to cover as many bases as possible. I won't be buying both anytime soon, so I want to make a wise purchase. I would be using it to plane table and workbench tops and panels, and in time I would try my hand at jointing with a hand plane.
Thanks for you input.
Bill