Been reading the forum here quite a bit as I get started into woodworking for advice / tips on almost everything I get into. I've used primarily power tools for everything I've done, but find myself in a spot where I think a hand plane would be my best option. I have some red oak and cherry I got from a place that cut veneers and left the center of the log. The pieces are only ~ 7/8ths thick but most are 20''+ wide. The only 2 options I could come up with are making a jig for the router or using a hand plane. I've put off buying/using hand planes in the past, but this seems like a perfect time to get started. Having no knowledge and hardly any experience with hand planes I'm hoping for some help and advice.
- Am I better off buying a cheap borg plane and using that to get accustomed to hand planing, or would I be better served finding an old stanley on ebay, and spending some time getting to know more about planes as I clean/fix it up?
- What size would be best to start with, and what size would be best for flattening / cleaning up the 20+" boards I'm looking to do?
I don't mind putting in the time to clean one up, but I wouldn't make it to see another day if I spent the $ to get a nice or already restored plane. If a $25 or so plane from ebay can be made into a serviceable plane that will outlast the cheap borg planes, I'd prefer to go that route. I'm not sure what to look for buying a plane on ebay. Outside of looking for bad pitting, or noticeable chips / cracks I'm not sure what would make a plane worth restoring or not.
If anyone has some helpful knowledge in regards to getting a first plane, things to look for, or even seen a good add/listing for an old plane I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.