[bandit571]

Look at the background in this picture….

A very slippery slope, indeed…..

 

[Smirak]

For me, my most useful (as well as most used) plane is probably my 5 1/2. I have a Low Angle Jack, a 5 1/2, 6, 7 and a LA Block. If I only could have one of what's in my "stable", I'd choose the 5 1/2. I use it for smoothing, shooting and in a pinch, jointing. For me, the extra weight was worth it over a 4 or 4 1/2. Length isn't much different than a "traditional smoother". However, that's my opinion, and not necessarily one that is shared by all. I haven't used my #6 since I bought the 5 1/2.

 

[DMiller]

Thank you all very much for the replies, I really appreciate it. Shampeon, thank you very much for the gracious offer. I'm not in East Bay very often, but I will definitely keep it in mind. Thank you. I appreciate your info on plane sizes; if feel I know a little better of what to purchase if/ when I choose to purchase one. Thanks for the help!

 

[SMP]

One thing I like about this site, is you can see if the plane has already been tuned, with pictures of its shavings. So you know what its capable of. On ebay you never know what you are getting.
http://www.timetestedtools.net/items-for-sale/

 

[DBDesigns]

I recommend starting with three planes. I know sounds like an investment but hear me out.

LN planes are very dear and I have heard they are high quality but a well tuned Stanley will do very well for way less. as far as sharpening, you just have to do it and you have to do it a lot no matter what plane you are using.

I would go with a #5 jack plane with a convex iron for roughing work, a #7 for straightening edges and faces, and a #4 for smoothing work. You can learn all there is to know using these three and they are all very versatile.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Kirk650]

I have 3 #4 planes, a Stanley, a LN bronze, and a Veritas low angle model. After some years with the three, I reach for the Veritas first, the LN second, and the Stanley for rougher work.

So what does a fellow need? I'd go with the Veritas LA plane, a good block plane from LN or Veritas, and a good #5.

 

[donwilwol]

Don't be afraid to experiment. Buy a good plane at a good price. If you don't like it or find something better, sell it. If you do it right there may even be a small profit in it (assuming you don't count labor, it's a hobby after all). Although for me, selling is the hard part.

My favorite plane right now is a Sargent VBM #410. It's edged out my Bedrock 604, although I have a Bedrock#603 I like a lot. I've never had a Millers Falls really grow on me, although I can't explain why, they work fantastic. I've have LN and Lee Valley, and they are fantastic, but I couldn't justify the cost of to many of them (it's a hobby after all)

If I were to put together a set if like named planes for cheap, it would be Wards Master. I've yet to have one that didn't work well, and I'm not a big Stanley fan, and most if Wards Masters we're Stanley.

 

[Davevand]

You can debate all day which plane to start with, but the first thing you should learn is how to sharpen the blade. The best plane in the world will be crap if the blade is not sharp.

 

[DMiller]

Thank you all for the replies; I really appreciate it!