hand planes

[ataylor]

I am looking for a little advise if you gentlemen could help. I am looking for small hand planes to help with small projects could you recommend what type and size I would be needing as I have never ownerd one of these before and would hate to buy the wrong one. The kind of work I want to be doing is bird boxes mainly.

TYIA

 

[Twister]

Hi Andy

an old stanley or record No4 would be most peoples go to plane

if just something smaller a little block plane may be your way forward
the 118 or 130

The Superior Works - Patrick's Blood & Gore: Planes #90 - #100
cant give much advice on new ones
Steve

 

[Woody]

I agree a number 3 1/2 or 4 Record have a tungsten blade which will stay sharp longer Stanley have HSS blades which will take a better edge Record planes are normally that bit cheaper so may be your best bet if you only want to make bird houses take a look on ebay there are normally some on there Stanley Wood Plane No4 | eBay

 

[Woody]

Here's a good cheap plane £6.99 plus £3 postage NEW - No 4 Standard Smoothing Wood Plane (carpenters tool) Jack woodworking | eBay

 

[Dalboy]

If you are preparing the wood in long lengths then you may need a larger one for that and then for some of the smaller work as suggested above. Also are you wanting to plane end grain.

 

[Woody]

Good points Derek I was just thinking little bits of wood

 

[Doug]

Most of the "experts" seem to recommend a No5 as an all rounder, long enough to straighten wood short enough to use as a smoother, not that I own one but probably a good idea if you are only buying one plane.

 

[Twister]

just to add if u r looking at a used one let me know
once you decide what size u need
I have a collection

Steve

 

[dp34101]

For small projects I'd get a no. 4 - especially if the wood's reasonably close to start with.

If you want to prepare larger pieces in the future you can add a no. 6, 5 or 5 1/2 for flattening and use the no. 4 as a smoother.

 

[Dalboy]

just to add if u r looking at a used one let me know
once you decide what size u need
I have a collection

Steve

You just like collecting tools Steve

 

[Twister]

You just like collecting tools Steve

I must have a clear out
probably got 40 or 50 planes

Steve

 

[Jim]

Funnily enough i have never used a plane, though i haven't ever had the need to. I think it was last year that i bought one from Turners Retreat, they had them on sale .. I can't tell you what size or make it was or even where it is now, just that i thought it was a good buy at the time ..

I think it was a tenner to buy ..

 

[silver]

I must have a clear out
probably got 40 or 50 planes

Steve

I did that this year, sent one to Geordieb but it had multiplied when it had arrived.. That reminds me I must get in touch with them to see if they habe come to a decision over the claim..

 

[AllenN]

A Stanley or Record no. 4 from ebay should do everything you need. It is worth looking at Paul Sellers videos in U tube. He shows how to set one up correctly and how to sharpen one easily. I use one all the time. Block planes can be useful but with a bit of care you can use a No. 4 for the same work. If you have smaller hands a no. 3 will do the same, but 4s are more common.

 

[wm460]

I like the ones with an eletricy motor.