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30th April 2007, 07:00 PM #1
If you could only have one plane....
OK folks, I'll admit it - the only plane I own cost $4.95 at BigW, and it works about as well as you would expect, although a thorough flattening and sharpening worked wonders and it does stop the shed door from slamming.
We are pretty broke, as usual, mostly due to buying lots of sangiovese grapes which are fermenting away very nicely in HIS shed, so I can't spend big money on a bunch of sexy planes yet. What would be the single most useful, value-for-money one to own? I'm mostly using Jarrah and other hardwoods and often the timber needs some dressing. I would also like to use it to trim up joints.
If I buy a second-hand plane, what do I need to watch out for?
I know this is a rather subjective question, but your input would give me a good starting point. Thanks."Look out! Mum's in the shed and she's got a hammer!"
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30th April 2007, 07:24 PM #2Hewer of wood
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Hmm, that's a question that would drive you to drink! How long will the wine take? ;-}
For SH watch out for cracks running from the mouth. Also note that hand planes are classified under collectibles on Ebay with prices to match. But junk shops and Sunday markets are still worth scouring.
For occasional work consider the Chinese wooden Mujingfang (plenty on Ebay); I've just got my first and it's great value for money. HSS iron even.
But beware, a well fettled plane is joy to use and like chocolates it's hard to stop at one.Cheers, Ern
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30th April 2007, 07:29 PM #3
If I could only have one plane I'd get a no 5 Jack Plane. Big enough to flatten something but can be used for smoothing by moving the frog forward and taking light cuts,
Have a nice day - Cheers
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30th April 2007, 07:37 PM #4
Shedgirl
I would get a used metal plane - probably a #5 from Stanley, Sargent, record or one of the Australian copies (eg Carter, Turner, Falcon/Pope). It was called a "jack" plane because it was a jack of all trades. So if you can only afford one then that would be where I start.
You can get these on eBay or at local markets - if you aren't fussed by the stuff that turn collectors on, you should get a good one (ie one that will work well once you clean it and fettle it) for between $25 and $35.
The most important thing is to make sure that it is complete and that there are no cracks in the castings.
Cheers
JeremyCheers
Jeremy
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly
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30th April 2007, 07:40 PM #5
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30th April 2007, 07:59 PM #6.
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Im with the others. A second hand stanley no 5. Carnt go wrong.
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30th April 2007, 08:15 PM #7Registered
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If you can only get one plane get a Makita, they last for ever.
Al
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30th April 2007, 08:22 PM #8
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30th April 2007, 08:24 PM #9
hmmm, difficult question.
I have a little Stanley block plane, which I have found to be incredibly useful for the small stuff.
However, it is good only for the small stuff. I'd have to recommend a bigger plane, as a bigger plane will work for the small stuff, but a small plane will never work for the bigger jobs.
cheers
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30th April 2007, 08:34 PM #10GOLD MEMBER
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I survived with only a Stanley No 5 for many years - good all round
Tom
"It's good enough" is low aim
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30th April 2007, 09:08 PM #11
Well I'll buck the trend here.
I'd go the Stanley etc #4. I have girly sorts of muscles, and the #5 can actually get a bit heavy when used on smaller stuff.
If you are doing lots of blokey carpentry sorts of stuff, then go the #5 by all means, but the #4 was my only plane for about 25 years, and worked on various small projects, a couple of boats and boxes and that sort of thing.
My brother in law was a chippy at the time and spewed when I bought such a useless thing... I'd suggest you actually hold them both and decide.
Whatever you decide, if you keep them razor sharp they'll give hours of pleasure.
Cheers,
P
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30th April 2007, 09:15 PM #12
Just to join the chorus, either a #4 or #5 metal plane. Both do the job but you might find the slightly lighter #4 a bit easier on the arms for general work. The five is a good size and fits in the middle more than the #4 but not to the point you would say it is worlds apart. With patience you should be able to snaffle either one in reasonable order around the $35 mark.
John
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30th April 2007, 09:18 PM #13
I think a Piper Saratoga would be one plane that I'd be happy with for the rest of my life.
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30th April 2007, 09:20 PM #14
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30th April 2007, 09:28 PM #15
Personally, i would choose my old "Stanley Rule and Level Company" Spoke shave. Its 90 yrs old and still cuts beautifully.
But for a hand plane, I'd be a little different to the other guys and go with a nice 4 1/2 plane.
Set the bed up nice (get it ground flat if needed) and grind a little bevel on the front of the sole, so when you hit a join thats not flush the bevel will let the plane ride up without smashing the grain off the high spot.
Grind a tiny round on the corner of the blade when honing it so the corner doesnt tear out when planing across of diagonally along the grain and you cant go wrong!
CheersLast edited by Dannopower; 30th April 2007 at 09:28 PM. Reason: spelling
Turning perfectly good timber into perfectly good dust!:2tsup:
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