Selecting a No. 6 - advice and experiences?

**Tools4Me** · 25th October 2011, 08:12 PM

A number 6 is next on my list. I've been reading about Lee Valley's No. 6 (and also their Low Angle Jack) as well as checking out Lie Nielsen's No. 6 and the WoodRiver offering as well. My longest plane is a LV 5 1/4. I'm not intending on jointing boards so my thoughts were something in the 15-18" range. That should cover me for what I can see myself doing and if not, well then that'll be another plane to own, won't it

My current feelings are that, while an undoubtedly fine bit of steel, the LN is too expensive at twice the price of the WR and close to twice the cost of the LV. The WR is kind of an unknown with not many reviews that I can find but I'm not discounting it. But that really leaves only the LV No. 6, unless I'm missing something?

I certainly like the idea of the BU planes. I'm nowhere near skilled enough a woodworker to say I'd buy a BU plane for it's ability to cut wood. Nope, I like them cause there's no chip breaker attached to the blade and that's one less thing to have to fool around with

But I haven't seen a BU at this length.

So what have you guys and gals found and used. Liked and disliked? Recommendations?

**groeneaj** · 25th October 2011, 08:23 PM

I'm very tempted to get myself a WR no6. I've seem Rob Cosman use his (with and without the IBC blades he endorses) and he gets very fine full width shavings.
I do however plan to get a 5 or 5 1/2 LN which is a size I would see myself using more often.

Andy

**Tools4Me** · 25th October 2011, 08:26 PM

I'm in the same boat Andy. Not sure how much I'll use it so then price is more of an issue.

The LV 5 1/4W is quite nice if you're looking for something like that.

**groeneaj** · 25th October 2011, 08:32 PM

I'll check it out! LV bevel down planes seem to never get mentioned. Probably because of the success of their bevel up range.

Have a look through this thread - https://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/w...ly-6-a-140174/

**Sam** · 25th October 2011, 08:52 PM

Although at the shorter end of 15-18 inches the Low angle jack is a cracker !
Pretty handy for shooting too (in reference to your mitre plane vs shooting plane thread).

The Woodriver planes seem like pretty good value at half the cost of the LN's....as nice as they no doubt are

**Mr Brush** · 25th October 2011, 09:01 PM

I've got mainly LV BU planes (including the much-used Jack...), plus a mix of LV and LN block planes. All of these get plenty of use, so I don't mind spending a few $ to get something nice.

However, a #6 really won't do much I can't already do with the BU Jack, so I'm hanging out for a #7.

Although useful, I can't justify spending LN kind of money for a plane that just won't get that much use, hence the interest in a WoodRiver #7. The other option for me is the LV BU jointer (which can accept my extensive collection of BU plane blades...

), but the only concern I have with the LV is a lack of weight. I've used a WoodRiver #6, and it is a very nice (heavy) plane indeed.

Andy - you'll be needing a big heavy #7 to keep the top of your shiny new bench flat !

**groeneaj** · 25th October 2011, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Brush

Andy - you'll be needing a big heavy #7 to keep the top of your shiny new bench flat !

I got myself an old Stanley no.7. I'll probably put a new IBC blade in it and see how it goes. I don't really want to put a back bevel on it if I get tearout, so a BU jointer might be on the cards.

But in response to your question I think you should have a look at the LV bevel up jack. It was my first bench plane and I believe it was a great start.

Andy

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