Thread: If you could only have one plane....

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.

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,

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

Jeremy

I'm with WB - a #5. Look for a 2nd hand one at the sunday markets. Try to find one that has thicker sides, they seem to have reduced the weight of the castings over the years. Be prepared to do a bit of work tuning it and you'll have a versatile piece of equipment.

Im with the others. A second hand stanley no 5. Carnt go wrong.

If you can only get one plane get a Makita, they last for ever.

Al

Originally Posted by ozwinner

If you can only get one plane get a Makita, they last for ever.

Al

Yup - power plane is what I'd get.

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
Wendy

I survived with only a Stanley No 5 for many years - good all round

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

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

I think a Piper Saratoga would be one plane that I'd be happy with for the rest of my life.

Originally Posted by Grunt

I think a Piper Saratoga would be one plane that I'd be happy with for the rest of my life.

Now that would take a bit of fettling

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!

Cheers