Thread: Just a query

I guess it all depends on what you want to do with them

If you want to collect and possibly resell, then those might deter a possible buyer

If you want to use them- I'm guessing cracks will make them more unstable and may make them prone to twisting, making them not flat and therefore not really useable. As far as scratches go, if they are small, then I wouldn't think it would be an issue; there are planes out there that have grooves intentionally cut into them for resinous woods.

Artme, I can't see scratches causing any bother unless they are humongous, and cracks might be unsightly, but also shouldn't affect function too much unless they go through a vital spot like the wedge-retaining cheeks.

As to whether they are worth $25 to $50, that's a question only you can answer, I think! Do you have a particular affinity for woodies, and if you do, do you really need more planes, of the types on offer? I have & use quite a few woodies myself, but find them a little more fuss to maintain in prime working order compared with a good metal job. The woodies I have are either small, or specialty planes, I find the bulkiness of the larger wooden bench planes awkward, but that may be simply because I started with metal planes, and didn't 'discover' woodies until 20 plus years down the track.

Old tools that look like they could be rehabilitated are always tempting. I used to succumb to just about any old tool that looked like it could be brought back to life, if the price was what I considered reasonable, but these days, when I see something begging to be given new life, I ask myself, 'what can this do that one of my existing tools can't do equally as well?' Since the answer is almost always, "nothing", I save myself quite a few $$s. But I still hope someone gives them a good home!

Cheers,

I have converted entirely to woodies, mainly because when I was living in Europe they were the planes that were available. Now back Brisbane in and with access to my Stanley et al planes I find I prefer the woodies . Although I have a suspicion that is more to do with the fact that I was a power tool guy before I moved OS and I probably never set the up properly.

I don't know if I'd spend $50 on a second hand plane that wasn't in good nick. I got an ugly, warped 5/8 Mathieson shoulder plane for $8 the other week and in 15 mins with some sand paper and the same on the sharpening stones turned it into a very good 3/4 shoulder plane.

I'd say fix one up just for kicks and see what you think.

Cheers
MattImageUploadedByTapatalk1379293273.850243.jpg

Originally Posted by artme

I have seen a few wooden hand planes for sale at a second hand place.

The prices range from $25 -$50. The cheaper ones have some cracking
on the soles and a couple have bad grooves that look as if they were caused
by the plane being pushed over nails or screws.

All blades seem to be in good condition, just need cleaning and sharpening.

Will the cracks and scratches be a bother and would th planes be worth the
money?

artme,
Some folk just love to use them.
I've a couple of usable wooden planes that I've moved once too often in the shed,
If you want to give one a try, let me have your postal address by PM, and I'll send one to you.

Peter

Thanks fellas!! Interesting replies!!

Wasn't really thinking of buying but i know a couple of blokes I could point
in this direction.

One thing I forgot to mention was that all had very small handles!! They would be
extremely uncomfortable for me to use.

I don't really have the urge, or the time to mess about with them anyway. I
think I have become much more focused as I have aged, and bright colours,
noise andd old tools are no longer an attractant.

Originally Posted by artme

I think I have become much more focused as I have aged, ... and old tools are no longer an attractant.

<spanish accent> "That word ... "focused", ... I do not thin' it min what you thin' it min."

Paul

Sorry ... it's from "The Princess Bride" ... gggrrrreeeaaatttt movie.

I was suggesting you were maybe not so much 'focussed' as ... losing the will to live.

Paul

Originally Posted by pmcgee

Sorry ... it's from "The Princess Bride" ... gggrrrreeeaaatttt movie.

I was suggesting you were maybe not so much 'focussed' as ... losing the will to live.

Paul

Never!!!