Help selecting hand planes.

[fshanno]

It's kind of fun to shop for vintage Stanley planes on eBay.  I've bought several.  A couple were completely restored, others need some work. 

I've never done anything much of anything with them.  I've never been willing to make the commitment to proper sharpening.  From my perspective sharpening and maintaining the tools is 80% of it.  But they add a little class to the garage shop.  Maybe one day.

 

[woodguy7]

When you mention restoring old Stanley planes, this can be a very good option.

I restored an old Stanley bailey no 4 smoothing plane.  I flattened the sole & sides by rubbing on wet & dry paper stuck to float glass.  Filed the mouth to the proper angle & fitted a Ron Hock blade & cap iron.  That plane works every bit as good as my Lie Nielsens.
The furniture maker David Charlesworth has done some very extensive articles on the subject & i did this plane after reading one of his books.  Hand tools are so much more rewarding IMHO

 

[Iceclimber]

Actually just noticed a fully restored stanly plane on my local Craigs list last night for $75

Cant remember the size but it looked pretty nice. Being I'm new to planes i really don't want to chance buying a piece of junk or someone else mistake or problem.

I do like the idea of old tools though..

 

When you mention restoring old Stanley planes, this can be a very good option.

I restored an old Stanley bailey no 4 smoothing plane.  I flattened the sole & sides by rubbing on wet & dry paper stuck to float glass.  Filed the mouth to the proper angle & fitted a Ron Hock blade & cap iron.  That plane works every bit as good as my Lie Nielsens.
The furniture maker David Charlesworth has done some very extensive articles on the subject & i did this plane after reading one of his books.  Hand tools are so much more rewarding IMHO

 

[anthonyz]

As stated Lie Nielsen Planes are high quality. I am lucky, they are doing demos at my local woodworking store this weekend here in Mesa, AZ. I am not in the market for a plane, but they were awesome to try out. I picked up a hat and a bench brush from the show. Lie Nielsenis located out of Maine. They are top dollar planes, but if you are a festool owner, you know the value of a high quality tool you most likely will not regret.

 

[carlb40]

For highly figured timbers i would suggest the LN62 with both the toothing and 90 degree blade. You guys can buy it as a complete kit i think complete with hotdog handle.  [smile]

https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/bench-planes/low-angle-bench-planes-low-angle-jack-plane-set-?node=4065