This was a reply by Joel Tille, Lumberjock, after attending a siminar and passed on to other Lumberjocks concerning which type of Plane was best for a beginner or “first time” plane buyer.
Block planes typically the bevel of the blade is up, bench and jointer planes the bevel is typically down. Most everyone probably knows this, but the planes I have purchased were at an auction and the blades were install upside down. I used them like this for a while before I was taught the bevel thing.
Couple of online resources he had on the hand out.
Planes Types and Choices
Using, Sharpening, and Tuning Hand Planes
So…You Want to Try Hand Planes
Point about Planing
During the seminar Randy pass around a few items, one was a piece of white oak. Very smooth surface and sides with no sanding. another was a half lap joint he used a shoulder plane to sneak up to a perfect fit.
Randy uses refrigerator or business card magnets to protect the blades; also he says he does not lay them on their side. Potential damage to the blade from another tool you may be picking up or setting down.
Hope this helps you find the plane you want to start with. Randy also discussed upgrading the blade with heavier ones from Hock Tools or Lie-Nielsen. Good quality planes mentioned were Lee Valley & Veritas .
After the seminar I decide to rejuvinate a hand plane my father had given me a couple years back. I have vivid memories of this plane as a kid. The struglle from using a plane that was really not that sharp, my small stutaur as a child, and probably having the blade to far exposed below the sole.
After the seminar I decide to rejuvenate a hand plane my father had given me a couple years back. I have vivid memories of this plane as a kid; the struggle from using a plane that was really not that sharp, my small stature as a child, and probably having the blade to far expose below the sole. I remember then thinking why anyone would want to use one. I now find occasions when this seems to be a perfect fit. Especially my block plane for that quick chamfer. I am not sure how (or if you can) post a photo in a comment so here a link to my workshop where I posted the Hand Plane .
-- Joel Tille
