Hand plane recommendations

danlightbulb · 10 Apr 2023 at 19:52

I bought a budget Minotaur block plane from Toolstation today, just for a small job thinning down a strip of wood by a couple mm. I have a minotaur chisel set which didn't cost much and is decent.

Generally it seems ok quality for the price (£15) apart from one area - the mouth. It's terribly machined, far too big and the slot is really wonky. I will have to return it tomorrow as it's that bad to be unusable.

Eventually I'd like to buy a few different hand planes, but won't be able to afford premium tools. Anyone know any budget options that are reasonable quality?

itsallaboutyou · 10 Apr 2023 at 23:11

Anything by Irwin / Record is pretty good. I’ve a full set of Marples planes lovingly looked after from my old man.

I tend to use the electric one now for ease of use. Oops.

LuckyBenski · 11 Apr 2023 at 01:07

Buy used ones that have been fettled, is my advice. My best 2 planes were both bought/gifted from a classmate and a teacher at college respectively. Nothing special, just Stanley 4½ and 5, but already been used and had the corners knocked off so to speak.

I'm sure a second hand tool place or volt fair or eBay might serve you well.

Tinders · 11 Apr 2023 at 04:54

I’ve bought a couple from Facebook marketplace. Stanley ones, old is gold as they say.

darreny · 11 Apr 2023 at 15:15

I have a Stanley block plane that I had to lap to get it flat on the bottom and a Stanley sweetheart No 4 that was better upon purchase but still needed work

ttaskmaster · 11 Apr 2023 at 16:45

Old Record Marples and Stanley stuff is where it's at.
Newer stuff, especially the Irwin version, is just knock-off rubbish made by a cheap manufacturer who bought the original companies and now (ab)use the name.

Of the modern stuff, Veritas, Lee Valley and Wood River are generally well-received, but can be pretty pricey...

radderfire · 11 Apr 2023 at 23:07

Here's a list of major tool brand manufacturer sites which might help in your research.

danlightbulb · 12 Apr 2023 at 07:46

I had a look on Facebook marketplace and there were a few on there but it's hard to know condition, some looked quite rusty, and they weren't cheap still. I also noticed some selling 'vintage' planes on eBay that were in their blister pack wrappers.

PlacidCasual · 12 Apr 2023 at 08:04

Do you have any old relatives? You miight have an uncle with some decent woodworking gear that isn't used anymore. Anything you get that way will need some tlc. The secondhand market is propped up by old blokes who like large collections of planes sitting on shelves. Common planes can still be quite reasonable but anything more unusal costs as much as buying high quality new.

Noakesy85 · 12 Apr 2023 at 08:27

As stated numerous times above, Stanley and old Record planes are generally the most reliable. If you're looking for something newer, Axminster Tools do some fantastic planes too but tend to be pretty pricey.

I tend to find most of my old hand planes at carboot sales, sometimes need a bit of restoration work but nothing that cant be done at home.

Tinders · 12 Apr 2023 at 08:37

Woodworking is a very expensive hobby, I thought pc building was bad

eddiemcgarrigle · 12 Apr 2023 at 09:14

If money is no option then I would suggest Bridge City Tools. A lot of the American woodworkers on Youtube swear by them. Absolutely beautiful planes but very pricey.

Oops, noticed the budget requirement. Well worth a visit just to ogle them though.

darreny · 13 Apr 2023 at 12:53

Tinders said:
Woodworking is a very expensive hobby, I thought pc building was bad

It certainly is, I should have been a sparky or plasterer

LuckyBenski · 13 Apr 2023 at 13:05

darreny said:
It certainly is, I should have been a sparky or plasterer

Having started buying decent tools for electrics I'd say plasterer!

But then I've also seen the Marhsalltown tools prices... I guess at least you only need a few tools.

famas · 13 Apr 2023 at 18:50

Another vote for old Stanley planes, they will be far superior to any cheap cheap plane you can find today, and the blade will actually hold an edge.
Boot/garage sales is your best bet as prices can be inflated on FB, Ebay etc.

Main things to look out for are chips/dents in the mouth and sole, cracked handles, broken yoke adjusters and blade length. Some of the really early ones that have been used and ground a lot wont have much blade left.
Light rust isn't to much of an issue and can be easily sanded off.

If you can't wait and want new I'd avoid anything from the hardware shops (Irwin, Stanley, Faithfull, Magnusson, etc) and maybe go for something like a Quangsheng or Rider.

Clifton, Veritas, lie Nielsen and you're getting into premium tools.

And if you really want to indulge have a look at some Holtey hand planes. BJS hand planes. Seuer and Stainer hand planes. Lazarus hand planes and Hillview tools are just a few of my favourites.

BennyC · 13 Apr 2023 at 20:41

I used to have a Clifton No.7 and fondly remember the smell of the wax paper it was wrapped in. Still have my Lie-Nielsen block plane.

As others have said, most low or mid entry planes will need some fettling, whether that's flatting of the body or blade on something suitable or a diamond stone.

Keep an eye on Facebook marketplace for people have a clear-out no longer hobbying or that have passed away.