In article ,
"Guy LaRochelle" wrote:

I am totally clueless when it comes to hand planes but I would like to learn
about them and to use them. There seems to be a thousand different styles.
Is there an assortment of planes that are the most needed and most widely
used to get started? If so could someone steer me in the right direction?
Regards. -Guy



I'd start with a block plane such as a Stanley #60 or #220. These show
up on eBay all time for prices under $20. The problem with eBay is it's
hard to tell what shape the tool is going to be in, and sometimes
historical/collector interest drive the prices up way beyond what value
the item really has as a working tool.

Highland Hardware is currently selling a Stanley #9-1/2 block plane on
sale for $30. I'm not sure of the subtle differences between a #9-1/2,
#60, and the #220, but they're all basic block planes and all perfectly
good as a first plane to buy. At $30, it's hard to go too far wrong,
and unlike eBay, you know what you're getting.

If you don't mind spending a bit more money, Lee Valley (Veritas) and
Lie-Nelson sell their own high-end versions of block planes for about
$100. These are very nice tools, but quite a jump up in price and
probably not what you're looking for as a first item to own.

At this point, what you want to do is get a decent item at a reasonable
price and spend some time learning how to use, adjust, and sharpen it.

I wouldn't waste my time with anything they sell in Home Depot or
similar consumer outlets. The Bucks Brothers stuff is pure junk, and
much of the Stanley stuff you'll find there is their economy line of
tools (i.e. junk). I'd go with the #9-1/2 from HH for $30.