On block planes—as Chris Schwarz notes in ATC, there’s little reason to buy any block plane other than a low angle with adjustable throat. I bought mine 40 years ago and never regretted it—95% of the time that’s the one I reach for, and half the time I *do* pick up another, I put it down and go find the LA.
The veritas low angle block plane is really quite good, and so is the Lie Nielsen. They adjust a little bit different from each other.
You might try a ECE Primus wooden bodied block plane. They are really nice. If you can get your hands on one with the Lignum Vitae sole you will like it more (no longer being made but new ones are still out there).
I have regular Stanley block planes 9 1/2 and 60 1/2 and A Kunz 9 1/2. I plan to get a new Primus I like them all. I had to do some work on the bottoms and do a little filing to get the Stanley tools in shape. I replaced the Blades with Hock blades for the Stanley tools. The Hock blades don’t fit the Kunz. The thicker blades make these much nicer. But by the time you buy the better blades you might as well buy the better tool overall.
I really like my 60 1/2 block plane. Low angle and adjustable mouth. I also appreciate that it has machined sides so when I'm working with small parts on the shooting board I can use it.
Depending on what exactly I'm doing I pretty regularly use my no. 5, no.4 and low angle jack on my shooting board. And if the parts I'm working are quite small my 60 1/2 block plane. So I guess kind of all my planes.
That depends. Do you already have hand saws that you're comfortable with? If so then the benefits are arguable. Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, which personally I find more controllable. They also have a thinner blade so there's less of a kerf.
If you are used to western saws that cut on the push stroke they can take a little getting used to. As someone who loves trying new tools I'd definitely say give one a try if you get the chance!
You’re off to a great start, Daniel! I’d suggest that for one of your very first projects, make a simple tote, or a small Japanese style tool chest to keep your new kit safe and organized. There is no shortage of ideas on YouTube, or Pinterest…I’m sure you’ll find inspiration for whatever you need.
That's a good suggestion. I'd like to get a workbench sorted before I focus on tool storage solutions. I do have a pretty cool idea though which is a little unique / crazy!
You'll have to wait a little while to find out though 😜
On block planes—as Chris Schwarz notes in ATC, there’s little reason to buy any block plane other than a low angle with adjustable throat. I bought mine 40 years ago and never regretted it—95% of the time that’s the one I reach for, and half the time I *do* pick up another, I put it down and go find the LA.
Thanks for the tip David!
I probably will be going for an adjustable mouth which helps reduce the shortlist somewhat!
Veritas and Lie-Nielsen make quite adequate versions (LOL) but frankly the Stanley 12-960 does the job, is readily available used, and inexpensive.
I'll most likely end up with a Stanley or equivalent old model! If I bought a veritas or LN I wouldbt be able to afford the wood to use the thing 😂
The veritas low angle block plane is really quite good, and so is the Lie Nielsen. They adjust a little bit different from each other.
You might try a ECE Primus wooden bodied block plane. They are really nice. If you can get your hands on one with the Lignum Vitae sole you will like it more (no longer being made but new ones are still out there).
I have regular Stanley block planes 9 1/2 and 60 1/2 and A Kunz 9 1/2. I plan to get a new Primus I like them all. I had to do some work on the bottoms and do a little filing to get the Stanley tools in shape. I replaced the Blades with Hock blades for the Stanley tools. The Hock blades don’t fit the Kunz. The thicker blades make these much nicer. But by the time you buy the better blades you might as well buy the better tool overall.
Thanks for this Larry!
I'll be sure to check out the ECE plane. I've seen one by them before, interesting designs. I'd like to try one someday!
For now I'm going to stick to metal planes, not for any particular reason other than I feel drawn to them!
I've heard a lot of good things about hock blades. Do you need to get a new cap chip breaker screw to use them in a bench plane?
I actually have something coming up soon where a block plane is related so it sounds like your input will be valuable then!
I really like my 60 1/2 block plane. Low angle and adjustable mouth. I also appreciate that it has machined sides so when I'm working with small parts on the shooting board I can use it.
Sounds great Duncan!
I'll add it to the list to check out ☺️ Use on a shooting board is definitely a selling point!
Out of interest what plane do you usually use for shooting?
Depending on what exactly I'm doing I pretty regularly use my no. 5, no.4 and low angle jack on my shooting board. And if the parts I'm working are quite small my 60 1/2 block plane. So I guess kind of all my planes.
This is so cool Daniel! Thanks for sharing 😊🙏🏽
Thanks, Astrid! 😀
I have a Veritas apron plane. It’s a smaller and lighter block plane. Doesn’t have an adjustable throat, but it’s the block plane that I use the most.
Thanks Bryce!
I haven't really looked into apron planes! They do seem really handy being pocket sized (and cute!), I'll have to have a proper look at them.
Ryoba saw. How important?
That depends. Do you already have hand saws that you're comfortable with? If so then the benefits are arguable. Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, which personally I find more controllable. They also have a thinner blade so there's less of a kerf.
If you are used to western saws that cut on the push stroke they can take a little getting used to. As someone who loves trying new tools I'd definitely say give one a try if you get the chance!
I hope this comment was helpful 😊
It is helpful. Thanks…..I assume you meant Western blades cut on the push (not pull)
I did mean that, whoops! I've edited it now.
You’re off to a great start, Daniel! I’d suggest that for one of your very first projects, make a simple tote, or a small Japanese style tool chest to keep your new kit safe and organized. There is no shortage of ideas on YouTube, or Pinterest…I’m sure you’ll find inspiration for whatever you need.
Thanks Greg!
That's a good suggestion. I'd like to get a workbench sorted before I focus on tool storage solutions. I do have a pretty cool idea though which is a little unique / crazy!
You'll have to wait a little while to find out though 😜