Five Hand Tools You Don't Need and Why

In my decades of woodworking I've been convinced, drunk the Kool-Aide, of tools I absolutely need in order to make quality stuff. Some of those influencers bamboozled me. Could of spent that money on more productive tools. Here are a few of those tools I've spent hard earned money on that I don't use.
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[@JOHNSmith-pn6fj]

Excellent lesson on what experience teaches a person. As far chisels go everyone should have a battle chisel in their set of tools. Just a chisel that can be sharpened with a belt sander for those odd abusive needs we all come across from time to time. 3/4 of inch in size is perfect in my opinion.

[@scottroy6195]

Haha... I have one. 3/4 inch as well. Good for those "beat the hell out of it" situations.

[@AffordBindEquipment]

especially for cutting nails that can't be gotten to any other way. Done it many times. I have one just for cleaning glue off of a putty knife.

[@johnapppel64]

I've got a 1-inch that I picked up as part of a lot of other tools and was already beat to crap. A few minutes with the grinder to remove the old gnarly edge that looked like almost serrated and I had my beater.

[@defenestrated23]

I have a selection of "shit kickers": a thin and thick chisel, a few slotted screwdrivers, pin punches, speed squares, rulers, drill bits. They are basically sacrificial. I beat them up, drill holes in em, use them to persuade metal, whatever the job needs.

[@W1ldt1m]

As a rough carpenter I carried a 1" harbor freight chisel in my bags. It's amazing how often you use one.

[@Daxxii1966]

“I drank the KoolAid” & “Books out the Wazoo” - hilarious delivery with great content - thank you will definitely be watching more - new subscriber

[@melissasilver4014]

I really appreciate that you are not afraid to be yourself and not afraid how that might affect your audience. You speak from the heart and are just honest with people. You're not telling people not to buy them, just simply explaining that, from your point of view, you don't believe that these tools are worth it. And if people try to work around things before buying this new tool they're told they need, then they might not have to buy a tool that is gonna end up collecting dust somewhere in the shop. General rule of thumb I was taught, is not to buy a tool until you need it. And Even at that, you might only need it once or twice....yet that general rule of thumb didn't account for that! Yet again another great video Shawn. Thank you for sharing your opinions to others with what I believe to be the goel of helping others in the long run :)

[@1pcfred]

Most of work is accomplished with the same handful of tools. They're not the sexiest tools either. But when you need specialty tools they're nice to have.

[@jons2447]

Hello, Mr Graham; I think you misspoke when you said you hadn't created anything in this video. I think you created *VALUE* for your viewers by helping us to not waste our money & time. For that, I say *"THANK YOU!, Sir!"* Have a GREAT day, Neighbor! PS "Please sir, may I have another?"

[@lyster1ne681]

I use a shoulder plane regularly when adjusting long rabbets, such as for box lids or in the back of cabinets. It’s not essential, but it can make certain jobs that much easier, and I think that goes for all the tools you listed. Really it depends on the kind of work that you do and the way that you do it.

[@chipsterb4946]

Adjusting rabbets is exactly what I was going to say as well.

[@rickgibson7876]

Only thing in this list I have is a set of chisels but they were free. Belonged to my grandfather and when my dad gave them to me they had been well used and abused. Most of the handles were either missing or broken. Fixed them up, turned new handles and they are a welcome addition to my tools.

[@normanbott]

You didn't destroy my opinion of you but enhanced it. Marples Blue Chip chisels takes me back. I bought a set when they first appeared, I was about 20 . I never buy sets of router bits for example. Wondered about a shoulder plane many times, but lucky me never wasted my money. A great video.

[@Realism91]

I'm always watching videos of people using unnecessary tools to achieve their project. Being picky with things that don't affect the results. But I still enjoy the videos usually.

[@johnapppel64]

After just a couple years into woodworking, I'm with you 80% of the way. My one point of divergence: I *do* make tables and things with longer legs, so my vintage Stanley No. 8 sees regular use. But as you point out, people who aren't working on large projects don't need a honking big plane. I do love my chonky boi, though, even if I do 90% of my planing with a No. 5.

[@stanbrackhage]

have been watching your videos for a dozen or so years and got inspired 10 years ago to get into hand tool woodworking in some part because of this channel. Thank you sir for all the years of great content.

[@plexibreath]

The only place we differ is on the jointer plane. My most used plane is my huge #8 jointer plane, my least used is my low angle jack plane. I just get a flatter surface with the #8, especially for neck-through laminated guitar neck stringers.. I also like my #4 bronze Lie Nielsen, which gets almost as much use as the #8. I think the nature of the projects you work on determines you must-have tools.

[@knutboersma4386]

Somewhere deep inside, many hobby woodworkers are actually tool junkies, and easy to prey upon. I agree with pretty much everything here. Couple of honorable mentions to add. Dowel plates for sizing dowels. I recall these being pushed with drawbore pins once upon a time. And dedicated carbide burnishers for card scrapers, when the honest truth is that the shank of any reputable screwdriver will do the job.

[@wortheffort]

"tool junkies", I feel seen.

[@1pcfred]

I've tried screwdriver shanks and they really didn't do it for me. I polished an old round file and it burnishes good. Perhaps my screwdrivers are not reputable? I certainly wouldn't want a screwdriver with a shank as hard as a file.

[@youngplayboy786]

Few days ago I bought a Taparia CJP No. 5 Jack Plane and this is my first Jack Plane that I have bought in my life. After unboxing, I was very excited to use it as soon as possible. After tuning, I realized that this plane was not making chips, I increased the depth of cutting blade but on doing so it used to get stuck. I noticed that the cutting blade assembly and chip breaker were getting clogged quite often, with small wood chips getting clogged between the cutting blade and the chip breaker. Trust me... I said "it's kind of $hit jack plane💩" I was thinking my money was completely wasted. After few hours I was on KZbin trying to find solution about that issue and I found your video where you said "you know cap irons, they just suck" , After that I understood what is the problem and its solution. thanks for that video.

[@allenwc]

Ha ha, you are 100% correct. I bought a jointer to make doors, 12 doors later and I still have a jointer plane, that I don’t use any more. There are a lot of other tools you don’t need as well. Keep up the good work, love your stuff . . . still!!!

[@robertcisek3990]

I'm an old woodworker. I've been at it for years, making this and that. Each project intended to improve my skills. You are "spot on" in this video...the tools you mention are not worthless, just not necessary. I have all the tools you mention (like you, I read all the articles, saw the videos, went to the shows and bought what was "hot") and rarely, if even, use them.

[@squatter3425]

Once again, horses for courses. I do not have an electric jointer. I use my 40-year-old ELU table/chop saw combination to straighten the edges when joining boards, and my No 7 Stanley to match the glue surface. I also have a No 4 and a 10½ Stanley plane, but when it comes to gluing board edges, No 7 is the go-to guy. Another tool in my shop that is only touched on in discussions is my Stanley Yankee screwdriver which I bought 1n 1964. At the time it was a wonderful time saver. Today battery operated ones have taken their place. I will add the 1/8 th chisel in my ancient Bacho chisel set as indispensable at times. I love your videos. Keep it up!

[@pauljarine]

I support any video you make re stuff you don’t need.

[@Hatchmade]

I cry fie on you for the jointer plane comments! They are essential for looking awesome on a tool wall.

[@wortheffort]

***snort***

[@patmash]

Agree with all your logic here. While some may need certain tools mentioned, most will not.

[@alexyoung3387]

I was going back and forth on buying a jointer plane. I finally decided that all of the finishes I like to use require sanding. Since I could only chose one tool for that kind of money, I opted for a nice sander rather than the jointer plane.

[@N4CHO_]

I agree with you on everything and I also drank the 'woodworking kool aid' too. I have a jointer plane that I used for my workbench; now it's benched and my low angle jack does everything else. I think buying 4 good quality chisels is a worthy investment (1/4" - 1/2" - 3/4" - 1") instead of an entire set. I really like this type of video! maybe you could start a 'overhyped and underused woodworking tools' series? Great videos as always!

[@wortheffort]

watch the next 4 days. trying to play the algorithm before I go live with some hard to make videos.

[@MikeAG333]

1/4"-1/2"-3/4" & 1" IS an entire set.😁

[@oldtop4682]

Sage advice! I have a nice set of chisels that are seldom used - I use my old Marple's for most stuff, and a beat to crap Buck 1/2 for work on the house. I have 3 joiner planes. Two German wooden bodied planes, and a Stanley that came to me via my father-in-law. The German (made by Ulmia) ones I got at a thrift shop for....$4.00 each. So, I kinda fell into these guys. I do use them sometimes for matching edges on boards - you flip one and plane them both at the same time, flip the one back, and you have matching edges. 2-3 passes with the plane and I'm done. Talking longer boards here, and yes I have a joiner, but for two boards the plane is faster. Still, I can't fault your advice because the cost doesn't justify itself. One thing I think folks fail to consider is making your own tools. I wanted a marking gauge, but lacked the money for a nice one, so I made one. Same with a mallet, sanding blocks etc. I still have all those and use them 35 years on.

[@crocro8559]

Love the shoulder plane for boat building, especially boat repairing. For carvel built boats and the bow of clinker built boats. I used a shoulder plane almost everyday in the boat building school I was in. I think the tools are good for very specialised type of woodworking. A non timber framer wont need as many or as big chisels as one that does timber framing. Think of what you do, that defines what tools are important to you. Better think of the title as: "Five hand tools I don't need and why"

[@Tiger2000Lion2005]

Great Video. Love this to help everyone out there. 1- I have a large medium and small shoulder planes its super useful for shoulders, tenons and dado work. I agree it does have some limited uses 2- agree I like medium to large router planes 3-I use all my chisels 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 etc...good for all dimensions in a pinch, agree with short chisel 4-agree 5-I build larger furniture and the jointer plane is indispensable even with my 16 inch jointer and 16 inch planer. Truly appreciate these videos for showing us different options to solve a problem.

[@riplikash]

Really enjoyed this video. Personally I find uses for all my chisels, from the smallest to the largest, bevel sided pairing to Japanese square sided. Maybe it's just because I like using them and I always find an excuse. Carvings, inlays, bow ties, cleaning up cuts, blocking out initials. I generally have at least 3 on the bench with me for any given project. My no 8 plane is also something I couldn't give up. I don't trust my eye, but I trust my plane. It's saved me on several countertops, tabletops, and benchtops. And it might be my favorite tool to use.

[@victorinomanuel1]

I had the same experiences with my projects. I only have a bunch of basic tools and most of my tools are home-made. Your video is appreciated much. Thank you.

[@johanneswerner1140]

I'll build myself a jointer. If I don't use it I'll at least have had the fun building it...

[@petrsidlo7614]

@@johanneswerner1140 Good luck, I bought a wooden one and absolutely love it, wouldnt want to mess with the weight of a metal one. Will you be mortising the opening for the blade, or will it be a glued construction?

[@OORAH659]

We The Few.... 👍 Agree that the need of materials (TooLs) are small. We learned from the ancient Roman Soldiers who carried what they needed and 💡build, walls, roads, encampments.... Thank you for being brave .... OORAH!!

[@1truefreedomfighter]

I tend to only use 2 chisels as well!! My smallest one, and my biggest one.

[@RexKrueger]

I have a nice shoulder plane....that I've never used once. My jointer I use a little....but not much.

[@wortheffort]

But there's always the "I might need it someday...."

[@randycosgrove3608]

Totally agree on the shoulder plane ( I have the same one you do ), the jointer plane ( I have a Veritas ) and the tiny router planes although I don't have any of them. I do have and occasionally ( very occasionally ) use a home made hand router plane about the size of the one you like. And I do have too many chisels that I don't use as well. Most of us get caught up in the hype before we actually figure out what we need for the type of work we do.

[@danielemmons3513]

Think this list will change depending on the woodworking your doing. I use my No 6 and 8 jointer all the time for boat deck and tabletop glue-ups.

[@billoxley5315]

I would agree, to a point. Sometimes, a razor sharp plane, chisel or whatnot is just nice to use.

[@MrMNRichardWright]

For sure worth the time to learn what I don’t need.

[@robertunderdunkterwilliger2290]

My first hand plane was a No5, made in India. It was so awful and I could never learn to use it. It was long before YT and I just gave up. But I wanted to learn so eventually I got a Jointer (it was suggested in a picture in an old NRA gunsmithing book), and with the help from YT I actually learned to use it. A little later I got a No4 Handyman and I have found it to be a great tool, and much easier to use on normal sized stuff than the Jointer. I will keep the Jointer, for truing up stock blanks, but I can do even that with a No4. Nothing beats experience! Now I want to build cabinets ... I'd like a nice indoor plinking cabinet for air guns, with lots of targets and a pellet trap in the bottom.

[@prestonian1066]

👏👏👏 Every second of every day, someone somewhere is being persuaded to part with their money for something they don't need and woodworking is no different. A LOT of woodworking tools just gather dust(no pun intended) and are so rarely used, if ever, that there is always another way. So it takes you twice as long to do a job because you don't have a certain tool. Doesn't matter if you only do that job once in a blue moon. Definitely wortheffort to make this video!

[@paulerickson2774]

I use my #7 & #8 to flatten my bench tops and to keep them flat. But your points are well taken.

[@davedaniels8211]

Totally agree. At school, 🇬🇧, we only used hand tools. Chisels were most used. I've still got a set, but they don't get much use. Nostalgia!!

[@tomware9448]

You are right on in regards to chisels and hand plane. They look good in my tool cabinet. I have purged my shop several times. BTW most of my work I do with hand tools.I call it a bench shop. Not a pro just entertaining myself.

[@castlegatejunction]

Thank you for this video and reducing my guilt for never having owned a shoulder plane (I’ve never seen the need for what I do) but have been told so many times by so many people I need one.

[@darodes]

Great points Shawn… I’ve become a huge fan of yours over the last couple years

[@colinellicott9737]

Great vid - bold! Thx. I subed because I like frank opinions like these. I actually like my jointer and shoulder planes. I don't use them often but I do use them for their intended purposes. I make small and medium sized tables, archery bows, cutting boards, and I use no power tools.

[@johnnyb95678]

Really appreciate you sharing your experience and opinions. In my case, I guess I am ahead of the curve, as I don't own any of these items. Thanks for saving me money. Please keep sharing! Thank you!

[@rejeanbrisebois7343]

Just experience and honesty. Pure gold ! ❤

[@roadrunner8025]

I don't agree with all of your choises, but I like your aproach. You don't need every tool to be a woodworker. Obvously you need some of them. Some are benefichial. And some are just a waste of money.

[@j3ah0o]

Love the idea of matching the faces with sand paper. Sounds much better than running the pair down the table saw.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

I use my jointer plane regularly. I have a 6" jointer, but for long and/or wide pieces, I use my No8 instead of making a sled to feed it into thickness planer.

[@doylemade6387]

This resonates so much. While I knew I was going to be more of a power tool guy, I still drank the Kool-aide on hand tools. I bought a 4 pack of chisels, but only grab my 1/4"; bought/restored 5 planes of varying types, but only occasionally use a block plane (minor clean up, chamfers, etc.) ; and I don't know how many types of saws because I only ever use a cheap flush cut saw and a ryoba. I've been debating for years about buying a router plane, and replacing all my current planes with either a shoulder or rabbeting block plane...but I clearly haven't need them yet.

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Nice vid! I love a vid that tells me what to NOT get, instead of making me gas for something! I’m a n00b, shoestring budget and also want the most minimal kit possible. Currently, only have 3 planes and wanna keep it that way - #4-1/2 (smoother, small jack), #6 (flattening, small jointer, large jack) and #405 (grooves, dados, rabbets, marking knife for big 4’-8’ sheets). Chisels, Irwin Marples 5pc set. Saw, Gyokucho Kataba Japanese saw. Files & rasp, Shinto and Nicholson 3pc set (already had the Nicholsons prior to starting woodworking) Craftsman scratch awl, acetate handle. Actually started w a #4 from Home Depot… but returned it to get a vintage #4-1/2… because I was impressed w the quality of the vintage #6 I got. Block plain… I’ll pass, since my #4-1/2 can do the same, and a Shinto can do chamfers and endgrains very nicely too. Spokeshave… I’ll pass too, since the Shinto can do its’ tasks too, easier to boot (always hear spokeshaves can be a pia sometimes and chattery). #6 is also great imo… cuz it’s much cheaper than a #7.

[@matthewblumenthal804]

I use my shoulder plane. I use all my chisels. I just love having my jointer plane even though i rarely use it. It's all about how you work and what you like. That said, is a pretty reasonable list.

[@kodoan411]

Recently made my mother-in-law some 8 foot tall shelves, 24 inches wide, and 16 inches deep (per her very specific request). Had to join some box store lumber to get to 16 inches deep. Brought some of my tools (I live about 300 miles away) but forgot to pack ANY of my hand planes. Went to harbor freight, bought that ghetto number 4 for 17 bucks. "Fettled" it with some sandpaper on top of an old night stand. Then proceeded to join two 8 foot tall shelves with it! It's not fine furniture nor even decent lumber but it's "good enough" for some basic shelves. I actually looked at it as a science experiment - hypothesis proven.

[@marvinmcconoughey3547]

I have the Harbor Freight #4 plane, just for fun. I have better planes. But after super-sharpening the plane and smoothing the bottom, it planes almost as well as my Veritas of the same width,, weighs less, and is more comfortable in my hand. Amazing.

[@raid7866able]

You didn't change my opinion of you sir! I value your opinion, even if I disagree. I had none. I started to about the router plane, but you were absolutely right, I don't need the small one, the big one does it all. Well maybe once in a blue moon, but generally the only situations would be repair. I would simply make a small one from plexiglass and an allen wrench, as opposed to buying it. As a matter of necessity I try to fabricobble as many of my tools as I can.

[@this1instead]

Outstanding content! it is so easy to drink the koolaide and become a tool collector. We are here to make sawdust and splinters..

[@wrstew1272]

Jointers are the ticket for shooting boards. 😅

[@MortimerSugarloaf]

You nailed it. Shooting with a jointer is a fantastic luxury. I've got a low angle jointer which shoots like a dream. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Shawn is spot on, though. For most hobbyist projects, a jointer is serious overkill. As good as mine is for shooting, I could live without it. But what kind of life would that be? :)

[@woodfather]

I've always just assumed that baby sized router planes and other tools of that size were just expensive novelty trinkets to put on the shelf and look at. 😯 I didn't realise people bought them to use!

[@ToolsandTime]

Some good advice in there--definitely some things I wish I knew when I was younger.

[@jpncompany6275]

Good video. I am in the same boat, but hey life is short and I still like finding a new tool that I don't really need! You can't take it with you so, be good be happy is my goal.

[@garybecker4490]

Good call. I have a set of chisels but they were a really good buy. They havent left the box yet. 😃

[@vlravn2358]

Jointer plane still essential when you don't have a reliable jointer for panel glue up or reliable table saw And as you said, if you buod small pieces it's not needed, but everything around and over 3feets I feel it's essential I bought one by Clifton a couple months ago to manage what my crapy jointer wond do right, and it improved my panel glue ups significantly. I'll buy a good jointer eventually, but for now I'm very satisfied with my jointer plane. As for everything in woodworking, there's no one right way to suit everyone and every situation, best thing would be to buy tools as you need them for your 2 to 3 next projects It's how I approach this subject, and there's no tool I don't grab regularly :) Great video for overwhelmed people though, woodworking is expensive, especially if you listen to everything you read on the internet

[@BeeSharp]

We need more content like this! Great video, sound logic.

[@captainsawdust1]

I agree with most. I use my Stanley #271 router plane when putting locks on doors for the latch mortise on edge of door. My large router plane is too big to register on a 1 3/8" thick door. I use a router for the hinges.

[@ISwood4U]

I fully agree with the entire list. I would add to that a full set of sharpening stones. An extra-extra coarse diamond stone, a Norton India combination stone, and a strop is all I need to shape and sharpen my edges. Loved the video!

[@1pcfred]

What do you need a coarse stone for?

[@ISwood4U]

@@1pcfred I don't have electricity in my shed, so it replaces the grinder to restore primary bevels.

[@1pcfred]

@@ISwood4U that's a problem. I would consider grinding the primary bevel pretty much essential. It is not efficient or practical to grind the primary by hand. I actually prefer the hollow grind over a flat grind anyways.

[@StarDustSid]

Good video, cheers. With the exception of the shoulder plane I agree with you on the other tools. I love my vintage Stanley jointer plane but I've only ever really used it to flatten the bench I made.

[@billtipton6660]

EXCELLENT! I completely agree! Thank you

[@klausschleicher523]

Points 1-3 I can totally agree. No. 4 I didn't even know such things exist ;-). But the jointer is one of my most loved hand planes. Are there better ways to joint boards, yes absolute. But for it is joy to use my No. 7. This is the only reason for me. ;-)

[@jackthompson5092]

Thanks for your insights.

[@usingwaytoomanynapkins3274]

I'm about a year in apprenticing in woodworking and when it comes to tools I find it's all about solving what annoys the crap out of you and what speeds up the process. I'm with you on not needing a complete chisel set. I use 3 sizes because each size solves an annoyance with the other 2 sizes. In theory I could marginally reduce the annoyance with a couple of more sizes, but then I would have more chisels to sharpen, which is annoying.

[@user-mi5pv7no3v]

I am new to wood working and i am on my own to figure things out & limited physicaly so vids that will save me money are detrimental on this road im going down now, vids that help newbs like me are kind of a big deal to us. Thank you

[@wortheffort]

see my prerequisite series and start woodworking series.

[@scottadams2624]

Hey Sir, love your videos so much, and have for many years. I do disagree with you on that jointer plane, though. My shop is a shed, with only an extension cord for lights. I use all of my planes nearly every evening. 48" is about the longest component on any of my projects, but I have found it incredibly frustrating to try to get edges flat and square without my 22" jointer. In fact, I would say that it is probably the most fun thing to use, because when I get done with my jointer, I know that part is true, and then it's time for the joinery and assembly. Just my .02. Thanks for the video. Totally agreed with all your other points. Cheers.

[@zacculbertson2458]

Thanks again for the time you take to make us videos.

[@giles221]

Draw bore pins......ha ha ha. I draw bore most of my mortise and tenons. I ain't ever buying draw bore pins. I use a no 5 for everything regarding bench planes. I actually flattened my bench today and it requires my thinnest feeler guage to measure the error. Its the jack of all trades. I don't own a regular smoother or a no 7. You are spot on about the chisels. Which is my most used, go to chisel? It's the half inch of course. I only own four bevel edge chisels. A 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and a 25 mm. I can do virtually anything I need with those four chisels.

[@thehickorylanewoodshed2378]

Thanks so much for sharing this information. Very helpful…

[@Apillicus]

Tools are definitely a personal choice. My #7 is one of my more frequently used planes, but that's because i rebuilt it and it's been tuned for me. The chisels i would agree with as well. I have 4 and each is used regularly without me feeling like i need something else. Though being completely honest here I'm going to get more because i plan on making them in my forge. This is definitely an outlier though

[@malcolmsmith5903]

Absolutely agree. On chisels you've covered the 'need' and I agree although I do like to have a slightly smaller sized companion to my most often used chisels for cleaning out. Side note: I used drawbore joinery for my large garage shelving because I didn't have long clamps and doubling up clamps, tensioning rope was a pita.

[@mhaz49]

100% agree, except for the jointing plane. If you're a total hand tool shop, the jointer plane has a place for long rough cut slabs/boards. In a hybrid or a full machine shop, that plane is a waste of time & money. I too have bought ALL the chisels and I only use a 1-1/2", a 1/2" and a 1/4" chisel. The rest sit in the tool cabinet drawer being lonely.

[@glennirwin4710]

Good video. I feel the same way.

[@ButchShelton]

In my shop the jointer plane is essential, It hangs on the wall as decoration. When visitors come in my shop that thing hanging on my wall proves I am a woodworker.

[@geoff4791]

Superb video. Just what I needed to stop me in my tracks, and make me think about what I really need, as opposed to what I want.

[@walnutcreekwoodworksofjack3520]

I used one of those big planers but it was from the 19th century at the WV State Farm Museum, Carpenter Shop as I was showing the many things there.

[@petrsidlo7614]

As many other said, it depends on the person and the stuff you do. My two cents: 1) Shoulder plane - I have a cheap wooden one and I almost never use, if it went missing I wouldn't notice for a few months. 2) Small router - I have one because it was way cheaper than any regular sized router I can get my hand on, and for something I use sparingly the price was too high. Also I only use it when I want to go 100% handtools to clean up dadoes, but most of the time, I do those with a power router. So I like it, but could do without it. (I also made a wooden one from an allen key, might be a good video idea for you). 3) Chisels - totally agree, although I do have a full set and use all of them, since I have them, most sizes are quite unnecessary. 4) Draw bore pins - never knew they existed before watching this. 5) Jointer plane - for me, an essential tool. I have no jointer or thicknesser, my shop is in a basement, so I try to avoid big footprint powertools. Noise is also a factor, the more work I can do quietly the better. I have two wooden jointers and one sort of tryplane, all new, for quite a low price. I dimenson rough sawn lumber with a circ saw and a table saw, after that I use a jointer. Most lumber I process will end up about 100cm long and truing it with a jointer is much easier than with a smoother sized plane. Downside - I have to flatten them with seasonal changes (sometimes). Even when I start a project with a few dimensioned boards that sat for few month, I might go at them with a jointer. So for me, one the most essential planes in my shop, could not work without it. And finally, if this might help someone, here my handtools I found I do not use: 1) adjustable square - I have one, but I barely ever touch it and mostly stick fixed ones. 2) bevel gauge - had almost from the start because I heard everywhere that I need it for dovetails. I made plenty of dovetails since then but never with a bevel gauge. If you plan on cutting a lot of random angles then yes, get a bevel gauge, if not, it is a waste of money. 3) mortise chisel - I do all my mortises with regular bench chisels (actually the cheapest ones with the thick sides), and they have been fine so far. 4) High angle plane - I have one and use as long as it keeps cutting for the uglier thing in the shop where I would want to spare my regular planes to keep them sharp - plywood edges and wood that is otherwise messy. It works fine but I do not enjoy it as much as my standart angle planes and could live without it. 5) Block plane - I use it on chamfers and small pieces, but there is not a thing I use it for that I cannot achieve with my regular smoother, so I probably would not buy it again.

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

Superb advice. I don't own any of those but was considering a shoulder plane. You have saved me some $$ there. I'll get my dream router plane instead...

[@quillwoodworks]

For my workflow I do enjoy having a large array of chisel sizes but I’ll agree 100% with the jointer plane. It’s cool looking but dusty because I haven’t touched it in years. Part of me wants to disagree with you on the shoulder plane but honestly I can’t recall the last time I needed to use mine. Enjoyed the video very much!

[@TheVTRainMan]

I was thinking the same about the shoulder plane. No way is that not essential... oh wait... I haven't used mine in years. But, I can't seem to part with it.

[@johanneswerner1140]

I use mine for rebates. Works well enough. I also have a combination plane, but that's a faff.

[@ehisey]

I would love to have a shoulder plane. It would be much easier than using the bull nose

[@johanneswerner1140]

A real rabbet plane (skewed iron!) would be better. Alas I don't have one, and don't really "need" one. If it wasn't such a clat to get the clearance for the chips to escape right I would build one. Maybe I'll do that anyway...

[@deliaguzman1138]

I have two chisels that I use for pretty much everything. The other 3-4 chisels i own just sit there gathering dust.

[@jimgott119]

I agree with the planes. I have a block plane and a 5 1/2. Those two fill MY needs for what I do. I also have a medium shoulder plane which comes in handy at times, and a large router plane that I use fairly often. What you need depends on the work you do, the projects you make, and the finish you’re after. A hand plane honed to 16,000 grit will produce a finish superior to any sand paper. It’s also noise and dust free, and more satisfying to use than any power tool. For me it’s about the process and not speed. I take my time and enjoy myself.

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

I’ll just say, drawbore pins are awesome for big timber in timber framing. I never really thought to use them on work benches or furniture.

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video thank for you honest opinion as a new woodworker you look at these videos and think you need to buy all these tools

[@tungsten_carbide]

Shoulder plane, not sure yet! You make a compelling argument though, so I may have to stop wanting one 🙂 Chisel set, 100% agree if it's for a big set like that. But if you're going to need a 1/4", 1/2" and a 3/4" (or metric equivalent) anyway a smaller set can be cheaper than buying them individually in quite a few ranges, even if you end up almost never using the 1" / 25mm. I think a 2-incher is a must-have for the occasional times when 'nothing else will do' (highly subjective!) so generally no choice but to get that separately. Mini router plane, somewhat agree (I just like small tools for some things, but you're correct the bigger tool can do it a lot of the time). But as for having three of them, can I agree 200% 😁 Drawbore pins, will bow to your experience; what you said made absolute sense. So thank you for helping me remove one more thing from my tools wishlist! Jointer plane, didn't see that one coming! Anyway, a 7 and especially an 8? Agree for most people. A no. 6 is about as long as most people (leisure woodworkers, and some pros) really _need_ these days, even if they don't realise it, and let's face it a 5 will do 95%+ (99%?).

[@Christopher_Giustolisi]

I use my jointer plane allk the time to flatten and join boards. Mine isn´t that long, I use a No.6 for that purpose. Out of the full set of chisels some get used often and some only from time to time but it´s always nice to have the right size. One example is making tongue and groove joints. You can make yourself a plane out of scrap wood that fits your chisels as plane irons. That´s why I have the smaller ones even in 2mm steps. This tool can also be used to make grooves in the long grain, for example to fit the bottoms of drawers. For the small ones I use 4mm plywood, so a 4mm chisel in the self made plane makes quick work of that groove. So yes, having a complete set is often useful. I´d rather say what you don´t need is expensive chisels. I had the opportunity to try Veritas an Lie Nielsen but they do the same as my MHG chisels. Just don´t buy cheap crap but chisels don´t have to be expensive.

[@Aethelvlad]

You radiate charisma brother, good video

[@Artexmadera]

Good to see you back, I would defer only on the shoulder plane, it does get a lot of use around here, same with the rest, chisels have been an ongoing experience, it takes time before you have the right selection for your own paricular needs, like my go to is always a 5/8 full chisel, 1/2 " would just be too narrow around here, thanks for the video!

[@Heseblesens]

It is very refreshing to hear and see some down to earth and so true advices for the new and even seasoned woodworkers here on youtube! Ten thumbs up! 🔟👍🏻 Let’s face it - most of us are tool hoarders…it might stir the fragile mindset of some of us in this category. But that does not make your advices less true or important. 😄

[@fredpetros2553]

Very good content, thanks.

[@shawnstuart1029]

You have to figure in the show factor too! A shoulder plane was just the thing to finish off my hanging tool cabinet and it shines. Enjoyment of tools can come from looks and feel as much as use. Takes time and money to accumulate but sure feeds my habit .

[@wortheffort]

still cheaper than the jewelry we buy spouses.

[@plssmellmycheese]

i cleverly picked out a spouse who has no interest in jewellery...great success!

[@sk8brder]

Awesome content and saved me a lot of money as I was about to purchase a jointer plane for my in progress workbench build. New subscriber here!

[@jeffdutton1910]

I love my medium shoulder plane though I must confess that a significant part of that is the simple pleasure of having it in my collection. It doesn't get used that often so I couldn't say that I really "needed" it but I wanted it, and I am fortunate enough to be able to afford it.

[@artswri]

Thought provoking! I use my 2 mini routers all the time. I like the small size, it just works for me. The other 4 mentioned I don't commonly use. Thanks for the thoughts!

[@jimbo2629]

I agree about the small router. I’ve never used it but I do use the full size one. Chisels are cheap so I have a choice of 6. I have a jointer never used as far as I can remember. I guess that drawbore tool is for big mortise and tenons, but I glue mine.

[@toshn4151]

Thanks for not selling out after all these years, so many woodworking youtubers (even the very good ones) are just salesmen for fancy crap you don't need.

[@wortheffort]

I'll sell out. If the price is right! I ain't no uppity ho. It's just a short, elderly, overweight cross between George Costanza and Sam Kineson with the voice of Gilbert Godfrey doesn't seem to attract those spokesperson positions. So I just keep trucking along.

[@TheMessyStudio]

Good info as always, Shawn!

[@MASI_forging]

Great to see your video. Look fabulous as alwyas 🙂🙂

[@dariushmilani6760]

I really enjoyed your presentation and I very much agree with your conclusion. Liked and Subscribed.👍