The 3 Hand Planes Power Tool Woodworkers Should Own (How to buy handplanes)

[@donleywoodworking3685]

We are huge Stumpy fans. I have been making my own dowels for about a month now. It is a great way to use scrap wood. You hand plane videos and sharpening videos have been great. So much less dust and safer than trimming blanks on a table saw. I will send some pics separately.

[@kerryfoster1]

My Stanley jack is my favourite tool. Over 40 yrs old now I sometimes get weathered wood just for the pleasure of planing it shiny smooth . Very satisfying!

[@marks.6480]

I recently picked up a vintage English No. 3 and I must agree that it is much more fun (and precise!) to use a plane instead of a power sander. It really gets you "in touch" with the wood and I just love those curly shavings.

[@luissandovaljr]

I'm completely new to woodworking and have done about four projects so far. I'm expanding my tools and learning so much online and experimenting with what I learn. It's been really enjoyable and I'm finding the use of block planes to be very interesting. I just wanted to say thank for continuing to make videos. I'm pouring through your library as we speak.

[@StumpyNubs]

Enjoy!

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Much easier than I thought to learn how to set these up and use them with the help of youtubers like you. I love hand planing so much now that I will be selling my power plane.

[@coppulor6500]

Don't get all crazy now

[@toombsinagoodway]

Greatly enjoyed the video. I'm glad that you have a mix of longer more detailed videos and shorter ones like this.

[@StumpyNubs]

+AA_powered - Check out the new e-magazine on our website. There's a big variety of woodworking videos and articles, even some that aren't on our KZbin channel.

[@matthewstafford4040]

Straight to the point, no gimmicks, useful information... liked, subscribed, and finally found a reason to search for that little bell everyone else on this website is always talking about!

[@OneWoodAuwoodworking]

Nice explanation Stumpy, I had a smoothing plane sit idle on my bench for years until I worked out how to tune it up, now it leaves a finish as smooth as glass.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Warren Downes - One Wood - Sharpening is the key. Most of the frustration people have with hand planes comes down to dull blades.

[@liloukulele5238]

Thanks so much...for NOT making the topic overwhelming. After the learning the basics of how to sharpen a plane iron...(what good is the world's greatest plane if you don't know how to sharpen it)...I am looking for plane number 2

[@SomeRandomsGuy]

Brilliant video! Answered all my questions and then some. Thank you

[@kaleoariola]

I finally used my Stanley block plane I bought at Ace a couple of days ago today! Not sure if I set it up right or if I was doing it correctly but I got it to start shaving wood down on my joints and it was quite enjoyable. Now im going to watch a video on how to properly set it up and use. Mahalo for sharing your woodworking knowledge.

[@ralphpezda6523]

Tape a sheet of 320 grit sandpaper to a piece of flat glass and flatten the sole. Buy a bottle of DiChem or gunmakers bluing to rub on the sole before you begin so you can see your progress. Depending how wavy it is you may spend an hour or two, or more, sanding/flattening the sole. When the blue color is gone the sole is flat. Next look at the mouth. You may need to touch it up with a small metal working file. You want the edges square to each other so don't get carried away with your file. Hone the blade and off you go. If you don't have any glass, find a glass and windshield replacement company near you. Ask them for a scrap piece of glass at least a few inches larger than a sheet of sandpaper. Tell them what you want it for and offer to pay for it. Ninety-nine times out of one hundred they will give you the glass free. The time this takes is very well spent. Save the glass for your other planes and use again 20 years from now. I don't know why but over the years my Stanley block plane acquired various knicks in the sole, proably because I use it often and don't pay much attention to it because it didn't cost much. Another 30 minutes flattening the sole made it new again. If you have a more productive use for your time than doing this then buy a Lie-Nielsen and hone the blade bit.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video James. 👍

[@jackpleier5534]

I inherited a Bailey Jack Plane with corrugated sole. I now know what to use it for. Thanks, also on the lighter side, 40 years ago in high school, my wood shop teacher we nicknamed Nubbs. He had 2 & 1/2 fingers missing on his right hand. I guess it was a shop teachers right of passage. Keep up the good work

[@StumpyNubs]

+John Pleier - If only shop teachers in those days had a Sawstop! (Hand tools also sense flesh, I hear!)

[@MrMichaelcurran]

the prices talked about on the net have raised to astronomical prices here in the NW WA. I have been able to fine a number of planes in some obscure sites in the back country of WA. If you show any interest the price goes up especially if there is a collector nearby. Don't give up they are out there but be patient. Jim your tube info merical are a true help to us newby's.

[@RichardMuenzer]

Aoy Stumpy thank you so much you solved a problem with one of my homies argument why have a hand planer when you can just using electric one. Trying to explain to him when we're on the street there is no electricity so what do you do get your hand planer. So thank you for the explanation of why have a good Memorial Day weekend

[@rcfriscoflyer]

Comprehensive Thank You Sir!

[@scottszoke9958]

Hello, a few weeks ago we, you and I, had an email dialog regarding hand plane recommendations. Well…I took your recommendation of the Wood River 5 1/2. At first I was informed they are on back order until August, 2021, which is not a long wait. BUT…just this week I received a notice that they are now back ordered until…can you believe…April… 2024, yes I called and they confirmed that the date is not a misprint! I cancelled that order and decided upon the Wood River 4, which is currently back ordered a few weeks. I also purchased a Grizzly 14” jack plane for $38. Ironically I broke my upper left arm on vacation last week, soooooo…I will not be honing my hand woodworking skills for a while. Thanks again for your information. I enjoy the education I receive from your videos.

[@StumpyNubs]

They must be hedging. I can't imagine they hope to sell planes with a three year wait, LOL!

[@sSparkthatbluNt420]

Man I really enjoy your videos, they’re great

[@fryefoto]

Great video, Stumpy! I really need to get my smoothers cleaned and tuned. So many tools, so little time.

[@StumpyNubs]

+fryefoto -- I know how that is!

[@thomascostello5780]

great video -- always wondered about hand planes

[@NordboDK]

I concur with the 3 must have planes. I just watched the video during a break from making a 10ft countertop. I can't rip even 8ft in my shop , but by using my #4 and #5 I'm getting close to adding finish.

[@StumpyNubs]

+NordboDK - Hand planes to the rescue!

[@carlosprieto773]

I always walk away feeling like I learned something new! What would be your recommendation for a "cry once" block plane for current models? Thanks again!

[@mypony891]

"who needs them when you got power?" For a person working on a farm, when you are on the furthest acre, and you don't own a generator these hands tools are really great especially when building lean to's and fence posts

[@RonMarshallrone]

Dang this got me pumped. I just bought my first two planes, a woodriver 5 1/2 and a low angle block plane. I need to figure out which plates(stone or diamond) to sharpen them but thats next. Great vid.

[@elischultes6587]

Rone Marshall could go with the scary sharp system first. Glass or marble tile with sand paper spray glued to it

[@matthewdrake9699]

Great vid 👍🏻

[@bryantmurphy367]

great video, been gathering planes at yard sales from 1-$5. now I own 2 block planes, #3,4,5¼ and a #6

[@williamwinn948]

Just picked up a stanley sw low angle block plane love it

[@swilliams0929]

Thanks Stumpy. Great information on some very useful tools. Now, off to the flea markets to find 'em!

[@AndreaArzensek]

Thank you Stumpy!

[@StumpyNubs]

+Andrea Arzensek -My Pleasure

[@brucehurlburt7740]

Great advice, can you teach us how to effectively sharpen them please??

[@StumpyNubs]

+Bruce Hurlburt - I sure will in a future video!

[@brucehurlburt7740]

Awesome, thank you good Sir!

[@bobelston8395]

Another great show.I noticed several combination planes in the background and I would enjoy a show on the 55 ,your thoughts on them would be informative . Bob

[@jaimieandash9484]

Thank you

[@michaelkerwin6525]

Thank you for the great information. I recently added a 60-1/2 block plane and was wondering what was next

[@nickgoogle4525]

The tips I have been looking for! :-) Thanks for the explanation.

[@headknocker8999]

Great video that sets the bar.. The stanley9 1/2 is the most used in my shop, The stanley #4C is next & bailey #6C after that, I have a few irons for the #4C set up for scrub & smoothing.. I sold my Bedrock 602 just because it WAS too small for my hands & everyone wanted it = $410 last year = Christmas money.. Gary/Hk

[@bobclapper2672]

Your the Best

[@louisscott1063]

it took me a long time learning to use & to sharpen them but you`re right & more fun

[@brianlasch144]

Great video Stumpy! Informative and a great length.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Brian Lasch - Thanks!

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

A lot of really good advise and insight ! - Love my #4

[@lifeiswonderful7986]

Thanks Stumpy for such n informative video.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Lifeis Wonderful - My pleasure!

[@HomePurchaseExpert]

Great video. In fact thank you for all your videos, they're great. They have been a huge help for a complete newbie, me, to find a What I think I hear you saying is that the $13 set from Harbour Freight, which includes both a block plane and a jack Plane, will last me a lifetime......Hey don't knock HFl, if wasn't for there inexpensive tools I would have never be able to I haven't hit yard sales and swap meets very hard yet but the ones I have gone to, never seem to have any woodworking tools worth buying and I'm yet to see decent planes at all. Any suggestions? You mention that these planes can be found easily and, in your experience, How much are we talking? What should I expect to pay for each one of these? What would you consider a good price? Is it easy to identify the Stanley models? Or do you just guess?

[@StumpyNubs]

+Matt Eggleston - Harbor Freight is great, but not for every tool. I use their "Windsor" hand plane for rough work occasionally, but the steel is very poor and doesn't stay sharp long. The mouth is also too wide for smoothing. I would pass on their hand planes. Perhaps I will make a video on what people should expect to spend on used hand-planes...

[@HomePurchaseExpert]

+Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) Don't me wrong I love HF, some of their items you can't beat. The set of 2 planes for around $13, which I did purchase a while back,. Not havoing a clue how to sharpen it or even use it, really, it mainly just added frustratoiun to a project. [That said, the block plane is mtill my only block plane. I do need to upgrade but it's better then nothing. I actually purchased a Stanley, Jack Plane (I think) new from OSH for around $20. It works ok, the blade doesn't stay sharp for long and gets banged up pretty easily, but since I've masterd the Stumpy Numbs Scary Sharp method it's, once again better then not having a Jack plane. I would love to find some quality used Plane and other ideas Toolls It's time.

[@mihumus]

Very useful video, thanks for sharing!

[@ShadeTreeCNC]

very informative video I'll keep that in mind the next time I buy another wood plane.

[@StumpyNubs]

+ShadeTreeCNC - I get a lot of them in antique shops. Sometimes people think they're rare and over price them, other times they are a steal.

[@bigboss4298]

Stumpy Nubs, Do you have a video tour of your shop? What’s the difference between the jack plane and the really long ones that are available?

[@lilBugger35]

I also shake like that Stumpy, Always have. It makes me squeeze my tools extra hard and causes pain in my joints. Do you have this same problem? If so do you have any tips that might help me?

[@MixingGBP]

So I have a no 62 plane and a no. 60.5 block plane. It looks like I should add a no. 4 or no. 4.5. I would also like to add a no. 7 to joint the long lumber I have, since I do not have a powered jointer.

[@johnnyspropshop]

Stumpy nice video and great content, I gotta say I miss the fun loving jokey nature of the show. You and Mustache Mike are an enjoyable duo. I like your book, look forward to making some of the projects.

[@StumpyNubs]

We do the joking around in the Behind the Sawdust newscast. Look for the green thumbnail images on our video list. We do a new one every two weeks

[@watermain48]

Good information, thanks for sharing it...

[@joelegrand5903]

I have a wooden block 15" long X 2 1/2" wide X 1 1/2 high with a metal frame(saddle) with a large standard front ball handle & a full grip back handle. the blade is a 45 degrees & a brass horizontal adjustment. Also has a a side to side adjustment at the top, that moves left to right. Question is what kind of plane is it & will it clean up a table top made of constriction grade lumber? I am making an farmhouse table this summer for use in a wedding, my first table & they want a rustic look.

[@billbender6926]

It would be great to have your input on what Brand hand planes are good enough. Rockler has Bench Dog on sale, but I can’t find any reviews. My other choice would be WoodCraft’s Woodriver. Thanks as always for your advice!

[@StumpyNubs]

I own both brands. Wood River is better, but more expensive. Bench Dogs is good but will take more work to flatten the irons and get them tuned up.

[@wjbender6101]

Stumpy Nubs thank you! I love your videos and respect your advice!

[@Geekistaan]

I'm debating between a veritas standard angle jack plane and low angle jack. What's your opinion?

[@StumpyNubs]

It's a hard choice because the low angle gives you more options, but few people really take advantage of the options. So is it worth the extra cost? I think it depends on the user. If you are a hand tool guy who likes to use planes, then the low angle may be the best buy. If you are a power tool guy who wants to use a plane just a little bit for certain tasks, I'd go with a WoodRiver 5- 1/2. Here's a video that explains why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmLJZH2ofr6eiK8

[@Geekistaan]

@@StumpyNubs thanks!! I’ll check it out

[@TaylerMade]

well put. i must admit after nearly 30 years in the trade i have never owned a block plane... and rarely use anything but my no 4 which i tend to do everything with lol.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Tayler Made - The #4 is very versatile for sure!

[@davidbell7658]

Clear and precise, many thanks.

[@shaneephlin1635]

Recently bought a 60 1/2 Low Angle Block Plane and the blade will barely extend far enough to get a shaving. When it does, the mouth has to be wide open. There really is no way to adjust the angle of the blade. Is there any fix for this? Thanks.

[@atlas227428]

James is it ok to use a blade from one manufacturer in another manufacturers plane? I see that Lee Valley has PM - V11 irons but i'm liking the Lie Nielsen plane. is it ok to mix and match? Thanks in advance.

[@StumpyNubs]

As long as it fits, sure.

[@grumpyoldsodinacellar3518]

It seems that in the US the no5 is most prevalent whereas as here in England, it's the no4 (take a look at Paul Sellers, he's able to make almost anything with his 4) The 4 was the first plane I bought and one woodworking sage, I forget who, once said in passing (almost) "it's not the thickness of the shavings that matter, it's the finish"

[@Cactustone]

Awesome video! Can you give me a candid opinion of Bench Dog hand planes? I'm asking you because I know you are sponsored by Rockler, and Bench Dog happens to be the brand they carry. Oddly enough, I couldn't find a single video reviewing them! Cheers

[@StumpyNubs]

I like them, but the quality control still needs some work. Sometimes they come in really nice shape, sometimes they take a lot of work to tune up. I expect they will eventually compete with Wood River in quality, but they aren't there quite yet.

[@Cactustone]

@@StumpyNubs Thank you!

[@robertbeckman2054]

I just picked up two planes: an old 1960's No. 5 in good condition, and a sweet No. 4 1/2 WWII Era (no brass anywhere on it). I finally get how well of a tool these can be when they are flat and sharp. I got sick of the Japanese wood block planes because that's all I've been using until now.

[@navret1707]

James, I recently bought a Stanley 220 at a tag sale for $1.00. It is missing parts. Where can I get parts for it? Thanks.

[@toysoldier46552]

Well I have a block plane but as for others well I have just never honestly needed them. I tend to get my final dimensions square before glue up, clean up the squeeze out before it fully dries and go to a 240 grit sandpaper in order to obtain a very nice finish under stain and poly.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Anthony Eaglebarger (toysoldier46552) - I still think planing is much more enjoyable than sanding. But to each his own.

[@toysoldier46552]

Stumpy Nubs power planer ftw :P But seriously I own a block plane for when the wood decides to chip out on the edges other than that I tend to use it to reshape the edges on end grain.

[@toysoldier46552]

Man a smoothing plane can run over 300 bucks lol, and a jack plane that isn't beat to crap (and some that are) are still not just the $50.00 tool they're supposed to be. I did find one that is around $30.00 but it isn't Stanley so I am not sure if I trust a company like Great Neck to produce a tool that is for precision work.

[@Unconventional03]

I would love to get my hands on a Low angle jack. IMO it looks nicer than the "standard" jack.

[@ardvarkkkkk1]

Agent_Blackwing Doesn't work as well though.

[@duaneshelato3686]

I'm looking at an old Stanley #5 plane. Can I still buy a (Good) blade for it?

[@StumpyNubs]

Hock tools sells top quality replacement blades for Stanley planes.

[@duaneshelato3686]

In the late 70s I worked for a small high end Furnature company. I thought it would be the last job I would ever have! They went belly up three years after a started working there. I always thought I would return to woodworking when I retired and here I am. I forgot all that I forgot but I still have the passion. Keep up the good work. I’m leaning on you a lot. Thanks for the quick response to my question.

[@shootsandscoots]

Cool.

[@JHZR2]

What’s the best plane to smooth minor height imperfections in a laminated 2x4 worktop? Seems that sanding is silly in light of this video.

[@StumpyNubs]

To flatten a bench top you need a longer plane, at least a #5.

[@triune_blades]

A No.7 would be ideal, but they're a little harder to find for cheap.

[@mattbram8993]

I have an antique no 3 plane. Any idea where to get new irons?

[@StumpyNubs]

Hock tools. Fantastic irons!

[@mattbram8993]

@@StumpyNubs thank you!

[@wildbill6976]

learn how to use, sharpen, and maintain a smoothing plane and you'll get a smoother finish than you can get with any electric tool

[@Bogie3855]

Sooner or later a woodworker will come to realize that hand tools will be required as power tools will only go so far. Lately I am finding that older Stanley or Bailey planes are selling for as much as the Veritas planes which are far superior to the old tech. Maleable iron and much more precise fit. However I did manage to pick up an older Bailey 5-1/2C for under a hun. I have had many Stanley and Record planes over the years but far prefer the Veritas if I can afford it. Their blades are much better steel than Stanley or Bailey ever used or offered. An old Bailey with a Veritas tool steel blade is a delight.

[@aaronthrowa]

At every garage sale.... haha I've never seen a plane for sale in a garage or yard sale. Perhaps there aren't as many woodworkers in my area.

[@betocarranza6306]

When I need a fine finish cut with a table saw a hand plane covers my sins. And makes my work have an extra pop.

[@MintStiles]

You'll still need to sand with sharp planed surface... So the finish gets scuffed up in order to take finish lol. Jokes aside, I find hand tools often faster than power tools for one-of stuff.

[@redeyerobotrobot3976]

i see a lot of Stanley planes on eBay. The corrugated sole planes usually sell for less. is there a disadvantage to the corrugated sole?

[@StumpyNubs]

+RedEyeRobot Robot - It was a gimmick. Stanley had a lot of little selling gimmicks.

[@StumpyNubs]

+JayWC3333 -I suppose I could see how it would be a little easier to flatten the sole. Of course when a plane came new from the factory you would expect the sole to already be pretty flat!

[@johnzzhu]

+RedEyeRobot Robot corrugated are more rare, they are lighter, and I've never seen one cheaper than the comparable flat sole.

[@StumpyNubs]

+John Zhu - They are more rare because they weren't very popular among users at the time. But they are far from truly rare in the common models. (#3-5)

[@johnzzhu]

Stumpy Nubs Agreed, that is one of three ways rarity arise.

[@mrpaint055]

What’s the problem with Buck Planes.? Are they not good planes

[@carlroberts2029]

Is there certain manufacturers that you prefer? Are there manufactures to avoid.

[@jlmfoy365]

Yes Carl, any new Stanley plane, the build and finish are truly appalling.

[@gnunixguru]

My 150 year old plane has visited an electric grinder wheel sometime in the last 70 years (blame the baby boomer?) The cutting iron is slightly hilled or bumped and out of flat, causing clogging of wood between the back iron and the cutting iron. Best way to flatten an iron? Its a number 4 Bailey Pattern. Thanks, and I love your channels! God Bless you and your family.

[@jeffreyoneill6439]

I used to get a very long email every few months or so from a man in New England. He searched for old woodworking tools and resold them for quite good prices, and, he really knew his stuff. He would often feature his son at the beginning of the list displaying a particularly special find. I have lost all contact and can’t remember his name. Can anyone out there help? Thank you. Called his son “the tool boy”, I think.

[@StumpyNubs]

Patrick Leach www.supertool.com/oldtools.htm

[@jhcarr830]

I learned that a jack plane is a shortened fore plane. "Jack" is a carpentry term that means "short" (as in "jack rafter"). Old-timey carpenters would take a fore plane (made from wood in the old days) and cut it short enough to fit into their tool box, and thus the jack plane was born. ... but I could be wrong.

[@StumpyNubs]

+James Carr - There are a lot of stories about this sort of thing. I don't think it's possible to know what is right and what is wrong.

[@basuramanya]

Is there a good guide out there for how much one should pay for a plane?

[@alanburr1866]

The price for used one are all over the place. I got a #4 craftsman for under 20 dollars. at antique store. but have seen them for over 100 at other antique stores

[@StumpyNubs]

+Dan -Tired Dad Workshop - Watch them on ebay for a while and see what they sell for. Condition is a big factor. Use the "completed listings" option to see the auctions that ended.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Wine Box Woodshop - I've paid $10 for a #4 Stanley at a yard sale that needed tuning and cleaning, and I've aid $100 for a #4 on eBay because it was a beautiful "sweetheart" version (the one in the video). The thing is, both planes worked equally as well once they were tuned and sharpened!

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

hey man. whatever you say, amazon situation is a little strange.

[@mothman-jz8ug]

I love power tools. I ma amazed at the number of people who have this plane fetish thingy going on. BUT...There are times when a plane in invaluable. This is especially true in general carpentry, rather than cabinetry work. Unless the framing lumber is truly straight, a plane helps door installation and so on. Straight framing lumber? LOL! I can't believe I even said that - I just can't stop cracking jokes.

[@nickpelov]

now make a series of videos showing planes usage when you do work with power tools and link them in this video

[@twelthstring]

I always thought serious woodworkers consider the current Stanley planes to be inferior.

[@samrix5793]

How has this still only got 145k views 6 years on

[@jonastronaut2942]

I watch this video once in a while to hear them called bock blains 1:49

[@markbroad119]

Scrub plane? I made a jack plane into a comb plane. Cut notches into the iron.

[@scott8351]

That is cool. I would like to see a video on that.

[@TheBockenator]

I tried to shave with a block plane once. It didn't work.

[@ansiaaa]

if low angle planes are so much better, why are they becoming more populare only lately? it doesn't seem to be that they would have been harded to build in the past

[@StumpyNubs]

+ansiaaa - Low angle block planes have always been very popular and are not rare. Low angle Jack planes were popular among cabinet makers, but the vast majority of jack planes Stanley sold were to carpenters and handy-men, who had little need for low angle versions. That's why they are very rare. Recently companies like Leigh Nielson have begun producing interchangeable irons for their low angle jack plane, which has increased their popularity.

[@ansiaaa]

+Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) thank you so much for the explanation! I've always wondered why I never saw as many low angle planes and it seemed to me they were only becoming popular lately with all the brands that are selling them now.

[@mikeb4127]

No offense, but "Stumpy Nubs" sounds like a name for someone who didn't follow safety procedures when using a table saw.

[@MichaelLaHonta]

I know you love feedback. You've got the mic pointed at your shoulder, it's not good.

[@ivanstroganov5458]

sound seems just fine to me

[@StumpyNubs]

+Michael LaHonta - It's a multi-directional mic. Pointing a little to the side doesn't make a difference. The reason it's like that is because it had to go on the apron, and the shape of the strap made it tough to get a good grip without skewing it to the side like that.

[@MichaelLaHonta]

+Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) Well I can notice. When you are looking at the camera the sound was softer, when you would look down to your left to pick up an object the sound was sharper.

[@joecahill8165]

First

[@StumpyNubs]

+Joe Cahill - Congratulations!

[@lsucowboy]

Am I the only one annoyed every time I see the intro animation breaking geometry?

[@mothman-jz8ug]

Yep, you're the only one.