Choosing Your First Hand Plane For Woodworking

Today I wanted to answer a common question when it comes to hand planes - which one should you buy first? I go through the reasons for my choice and explain why, if I could have only one plane, this would be it. This discussion is based on my choice of plane in regards to the size and doesn't take account of the brand or whether I feel you should buy new or old etc.

[tompearce]

Just blows my mind how much there is to learn in woodworking. A real life's study

[yetanotherperson]

I have watched a quite a few videos about scrub planes and jack planes. I haven't heard anyone else talk about the amount of flat surface before the cutting edge. That makes so much sense. I didn't know whether to use a no. 4 or 5 as a scrub. I do now. Thank you.

[jeremybarker]

I am a newbie woodworker and wanted to purchase my first plane, but had no clue where to start. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Awesome video!

[locksmith]

Nice video. Short enough to keep my attention and you made a good point I had yet to consider as a low-budget complete novice hobbyist. While I've considered the idea of two blades and one jack plane, I never considered how far back the mouth sits and its affect on balance and forgiveness due to lack of skill. Thank you!

[woodturningjohn]

Now that I have begun to use hand planes, there is just something about that sound I love. I could watch and listen to a video of shavings coming off all day, if I did not want to play in the shop, lol.

[christophercastor]

In your workshop, and now mine, there is no room for blaming the tools when the plane leaves a crap surface. Masterclass.
Thank you
-Christopher

[francisbarnett]

jack, rebate and block are the only three I own, I agree on the jack is a versatile tool. Love this channel, keep up the good work.

[deezynar]

Good advice.  When I started out I read Alan Peters' book and followed his advice,  I had only a block plane, and a jointer plane.  Peters makes good sense advocating the jointer, but I agree with you, those things are ungainly.  I now have added a scrub, a jack, and a smoother.  Things prefer having all of them.

[tsuresuregusa]

great video Richard! I like how you classify the plane on how is set up instead of the length, very japanese. They have only 2 sizes  for bench planes, "jack" and jointer and the difference lays in the mouth, the camber of the blade and how deep the blade is set. Love the feeling of your workshop too :)

[nicholasmarchesan]

Found a Stanley no 5 in my dads old tool box. It was in parts but once I put it together and sharpened up the blade it worked fine. Got to admit that it is one of my favourite planes as well.

[tonyennis]

I agree about the #5; it's a solid choice. I don't know if it was my first plane, but it is certainly the first one I reach for. Paul Sellers uses a #4 almost exclusively. Of course, he's Paul Sellers.

[TheEnglishWoodworker]

Hi Jesus, the best finish on a bench for practical use is no finish - makes it nice and grippy. But if you're wanting protection then I'd say boiled linseed oil 50/50 with turps is a good place to start. Just make sure it's thoroughly dried before you use it.

[FrodoMcNuggets]

The satisfaction I get from the sound of a plane cutting a perfect shaving rivals almost all other satisfaction in life.

[DessieTots]

Haha! My older Stanley Bailey No.5 turned up on Tuesday this week. Wait till I show this video to my wife. However an amateur woodworker, even as bad as me can’t have enough planes.

[thenlnlkn]

Thank you bruv! you’re a legend bruv!
that’s all I needed to know & you said it so well.
Blessings to you and your family
My g

[biblegirl]

I purchased a mirrored dresser and the outside wood veneer molding is about 28 1/2 inch wide but the space is 28 inches so this video was great because it will solve my issue. Thanks

[elismith]

This was a great video it really cleared things up for me! I was pretty unsure what to start with but now Im much more confident!

[rodneytransier]

Thanks for another great video. As a beginner your videos help tremendously. Can you do a video on how to refurbish and set up a plane and how to properly use one. Thanks again!

[truebluekit]

Hi Richard, love this vid! Seriously, you leave me in awe with your insight.

You mentioned that you have a straight blade in your smoother. If I may ask,

1. Is your smoother blade completely straight, with no camber?
2. Or do you round off the corners?
3. If your smoothing blade is completely straight and unbroken, are plane tracks in the wood a problem, and if they're not, how do you ensure that the plane does not leave tracks?

Would really appreciate any feedback on this. Keep the vids coming brother.

[DavidKirtley]

For me, it would be a toss up between a jack and a block plane as a first plane. The jack is a really handy size (perfect for 80% of anything you would do with a plane) and the registration on the toe mentioned in the video does make a big difference but the block is so useful for many jobs, convenient to carry, and an adjustable mouth block plane will do as well at smoothing as anything else.

If you are looking for a jack plane, there are two other variations on the jack that are worth considering but are not quite as common. The Stanley  5-1/2 and  5-1/4 size planes. If you are a larger person, the 5-1/2 is a very nice size. A bit bigger than the number 5. If you are of smaller stature, the 5-1/4 (also called the junior jack) can be a lot easier on your arms. They were mainly marketed to schools.