Two hand planes you didn't know you needed 

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In approximately 8 minutes, you upped every beginning woodworkers game. Great video. Maybe more on how to start using a plane for those of us who never had?

A friend’s father handed me a Stanley 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 this past March. Changed my game.

It would be a real challenge to find a video that has as much value as these 7 minutes! No fluff, just solid, clear, practical and immediately useful info. Every woodworker should be paying close attention! Also appreciate your respectful and professional attitude towards others like Paul Sellers and Rob Cosman. You are an expert in the field, an endless source of encouragement and inspiration, and... a Gentleman. IOW a rare person!

Love the way you were gentle when giving a different perspective than Mr. Sellers. Much respect given. Nice. Great info as always James. Thanks!!

I liked how you paid respect and homage to Paul Sellers, one of the modern greats IMO. I also follow the Cosman methods. But doesn’t mean I don’t learn from Sellers, Matt Estlea (UK), Jonathan Katz-Moses and last, but by no means the least, you James. You are all great in my book!

I’ve finally aged enough that patience and progress have reached a good balance. And a project I’m on forced me to use a junky craftsman block plane I found for $10. Instantly made me want to learn more and buy better quality! I think I’m going with your advice on these two sizes also. Perfect for my needs. 👍🏼

Long time power guy who, with the extra time afforded by retirement, is doing more with hand tools. I have a nice block plane I bought new; a 4 that was my grandpa’s and a 5 1/2 I rescued from a thrift shop. I believe the 4 is over 100 years old and the big plane is 70-80. After a lot of videos by the 3 guys mentioned here, all three are a pleasure to use.

As soon as I saw the 5-1/2 on the bench I thought “he’s been Cosmantized !” Lol great choice James, you’re integrity is impeccable and keeps me watching ! Always look forward to your woodworking knowledge bombs, sharing your experience with us is invaluable!

When I started my apprenticeship as a site carpenter in England 38 years ago, I was told that I would only ever need 2 planes. A block plane and a 5 1/2. I bought a second hand Record SS 5 1/2 (don't think they are available in USA but in my opinion better than Stanley) still have them both.

One of the most useful planes I have is a No.3 from Clifton. Heavy, accurate and very well made. Compares with the best on the market. And made in the UK. I gave up buying cheap and Chinese.

It’s interesting to hear a variety of opinions on this topic. Most if not all individuals are influenced by very capable individuals like Sellers and Cosman. IMHO, a woodworker has to buy what is required for a particular project and of course what he or she can afford. As a power tool fan from the New Yankee Workshop days, I ended up with a collection of “one of everything “ as Norm promoted power tools. The same is with individuals like Cosman who has now progressed into a tool salesman to supplement his wood working educational outlet. He is probably the current leader in this field and supports a worthy cause. Sellers on the other hand is an excellent and highly skilled teacher of hand tools. What I don’t support in the former is the promotion of Chinese made tools like the WoodRiver line and would opt for Veritas. Lie Neilson’s tool are excellent (Rob Cosman was a LN rep. at the travelling shows) but are extremely expensive.

Thank you for the Hand Plane suggestions. I'm wanting to add to my hand tool collection, and this has been extremely helpful.

As a Swede it brings me joy to see a Sjöbergs bench in places like this. I have two small ones at home and at least one of them are older than me.

Love all your videos. This particular one is probably best for a beginner. It seems to me all accomplished tradesmen have a favorite way to do everything, none are better or worse than the other. They're just special to that individual.

Your content is always insightful! Like to see a video from you on setting up a block plane and how to use.

I have not used a hand plane since highschool but have recently found renewed interest. Perfect timing. Thank you for the information.

Solid advice, I have some very similar but much older planes that were my grandpa's from the early 1920s, very nice to use and very versatile

Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thank you.

541k subs! Way to go James. Thanks for the video. Always helpful tips.

Well said. Thanks for all your time and effort.

it´s exactly what I experienced! you put it on words, thank you!

Proper use and selection of the best hand lane takes good amount of practice. I never really learned how use a hand plane. Exploring more now. Thanks for this video.

Great call. As I am hand plane shopping for my first planes, this is great guidance. Thank you!

Between this video and Cosman's video, it looks like I'll be saving my pennies for a block plane and a 5 1/2. Thanks so much for the info. Hand planes have been a confusing aspect of woodworking for me, and videos like this have helped a lot.

Hello, I rarely comment on videos posted on the internet. I must say that your advice has always been extremely useful and would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all the work you put on this channel. This video about hand planes was just what I needed to try out more hand tools. I was definitely hesitant to start buying a whole bunch of hand planes due to the wide variety of tools available. Will try the 5 1/2 and the block plane. Many many thanks for your work. Kindest regards, David Lesage, Montreal, Québec, Canada

This video has upped my future projects quality, in less than 10 minutes. Thank you.

Thank you, this video came just in time.

More hand tool videos please. I'm just now getting into using them along with power tools and I need all the advice I can get.

Both you and Paul make good points, I agree with your point about primarily power tool or hand tool work

Immediately makes me want to go invest in those planes with an excellent explanation of what planes would be best to benefit a modern workshop environment and some excellent guidance on problems they solve for you.

This was my experience with a Stanley SB4, I purchased 25 years ago. Hated it and decided that hand planes were imperfect tools from a bygone era. Until I saw Cosman’s video on the 5 1/2 and bought one. Over the course of the past 4 years, my whole workflow has shifted from power to hybrid and now mostly hand tools. Since I’m just a hobbyist, this works great for me.

I have a Lie Nielsen 62 and the Woodriver block plane you showed in this video. They are my first and only hand planes and I love them both. I can quickly, cleanly and quietly perform tasks that used to require a jointer, tablesaw or router. There is something extremely satisfying about cutting those beautiful thin curls.

Good call! I bought and sold a variety of hand planes sizes during the Covid slows, but find myself only using the above two.

Solid advice! I do mostly hand tool wood working, but the 5-1/2 and block plane (9-1/2) are my go to planes whether it is hand tool or power tool wood working.

This was exactly what I needed to hear. Ordering now. Thanks so much!

Thanks for sharing those tips!

Hi James. Brilliant! This is a topic I've struggled with. When I started to learn about woodworking some sixty years ago, hand tools were almost the only thing available. Dad had a very basic table saw, a Skill circular saw and a 1/4" electric drill, so I learned a bit about hand tools. Fast forward to now and I have a fully equipped shop filled with power tools. I do have a couple cheap hand planes and while they are useful, a silk purse cannot be made from a sows ear. Now I know what to buy, a good brand to search out and why. You are truly a gem, there are so many enhancements to my shop that originated right here. Thanks so much for sharing!

Great discussion James. Thanks.

I inherited a #2 block and #5 1/2 plane, but never used them because I didn’t understand them. I finally sharpened the blades, figured out the bevel up/bevel down on the 5 1/2 plane and now I love using both of them! The #2 plane is my usual go to hand plane, I can get paper thin shavings all the time. I bought a $12 rusted junk #4 from an antique store, restored it, and now I love using it too. I’m a power tool first guy but hand planes are awesome when you finally learn to work with them and not force them.

I think you are exactly right I personally use my block plane all the time and is my go to tool for all my quick planing needs Brilliant

The latest excellent video. I have inherited a 5, a 4 and a block to complement the power tools, but now I will keep an eye out for a 5 1/2. I love using sharp planes but I confess I've not yet fully got to grips with the block. Something to work on! Thanks for the respectful, informative and interesting video.

I love the number 5 1/2 for all the reasons you listed. It just works soooo much better than the 5 or 6 for those sorts of tasks. The 5 is just a bit too light to power through tough grain, and the 6 is just a bit too long to be easily wielded for most cabinet size project pieces. But, I inherited a number 3 from my WW1 era grandfather. It’s amazingly better for all the things I used to use a block plane for. It has a toe that’s a little longer, and enough extra weight to power through tough grain easily. Yet it’s not too long or wide to get into little areas that a number 4 won’t fit into. It’s also small enough to fix dings without having to smooth the whole board - unlike a longer plane like the number 4 that bridges dings… The only thing I use my block plane now for - is parts I need to trim with one hand. Or when I need to carry a plane in my tool belt pouch. Both things usually only happen during final install of a cabinet, or fine tuning sticking drawers on furniture. The only other plane I’d HIGHLY recommend for a power tool wood worker - is a number 5 set up as a scrub plane. It’s just the fastest way to make 3;4” lumber from the home center into the 1/2” board you wished they sold. You don’t even have to worry about tear out when you’re planing. Because you can just belt sand the last 1/16 of an inch to fix it all up :)

I appreciate your wisdom - excellent info.

Excellent perspective for those of us that employee a hybrid power tool / hand tool process!

A few planes make so much sense; very often some small task is done and forgotten about using a plane while you'd still be setting up and getting ready to use a power tool. Excellent!!

Thank you. As a very good price compelling argument for both of these planes I'm sold on the five-and-a-half thank you

I have a 5-1/2 Wood River plane and it's excellent not only as a feature of its quality but also because the 5-1/2 is an excellent all round plane. Its heft enable it to be handled with confidence as it's not 'flighty' and yet its light enough to be used with ease.

Another great video that appeals to the "hybrid" woodworker. Reminds me once again why i subscribe!

I find this video interesting. I never thought about it but these are the only two planes I reach for. My Dad had several and now they are in my shop. The block plane and #5 1/2 get used most every day. These two old planes work well but the new quality planes do have some advantages. Well constructed and thicker blades. If I didn't have these I would go shopping. Great advice Stumpy! Thanks!

Both you and Paul bring out some great points. I'm a big proponent of "whatever works". It would be interesting to find out if this type of discussion was had by woodworkers from the past. One again, it seems to me that it all boils down to personal preference.

I have always appreciated your views. Like others that watch your vids, I also watch many other vids to get a full perspective on the subject. You are consistent, and respectful of others. I have always bought the best I can afford to eliminate spending money twice on the same tools. Performance of the tool and the return on the money is top priority for me. Thanks for helping me make solid decisions on tools .

Thanks for sharing with us James, great information. Fred.🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋

I own a large number of planes and use them regularly. I agree whole heartedly with the block plane, mine is a low profile 62 and works well with end grain. my go to on first pass is usually the 5½, after that it's what ever makes the best joint or finish. all of my lumber is bought unsurfaced, best price and greatest feeling of accomplishment. People have to wait a bit longer for the finished product but once in hand they do not complain. like others have said, thanks for giving Paul Sellers quiet respect. I've learned a great deal from him as well as that Hamilton guy on a different channel.

Thanks for the thoughtful video. No matter my intentions, I always find myself making doors and, for me that means tenon & mortise joining. For cleaning up tenons (and many more applications that I have found over time), I love my Lie-Neilson shoulder plane and would recommend it to a woodworker that is thinking about adding a third plane.

I happily agree with your conclusions, especially since they agree with mine! As always, very nicely presented.

Glad to hear you agree with Rob Cosman on the 5-1/2 jack plane. I am a power tool user that wants to add a hand plane or two to my arsenal of tools. I had already decided to get a low angle block plane, and now I,m thinking I’ll go ahead and get a 5-1/2. Thanks for helping me decide!

I posess all those planes. But your view on planes is quite interesting. And I thought thst I would agree. Indeed a block plane is mostly used.And 5,5 is heavy and I use it successfully with shooting board, since there is no need to lift it ))))). For beginners a combination of these two planes is the most reasonable choise

Hey Stumpy! I've been watching you for a while now. Before watching this video, I saught out advice from seasoned wood workers & some experts at local wood tool shops. All led meet to the message you shared in this video; I first purchased a quality (low angle) Block Plane, then "went Big" with a #5 1/2. No regrets about either plane. In fact, buying them has me interested in moving away from more power tools and doing even more wood working by hand! Keep these videos coming. I love your work!

As a big fan of Paul Sellers I have to agree with you ,a good point well made. Thanks

I totally agree Stumpy!

As a new weekend woodworker, I used a simple Kobalt block plane to even out the dining room table that I built. While I want to build up my tool selection and use more power tools going forward, you can definitely achieve good results with basic tools if you put in the extra effort. Thanks for all your great tips! I wish I'd found this channel before finishing the table, but I'll definitely watch for new content as I continue learning and making new projects.

This video came at the right time. I already have a nice block plane and was about to get a another but I think I will upgrade to a 5 1/2.

Thank you fo this!! Very helpful insight!

Thank you for sharing this information I do agree by 1000 percent sir since 1995 my grandfather gave me a Bailey 5 1/2 and a block plane he said this is all you need and that Delta table saw is for you when you get safety training for use and maintenance

good to see that a tradesmen like using his hand tools. As you commented power tools tend to be the tool of preference. I was thought to use my hand tools before I was allowed to use the power tools. The beauty of using hand tools is the satisfaction of the final finish that is achieved along with the internal pleasure you get at the finish.

You are right on the money that the block plane should be the first plane for a power tool woodworker. When I left the workshop to become a site carpenter the first plane that I acquired was a block plane. A bench plane is on very little use without a bench. The second was a bullnose plane which is very useful for tweaking rebates and close into the corners. My third and specific to my specialism of sash window renovations was a side rebate plane. Hand planes offer an advantage over machines for jointing in that there is no snipe when used correctly. On one occassion when I wanted to lay flooring through a lounge I wanted to produce a long straight edge to act as a datum. This I did with several pieces of ply clamped together and planed like a rubbed joint testing as I went to ensure that they were absolutely true. When using a jack plane I prefer wooden jack planes as they are lighter and with a beeswaxed sole slip like greased eels reducing effort for longer jobs.

One of my favorite vids!

Totally agree with you. After watch Rob Cosman last year, I converted from a #4 to a #5 1/2 and haven't looked back. Meets my needs much better.

I just watched this video again. Horses for courses. I’ve progressed from being a hand tool woodworker when young and poor to gradually buying and preferring power tools. I have slowly acquired hand tools also. I have three Stanley number 4s. They are what the shops sell and the most numerous on eBay. I do use them with different blade settings. They are really not as appropriate as a number 5 or five and a half. I was given a Stanley 2 and it works well for block plane situations. When there are noise considerations I use my Qiangsheng rebating block plane frequently. Regarding a shooting board. I think it is too difficult for a beginner. Better to use sandpaper on a two by two or similar. I use an edge sander for squaring and trimming ends. You never have enough tools hand or power. Working freehand for most is never going to be as accurate as power tools but it sure is satisfying if it’s accurate enough.

As always, excellent!

I also like the respect to Sellers. With the master-apprentice system gone, he's a master for all us apprentices. But your balanced knowledge of power and hand tools makes your observations really valuable to me, a beginner. I happen to have a cheap Stanley block plane, which does fine if the blade is sharp, and an oddball old Stanley 5-1/4 I got real cheap on eBay. I'll upgrade to a 5-1/2 one day, because I think you're right on the money.

I just stumbled onto this right after purchasing a No 5 1/2. Many complain about weight but being a young athletic guy I love it and prefer it over all my other places. For the exact reasons why you said in the video

I originally bought a #4 smoother after watching a few Paul Sellers videos. Used it for a while and worked well. Then I saw Rob Cosman’s videos and his recommendation for a 5 1/2”. I haven’t touched the 4 since. I’m going to get a block plane now.

I have a ton of planes now. Most refurbished antiques. Agree the block plane is the best place for a power tool worker to start. I have a 5 1/2, but I find my go to plane for most things is a LN low angle jack. Easily just a personal preference thing. I hate sanding, so I do use a #4 a lot as well. I'm fact, most of my plane purchase have been motivated by using a sander less. Straight down to the spoke shaves and cabinet scrapers.

This is a great presentation. I am primarily a power tool user, but see the advantages of planes for finishing. I have a (cheap) block and #4 plane. But investing in a good 5.5 plane is something I can do.

You always “nail”it. Thxs

I usually use a Stanley 6 for this, but I’m warming up to these 1/2 sizes. I’m liking the idea of the extra width and heft. I think a 5 1/2 will be in my toolbox sooner rather than later!

I have seen your videos on youtube and I appreciate your thoughts. It is helpful for me who is just getting a workshop started. I like Rob Cosman too. Thanks for the advise.

Some really great tips, dude! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

good call it is #7 for me for most ad hoc edge jointing or to quickly flatten a single board. and I recently invested in rabbet / rebate block plane, which was one of my best purchases. I can now clean the rabbets/ rebates or shoulders, and do everything else that block planes can do. I like that edge to edge blade capacity of the rabbet block plane.

Always making sense one video at a time!

I don't have enough room for power tools apart from a table saw so I am limited to using hand tools such as planes. Haven't brought any new ones. I brought a coiple of old ones and managed to assemble a functional one that works reasonably well and have some spare parts left over. It taught me how a plane is put together and how to service one. Admittedly I was helped enormously by you tube videos. Given that even new planes rarely work straight out of the box it was better that I learn to set up an old one rather than mess up a new one. A new plane is definitely on my shopping list though and I'll probably take your advice and get a 5 and a 1/2.

I wholeheartedly agree with buying a new premium plane rather than restoring an old one. I would add that all the materials (e.g. sand paper) needed to restore a plane can be very expensive, and you end up reducing a lot of the “savings.” I learned this the hard way. I did a lot of research on new hand planes, and here’s what I ended up buying in this order: 1. Block plane - Lie-Nielsen No. 102 low angle 2. Jack plane - Veritas low angle with two irons; 25 and 38 degree bevels 3. Smoother - Lie-Nielsen No. 4 in bronze The Veritas excels on a shooting board. Also, with the 38-degree iron it both smooths and flattens well. The Lie-Nielsen No. 4 is a beauty to behold and provides an unparalleled psychological boost.

Could not agree more. Especially about the buying a good plane first. I consider myself a hybrid woodworker, since I would never give up either my power tools or my hand tools. Wasn't always that way. My first experience with hand planes was decades ago when I bought a cheap plane from a big box store. I knew nothing about hand planes back then so using it was disappointing to say the least. I can remember thinking "why would anyone in their right mind ever use one of these." Granted, I didn't even know how to sharpen the blade so you can imagine how frustrating it was. I gave up completely on planes and used sandpaper for anything that a power tool couldn't do. It was years (actually decades) later that I was reintroduced to hand planes by someone who knew how to use them. Talk about the sky opening and angels singing! Wow! My collection of planes is now in excess of 25 or so. Both refinished garage sell ones and high end LN, Veritas, and Woodriver. Agree that the Woodriver brand is the sweet spot for quality and price. They are hard to beat. Probably there are many others out there having a similar experience to mine. Hopefully, they will see this video.

Thank you Stumpy. Solid advice. I completely agree. Being a mostly power tool worker i generally use a small block plane for clean. But wonder what size would be good for a larger bench plane.

Sold. I've been looking for my first plane, and you've settled me on the 5 1/2. Mostly shooting work for luthiery.

Dead on, Stumpy. Excellent info.

I own about eight planes-my block plane is what I use 90% of the time. Just make sure it’s a good one, like he said. Mine is a Lie-Nielsen, and worth every penny. I’m a power tool user, so don’t have much use for large planes.

Great presentation.I am a retired professional getting into wood working as a hobby.Cheers from India.

Love this video! Great info and perspective. My brother in law just gifted me a block plane, thanks @MnM Wood Works 👊!!! I don't recall having heard of a 5 1/2 hand plane, thanks for that tip. I'll definitely be looking into that. Keep these awesome videos coming, take care and have a good one. Adios! 🖐

Thanks for the great video and advice James. I personally like my old Stanley block planes, #4, and #5. I have large hands and find for smoothing and edging, I prefer my #5. I hope someday to get a #5 and a half.

I think that was the best advice ever

I have to agree with your assessment of Woodriver plane

My block plane lives in my apron. There are so many times where reaching for it is just the most practical tool for the job. I had a project that needed some very small wrap around external trim. I cut a piece wrong and I was out of new pieces, so I scarfed two shorter ones together. My block plane flushed the two up in just a few passes. Once painted, I couldn’t even tell where it was.

As a primarily power tool user, I appreciate and agree with your comments, with absolutely no disrespect to Mr. Sellers. Thanks.

I think that you're not wrong. Thank you - I hadn't thought about hand plane complementing power tooling before. Thank you.

I am new to fine woodworking and I am learning the Art of Lutherie in order to make Venezuelan Cuatros (a 4 string instrument similar to a Baritone Ukelele). I will be using power tools in combination with hand tools; So far, I have a DW735 planer with helical cutterhead and a Veritas Apron Hand plane with regular blade and toothing blade; I agree with you that I would benefit more from a 5 1/2 plane and a block plane to compliment my power tools. Thank you for your videos!

Hi James, as a hand tool woodworker and a follower of Paul Sellers I agreed with all you said about the hybrid woodworker the only difference is I prefer a no6 but then I'm a big bloke. Regards Jim UK.

Yep, I got the LN 5 1/2 for just that sort of application. Too old and too late not to have any power tools. One benefit I found that I didn't think about is, now I know what a proper hand plane is supposed to do, how it is supposed to work, how it is supposed to feel and what the results are supposed to look like. I can take this registration into a vintage hand plane restoration and know for sure if the work got me where I need to be or, at least, to a result that presents a value commensurate with what I put into it. I think anyone contemplating a restoration should have this premium point of reference even if they have to borrow one. Thanks for the vids. Like easy listening, music.