What Planes are for Show and Which ones Are Actually Used 

James you are a brave man. I would never admit to my wife I don’t really need all the planes I have lol 😂

Thanks for the tour and the advice on whether a plane is really needed helps in planning. Being retired I have to watch pennies and make the most with my money

Excellent video. This explains to me how to choose a plane. I never had heard of a compass plane. I'd like to see how they work.

Nothing like a hand plane fetish. I Know I have one. lol cheers from Tasmania

Nice review. Thank you. A plane is not a vise, but planes can be vices. 😎

I’m looking forward to the file video!

5 1/4" is awesome if you plane lower grade lumber. Never considered it until i had to plane a ton of 2 common white oak. You can maneuver around knots much better than a 5 or 5 1/2"

I love my 5 1/2.I was recently given a Dunlap #3. Dunlap was sear’s second string plane brand, and this one look like it was probably made by Stanley. I did a fair amount of work getting machining marks off of the mating surfaces. It lacks a frog adjusting screw, but that’s not a big deal as I keep it set up as a smoother. Right no I am in love with this plane. It is light in the hand and a joy to use. There are times I want the additional width of my number 4 but at the moment it is a joy to use. My 5 1/2 is a Stanley made Kleen Kutter, also a great user and a fine choice for a shooting board. If you a liking for a good user plane and not afraid to do a little work these rebranded planes can be a great value.

Enjoyed spending the morning with you.

Wow, I eventually was able to quit the Plane buying addition but got up to about 1/2 of what you got, but do have a combination plane. That shows real dedication.

Interesting to see. We're all different, as you say. I'm really skinny, so I like lighter planes first and foremost. No. 3 rather than a No. 4 for smoothing, for example. My very favourite plane in terms of sheer enjoyment is my Record 044 plough plane. Only use it sometimes, for drawer bottoms and suchlike, but it's a joy in the hands.

I haven't regretted buying any of my planes, even the losers of the bunch. They've all helped me to learn what features I prefer and which ones don't work well for me. For example, I prefer the depth adjusters of Stanley 60 1/2 block planes to the ones on the 9 1/2s. I also find the size and weight of the 60 1/2 feels better for me. Some of the specialty planes have taught me which ones work well for me and which ones I could do without. Others are just exceptionally good in their niche, and I'll use them whenever I have the place for that. I also don't mind having more than one of any given size. For example, I have several #4 and #5 size planes all set up differently: course cut, fine smoother, lots of camber, etc. The hard part is to thin the herd once you've found what works well for you, and hence the collection grows... As I'm approaching 50 planes the rate of growth has slowed down.

Hello, James. Another very informative video. I use my 100 year old Stanley No. 6 as my main shooting plane. It works great for most applications. The weight is just right to power thru medium to large pieces. Maybe someday, I'll luck into a No. 500 shooter.

I use my number 8 for large panels. But the one use I really to use it for in on my shooting board. Sure it takes extra effort to get moving, then it slides right through end grain.

Very cool collection and display rack! I am now inspired to build my own rack!

James, Starting by no. #3, I have found it to be a starter block plane and a smother. #4 I have 3, one is setup for scrube work. #5,#5 1/4, 5 1/2. All still need work but the 5 is a keen kuter K5. #6 is my shooting bord only. #8 my fave. It makes smothing withe a #4 easy. Most of my planes are sargent brand or made by sargent for craftman, trustworthy, etc. Cheepest one so far was for $10.

Very interesting video, I always learn something new, I love your down to earth approach on things, also your quick to the point ,and no nonsense opinions. Thanks 😊

its awesome to hear such high praise of the Lee Valley Custom planes. i currently have the standard config #5 on back order and cant wait to get my hands on it. Feels good to buy and use high quality tools made in Canada. if the #5 is as good as i hope, the #4 will be my next buy!

This was a fun video. Now that I am healing up, I'm looking forward to making some curls this weekend just for fun. It's been 9 weeks. Whew! I have my Grandpa's Stanley No. 18 Type 1 that still works great. However I wish I could find some new or original rivets that hold the cap iron lock together. :)

Great video. I really enjoy using my mew luban no 6 for removing a ton of stock quickly I already had a no 4 and wanted a larger plane and felt the 6 was a nice compromise between the 5 and the 7.

Great info!

Hi James. I'd always wondered what use you have for such an extensive plane collection. After watching this video, it makes sense, and, (with the exception of the Veritas) most of the planes you actually like and use are also in my collection. I just got a new Sweetheart low angle jack and I too am impressed, especially given its reasonable price. I also really like my 71 and 45. I'm a little surprised you don't have a 112; it's great for figured or wacky-grained work. I also added a low angle block plane to complement my dad's old 9-1/4. (my #5, type 12 was also his). My #4 is a type 17 (WWII vintage, w/ bakelite depth adjustment knob) set up for smoothing, and it really shines at that task. Anyway, thanks for the walk through of your collection. Great stuff.

Oh yeah... This topic is right up my alley 😆😆😆

5 1/4, well I've never heard of one of those, certainly not seen one here in the UK. I watched a Rex video recently where he said Stanley made 11 planes, I got 1 - 8 plus 4 1/2 & 5 1/2 but that was it, so the 5 1/4 must be the elusive beast he was talking about? Thanks for this video, it has been very educational and aspirational, I've never seen a No 8 over here either, but it's on my 'want' list and I even made a place for one on my till - another thing you inspired me to make. Don't think you're showing off, use your Veritas, it's your trade and I imagine we're mostly hobbyists watching. It's always good to aspire to something,

GREAT video! What is part of your "collection" (and video backdrop, and fodder for how-to-use videos), and what do you actually USE when you build stuff (i.e., we see you using the Lee Valley in some of your actual "build" videos, like the new oak shelf videos).

Great video - thanks James. I find myself using my 5 1/4 a lot, though, even more so than my 5. Not sure if it’s b/c it’s the first Stanley I got, or because it’s a smooth bottom and my 5 is corrugated. Other than the tote being a little small for my hand, I like the feel and the lower weight. And being more narrow, it tears through the grain easily (I put a decent camber on it). I’m tempted, though, to take most of the camber out of my 5 (it has about the same amount as the 5 1/4, so it’s somewhat superfluous) and start using it more like the jack it’s supposed to be.

Love your content! But…. The blue on your planes, is like color painting historical fine furniture… oefff

Yaaayyyy awesome video!!!

What's with the blue strobe light over your bench? Great video Will, thanks. Sounds like. A 4, 5, and 7, 71, and a decent block plane will suit most people for most tasks.

I have a 4, 4 1/2 and a 5 1/2 and I do EVERYTHING with those. Wish I had a larger selection.

I know this is a year old, but would love to hear your thoughts on skewed planes, like the 140, the 46, 289, etc. What they are for, why you may need one, or why you don't and what you use in lieu of one.

I love my #8c

Noting that your Veritas custom is your favorite plane, what are your feelings, opinions etc. regarding the PMV-11 iron. I have that iron in my shooting plane and have never experienced such an incredibly sharp and durable edge as that one. And one more question. What is the purpose of recommended use of the cam on the Stanley 45s and 55s. I have both and use them infrequently. I want to change that. Love your show. Keep em comin'.

Great overview of your planes ! Love your collection. When will Sarah make her own plane till?

Thanks!

Thank you

That No 6 would be a good plane for your shooting board. Have you tried it? The support attachment on the No. 71 is cool! Mine didn't come with one of those. Thanks, again, for all of the videos!!!!! Love your two main youtube channels!!!

Informative as always. Don't you have a Stanley 78?

Would like to see some shows on using molding planes.

Dont know of ive missed it, but id love to see you repair the crack on the 10 1/2. Im just about to my first repair... wish me luck 👍🤞

Hey james, I've spotted the Ulmia Ott Mark on one of the tools, minute 13:25 under your cabinet spoke shaves, what is that tool? Thank you in advance

I have 3 planes that I frequently use; a #5, a low angle block and a Japanese Kanna (wooden block). #5 is an all around for most situations while the low angle is for small portion of parts. The Kanna is perfect for fine shaving. Do I really need more planes? Perhaps some specialty plane like rebate plane or router plane would be nice.

Hi James! I was glad to hear your opinion on the modern Stanley Sweetheart 62. I have one as well and could never understand why people seem so opposed. When its sharp it works well and its actually a great plane for a shooting board. Question: I've never given Veritas bench planes much consideration because I don't care much for the Sweetheart Norris adjuster as well as the Bailey style adjuster. Is the Veritas similar? I'd hate to not consider them because of an assumption. Great overview thanks!

For the wooden low angle jack, I think I watched the video of carving out the escapement about 30 times or more while I was making a wooden low angle block so I could do small end grain cheese boards. Very informative, I for one would like more videos like that, but I know it’s not gonna happen due to your metal plane preference

I love my no 62sw but I pulled the front knob off... I am going to reach out to Stanley to see if they'll send me one

Great video! So many planes... It would be great if you could make a video about making mouldings without moulding planes or a Stanley 55.

Awesome, James! Thanks a lot! 😃 Well... You didn't talk about planes used with shooting boards, so... Is there coming a video about it? 🤔 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I have to say I use my no 6 a good bit.

James might not be a fan of the #6 but it's the best plane for jointing if it's your biggest plane. Lol one day I hope to have a collection like james. I'm about 4% my way there! Would like to see a video on repairing a cracked plane.

Thank you for the great video. Can you tell me what the Veritas plane actually is as I googled Veritas custom plane and got lots of versions

Well sir I'd love to buy a WW scraper...

Would like to see hlw to set up and use a compass plane.

I do like the nose/toe or heel clips you made for your hand planes. Just starting to make my plane till. More planning ahead.

Coulda shoulda mentioned why your planes are painted blue. Think you mentioned it in a previous video but I’ve forgotten.

That custom veritas is a number 4 right?

You should make the 5 1/4 into a scrub.

I have a small shop, and try to minimize the number of tools that I keep. For bench planes I have a 4, 4-1/2, 5-1/2, LAJ, 6, and 7. I really like the big half planes, the weight and cut is just super satisfyingly. I bought my 6, before I got a 7, now with both of these I don't know that I have a use for the 6. Unless I can justify keeping it I will probably be looking for a new home for this one soon. If someone knows a good purpose for the 6, please let me know.

Hand Tool Rescue can fix that #10... he can fix anything! Besides, y'all are buddies....

Paul Sellers uses a #4 almost exclusively, while Rob Cosman uses a #5 1/2 the most. Matter of taste, I think.

Hey James, you said that you don’t use the 10 1/2 because you haven’t fixed the crack yet. I have a 605 Bedrock with a crack in that same region. How does one go about fixing this kind of fracture?

They're ALL for show. You make videos. You use the show tools too.

What is the Veritas Custom plane? I see a plane # 4 1/2 for $309. Is that what you are using?

I will gladly accept those planes that you want to give away! :)

That veritas is awesome..I don't own any of Thier tools.... Yet lol

The only reason to have a 100 planes when one is so dull you have 99 more

You forgot your 51 shooting plane ;-)

So .. if your grab your n°6, it means you should have a sharpening session instead ? ^^

why did you not paint your the 5-1/4, 6 and 8 your now infamous blue?...

is blue your favorite color?

Ok....how did you hang that big wooden plane in your till.... I almost bought one, but couldn't figure out how to hang it in the till... And yes I built your till...

Honestly I had the varitas custom 4 and 7 planes, and I found them to be very fiddly to set up. Do t get me wrong they were definitely well done tools. I'm just not a fan of the Norris style adjuster. While I'm able to get the low angle smoother and jointer set up I wasn't able to have the same success with the custom planes. If I had to choose 3, I'd say my LN 4 1/2, 5 1/2, and 7. But I use my jack/scrub and 6 heavily for milling lumber, my 5 1/2 and 605 1/2 get by far the most use, my 605 1/5 is set up as one would be typically set, and 5 1/2 is set a little finer. But damn man don't go making one choose. That would leave out my 3,4 low angle smoother with a 40° blade and my low angle jointer out in the cold. Oh wait those are my kit for work. I do agree with the shoulder plane being a more machine based tool. I have had one for years but only recently have I started using it for work. I've had no need for it with being primarily a hand tool builder. Great video and glad to see how we all have different tool likes.

Ok stupid question what does the number actually refer to What is the difference between a 4 & 4.5 etc Again sorry if this is a stupid question Thank you

Why is the 5 and a quarter smaller than the 5's? That doesn't make sense.

How To Make A Meteorologist?? :-D

You need a Lie Neilson 102…..the best low angle block plane ever

In reality, you just only need one smoother, one jack and one jointer,,, that's it.

What ? No #1?.

29th.

'The knock-off spoke-shaves work just as well' - not when they are so badly made that the adjusting screws do not engage with the blade. Yes, really. But you are right about Stanleys - the latest ones are probably made in the same factory- the Stanley logo is a paper sticker. And quality control is cursory at best.

It appears you have snubbed Lie Nielsen...