Silly_Billy
Established Member
I’m increasingly confused about whether/which jack plane to buy :?
I’m finding hand planes enjoyable to use but confusing to buy! I’ve been shown how to use hand planes and sharpen them. I’ve a low angle block and a No. 4, but nothing else to remove material, straighten and true the surface. A Neanderthal, I’m only using hand tools for reasons of noise, storage space and enjoyment. I’m making smaller stuff like boxes, small shelves, etc – and read that a jack plane can work as a jointer for small sized work.
Do I need a jack plane ahead of a jointer? If I only buy a jack plane, would 5 ½ or 5 be better? Would a low angle jack be more versatile? I’ve read that a low angle jack's a good idea, because it’s more versatile and easier for beginners to set up. (But is it harder to sharpen, if the blade’s thicker than a 5 or 5 ½?)
Confusion reigns. Can anyone shed some light?
I’m finding hand planes enjoyable to use but confusing to buy! I’ve been shown how to use hand planes and sharpen them. I’ve a low angle block and a No. 4, but nothing else to remove material, straighten and true the surface. A Neanderthal, I’m only using hand tools for reasons of noise, storage space and enjoyment. I’m making smaller stuff like boxes, small shelves, etc – and read that a jack plane can work as a jointer for small sized work.
Do I need a jack plane ahead of a jointer? If I only buy a jack plane, would 5 ½ or 5 be better? Would a low angle jack be more versatile? I’ve read that a low angle jack's a good idea, because it’s more versatile and easier for beginners to set up. (But is it harder to sharpen, if the blade’s thicker than a 5 or 5 ½?)
Confusion reigns. Can anyone shed some light?