Excellent lesson on what experience teaches a person. As far chisels go everyone should have a battle chisel in their set of tools. Just a chisel that can be sharpened with a belt sander for those odd abusive needs we all come across from time to time. 3/4 of inch in size is perfect in my opinion.
I've got a 1-inch that I picked up as part of a lot of other tools and was already beat to crap. A few minutes with the grinder to remove the old gnarly edge that looked like almost serrated and I had my beater.
I have a selection of "shit kickers": a thin and thick chisel, a few slotted screwdrivers, pin punches, speed squares, rulers, drill bits. They are basically sacrificial. I beat them up, drill holes in em, use them to persuade metal, whatever the job needs.
I really appreciate that you are not afraid to be yourself and not afraid how that might affect your audience. You speak from the heart and are just honest with people. You're not telling people not to buy them, just simply explaining that, from your point of view, you don't believe that these tools are worth it. And if people try to work around things before buying this new tool they're told they need, then they might not have to buy a tool that is gonna end up collecting dust somewhere in the shop. General rule of thumb I was taught, is not to buy a tool until you need it. And Even at that, you might only need it once or twice....yet that general rule of thumb didn't account for that! Yet again another great video Shawn. Thank you for sharing your opinions to others with what I believe to be the goel of helping others in the long run :)
Most of work is accomplished with the same handful of tools. They're not the sexiest tools either. But when you need specialty tools they're nice to have.
4:40 - opening up a knife line into a rebate with the shoulder plane is super handy if you are trying to cut custom molding profiles with hand planes, but most people aren't doing that.
have been watching your videos for a dozen or so years and got inspired 10 years ago to get into hand tool woodworking in some part because of this channel. Thank you sir for all the years of great content.
Really enjoyed this video. Personally I find uses for all my chisels, from the smallest to the largest, bevel sided pairing to Japanese square sided. Maybe it's just because I like using them and I always find an excuse. Carvings, inlays, bow ties, cleaning up cuts, blocking out initials. I generally have at least 3 on the bench with me for any given project. My no 8 plane is also something I couldn't give up. I don't trust my eye, but I trust my plane. It's saved me on several countertops, tabletops, and benchtops. And it might be my favorite tool to use.
After just a couple years into woodworking, I'm with you 80% of the way. My one point of divergence: I *do* make tables and things with longer legs, so my vintage Stanley No. 8 sees regular use. But as you point out, people who aren't working on large projects don't need a honking big plane. I do love my chonky boi, though, even if I do 90% of my planing with a No. 5.
I'm an old woodworker. I've been at it for years, making this and that. Each project intended to improve my skills. You are "spot on" in this video...the tools you mention are not worthless, just not necessary. I have all the tools you mention (like you, I read all the articles, saw the videos, went to the shows and bought what was "hot") and rarely, if even, use them.
haha, wall of shame... love it! I find my largest shoulder plane indispensable when Im doing large joinery in construction. I need the rabbeting function and other planes are uncomfortable and a router plane is nowhere close enough to reach down into the sizes of stock I use. The smaller shoulder planes are great when im needing to clean up areas in instrument and model making/sculpting, right tool for the job. I could easily remove tools from my kit, but whenever I do, I regret it later. Half the challenge is knowing what other practical uses a given tool has and knowing to reach for it when the need arises!.... Fun video, thankyou!
👏👏👏 Every second of every day, someone somewhere is being persuaded to part with their money for something they don't need and woodworking is no different. A LOT of woodworking tools just gather dust(no pun intended) and are so rarely used, if ever, that there is always another way. So it takes you twice as long to do a job because you don't have a certain tool. Doesn't matter if you only do that job once in a blue moon. Definitely wortheffort to make this video!
Ha ha, you are 100% correct. I bought a jointer to make doors, 12 doors later and I still have a jointer plane, that I don’t use any more. There are a lot of other tools you don’t need as well. Keep up the good work, love your stuff . . . still!!!
I had the same experiences with my projects. I only have a bunch of basic tools and most of my tools are home-made. Your video is appreciated much. Thank you.
@@johanneswerner1140 Good luck, I bought a wooden one and absolutely love it, wouldnt want to mess with the weight of a metal one. Will you be mortising the opening for the blade, or will it be a glued construction?
I just prior to watching this video, I watched your power tool version of this topic. I absolutely agree with everything you stated here. I have 3 full sets of chisels one set from Germany cost me several hundreds of dollars; I find I go back to my 4 original chisels I purchased from Sears 40 years ago for about $10. On hand planes .... I NEVER use my shoulder planes (plural) my Stanley planes numbers 6, 7 and 8. It's time to sell them and other tools I don't use. But they are so pretty .... and what's more manly than leaving a Stanley No 8 out on your workbench with shavings (from your number 5) to show off your tools.
You didn't destroy my opinion of you but enhanced it. Marples Blue Chip chisels takes me back. I bought a set when they first appeared, I was about 20 . I never buy sets of router bits for example. Wondered about a shoulder plane many times, but lucky me never wasted my money. A great video.
The only place we differ is on the jointer plane. My most used plane is my huge #8 jointer plane, my least used is my low angle jack plane. I just get a flatter surface with the #8, especially for neck-through laminated guitar neck stringers.. I also like my #4 bronze Lie Nielsen, which gets almost as much use as the #8. I think the nature of the projects you work on determines you must-have tools.
Few days ago I bought a Taparia CJP No. 5 Jack Plane and this is my first Jack Plane that I have bought in my life. After unboxing, I was very excited to use it as soon as possible. After tuning, I realized that this plane was not making chips, I increased the depth of cutting blade but on doing so it used to get stuck. I noticed that the cutting blade assembly and chip breaker were getting clogged quite often, with small wood chips getting clogged between the cutting blade and the chip breaker. Trust me... I said "it's kind of $hit jack plane💩" I was thinking my money was completely wasted. After few hours I was on TH-cam trying to find solution about that issue and I found your video where you said "you know cap irons, they just suck" , After that I understood what is the problem and its solution. thanks for that video.
Really appreciate you sharing your experience and opinions. In my case, I guess I am ahead of the curve, as I don't own any of these items. Thanks for saving me money. Please keep sharing! Thank you!
For my workflow I do enjoy having a large array of chisel sizes but I’ll agree 100% with the jointer plane. It’s cool looking but dusty because I haven’t touched it in years. Part of me wants to disagree with you on the shoulder plane but honestly I can’t recall the last time I needed to use mine. Enjoyed the video very much!
I was thinking the same about the shoulder plane. No way is that not essential... oh wait... I haven't used mine in years. But, I can't seem to part with it.
A real rabbet plane (skewed iron!) would be better. Alas I don't have one, and don't really "need" one. If it wasn't such a clat to get the clearance for the chips to escape right I would build one. Maybe I'll do that anyway...
Totally agree on the shoulder plane ( I have the same one you do ), the jointer plane ( I have a Veritas ) and the tiny router planes although I don't have any of them. I do have and occasionally ( very occasionally ) use a home made hand router plane about the size of the one you like. And I do have too many chisels that I don't use as well. Most of us get caught up in the hype before we actually figure out what we need for the type of work we do.
Somewhere deep inside, many hobby woodworkers are actually tool junkies, and easy to prey upon. I agree with pretty much everything here. Couple of honorable mentions to add. Dowel plates for sizing dowels. I recall these being pushed with drawbore pins once upon a time. And dedicated carbide burnishers for card scrapers, when the honest truth is that the shank of any reputable screwdriver will do the job.
I've tried screwdriver shanks and they really didn't do it for me. I polished an old round file and it burnishes good. Perhaps my screwdrivers are not reputable? I certainly wouldn't want a screwdriver with a shank as hard as a file.
I agree with you on everything and I also drank the 'woodworking kool aid' too. I have a jointer plane that I used for my workbench; now it's benched and my low angle jack does everything else. I think buying 4 good quality chisels is a worthy investment (1/4" - 1/2" - 3/4" - 1") instead of an entire set. I really like this type of video! maybe you could start a 'overhyped and underused woodworking tools' series? Great videos as always!
Good to see you back, I would defer only on the shoulder plane, it does get a lot of use around here, same with the rest, chisels have been an ongoing experience, it takes time before you have the right selection for your own paricular needs, like my go to is always a 5/8 full chisel, 1/2 " would just be too narrow around here, thanks for the video!
I use the no7 the most, I like it for joining the boards of table tops. But I think your point is true all the same, because I have a cabinet full of planes that I never use. I also have a big set of chisels that I do use most of the sizes but a whole second drawer of them that never gets opened or used!! It's funny that I've been downsizing my shop when thiis video came up, we don't need that many tools and experience proves that the more we do woodworking. Great video!
Only thing in this list I have is a set of chisels but they were free. Belonged to my grandfather and when my dad gave them to me they had been well used and abused. Most of the handles were either missing or broken. Fixed them up, turned new handles and they are a welcome addition to my tools.
Thank you for your effort. I agree with the first four for sure however I’m not as sure about the joiner. I’m early on my hand woodworking journey and still feeling my way on this one. I do appreciate guys like you who are a lot further on their journey and sharing their experience.
i use my bevel up jointer almost more than any other plane. it has so much to offer! i wouldn't use a bevel down jointer, however...IDK why, but that veritas bevel up jointer is just so amazing.
Can't argue with much of your list. I'd go with a few more chisel sizes but definitely not a large set. I've found a 1/8" chisel to be very useful in many cases because it can get into spaces that a 1/4" cannot. I got the 4 chisel Marples set and have been using them for well over 25 years. As you said, 1/4 and 1/2 are the most used but I do find that sometimes 3/4" is more useful than 1" and the converse in other cases so I don't see that the 4 chisel set + 1/8" addition are excessive. Definitely agree on the shoulder plane I got a good one but it has seen very little use.
Great Video. Love this to help everyone out there. 1- I have a large medium and small shoulder planes its super useful for shoulders, tenons and dado work. I agree it does have some limited uses 2- agree I like medium to large router planes 3-I use all my chisels 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 etc...good for all dimensions in a pinch, agree with short chisel 4-agree 5-I build larger furniture and the jointer plane is indispensable even with my 16 inch jointer and 16 inch planer. Truly appreciate these videos for showing us different options to solve a problem.
I use a shoulder plane regularly when adjusting long rabbets, such as for box lids or in the back of cabinets. It’s not essential, but it can make certain jobs that much easier, and I think that goes for all the tools you listed. Really it depends on the kind of work that you do and the way that you do it.
I fully agree with the entire list. I would add to that a full set of sharpening stones. An extra-extra coarse diamond stone, a Norton India combination stone, and a strop is all I need to shape and sharpen my edges. Loved the video!
@@ISwood4U that's a problem. I would consider grinding the primary bevel pretty much essential. It is not efficient or practical to grind the primary by hand. I actually prefer the hollow grind over a flat grind anyways.
The Rikon in the background is probably my next upgrade. Agree with all your decisions and find sharpening skill with diamonds more pleasant than waterstones. I do love my Japanese chisels but use my power tools before their saws. I recently bought an English Norris plane 100 years old which I adore. Very much a novice at woodturning but thank you for explaining so much!
Good video, cheers. With the exception of the shoulder plane I agree with you on the other tools. I love my vintage Stanley jointer plane but I've only ever really used it to flatten the bench I made.
The jointer plane was one of the first tools I bought. I used it a lot at first and then I bought a cheap benchtop 6in jointer. The plane is so heavy and needs a 22in space for storage. I have used the tiny routers for cutting grooves for sliding panels on the tops of boxes. I also had to build a tiny one to make a dado to set a bridge on a guitar. They are useful, but specialized. For bench chisels I use 1in, 1/2in and sometimes the 1/4in when i need to reach a tight place or need to pare down the shoulder of a tenon (instead of using a shoulder plane)
I agree on all of these. I have an old craftsman jointer plane. I have used to for the fun of it a time or two. But the 4 or 5 1/2 get used the most. I never pay much for stuff as I am just having fun building what I want. If I were doing production I'd get tools that make things easier sure. But I like fixing up old tools too.
Great list and thanks for sharing! I, too, bought a full set of Richter chisels and I only use a small, med and large. all the ones in between just sit. I'm in the process of acquiring planes now and have been thinking of a Jointer, or maybe just a #6 or 7, but maybe I'll hold off for the time being.
I own many planes. 99% of the time, the biggest plane I use is the no 5. The 1% of the time I need anything bigger, I reach for my no 6. See how you get on with just a 4 and 5 before buying others. I've spent silly amounts of money acquiring planes I've never needed.
I agree with the planes. I have a block plane and a 5 1/2. Those two fill MY needs for what I do. I also have a medium shoulder plane which comes in handy at times, and a large router plane that I use fairly often. What you need depends on the work you do, the projects you make, and the finish you’re after. A hand plane honed to 16,000 grit will produce a finish superior to any sand paper. It’s also noise and dust free, and more satisfying to use than any power tool. For me it’s about the process and not speed. I take my time and enjoy myself.
I'm about a year in apprenticing in woodworking and when it comes to tools I find it's all about solving what annoys the crap out of you and what speeds up the process. I'm with you on not needing a complete chisel set. I use 3 sizes because each size solves an annoyance with the other 2 sizes. In theory I could marginally reduce the annoyance with a couple of more sizes, but then I would have more chisels to sharpen, which is annoying.
This resonates so much. While I knew I was going to be more of a power tool guy, I still drank the Kool-aide on hand tools. I bought a 4 pack of chisels, but only grab my 1/4"; bought/restored 5 planes of varying types, but only occasionally use a block plane (minor clean up, chamfers, etc.) ; and I don't know how many types of saws because I only ever use a cheap flush cut saw and a ryoba. I've been debating for years about buying a router plane, and replacing all my current planes with either a shoulder or rabbeting block plane...but I clearly haven't need them yet.
You are right on in regards to chisels and hand plane. They look good in my tool cabinet. I have purged my shop several times. BTW most of my work I do with hand tools.I call it a bench shop. Not a pro just entertaining myself.
Tools are definitely a personal choice. My #7 is one of my more frequently used planes, but that's because i rebuilt it and it's been tuned for me. The chisels i would agree with as well. I have 4 and each is used regularly without me feeling like i need something else. Though being completely honest here I'm going to get more because i plan on making them in my forge. This is definitely an outlier though
I agree with all of that. I use the same chisels over and over, usually 1/2", and 1 1/4". I mostly only reach for the smoothing plane. The small router plane has it's home in my tool bag where it gets plenty of use on site for morticing for the plate of door latches, but it's never seen use in my workshop (shed would be a more accurate description tbh). Never heard of the drawbore thingys, even though I drawbore quite often and I don't own a shoulder plane and have never felt I was missing out. I have plenty of tools that see little or no action, both power and hand, and they all seemed like a good idea at the time, when I get time they are going on ebay.
I agree with you on all of these. A jointer for flattening large benches, maybe? I think a No 6 will do just as well. I never use my shoulder plane, well almost never. Usually a larger chisel. I only use three, maybe four chisels. I only have a standard router plane, and it hasn't failed me yet. I do most of my joinery by hand and still only need basic tools.
You didn't change my opinion of you sir! I value your opinion, even if I disagree. I had none. I started to about the router plane, but you were absolutely right, I don't need the small one, the big one does it all. Well maybe once in a blue moon, but generally the only situations would be repair. I would simply make a small one from plexiglass and an allen wrench, as opposed to buying it. As a matter of necessity I try to fabricobble as many of my tools as I can.
Once again, horses for courses. I do not have an electric jointer. I use my 40-year-old ELU table/chop saw combination to straighten the edges when joining boards, and my No 7 Stanley to match the glue surface. I also have a No 4 and a 10½ Stanley plane, but when it comes to gluing board edges, No 7 is the go-to guy. Another tool in my shop that is only touched on in discussions is my Stanley Yankee screwdriver which I bought 1n 1964. At the time it was a wonderful time saver. Today battery operated ones have taken their place. I will add the 1/8 th chisel in my ancient Bacho chisel set as indispensable at times. I love your videos. Keep it up!
Nice video, I agree on all the points you made, but I think a larger plane is very handy for larger work. At the time I built my 180cm (6 feet) workbench, which I use as a reference for every single project, I only had a n.4 and a crappy n.5 I used as a scrub plane. I bought a Juuma n.6 for the job and loved it. Long enough to flatten the top, but still light enough to handle for a long time. It's my most used plane for sure now, unless I'm working on something really small, then I'll pick up my n.4.
Well done! I think some of us were wishy washy about the chisels, but for sure a full set is a luxury and my wide ones don't get a lot of use. I've always had a jointer plane on my list but just never seem to need one bad enough to fork our the dough. I have a no.6 that I use a lot. As for the shoulder plane, my Stanley no.78 will do just fine the odd time I need a shoulder plane and for some reason they still seem to be the one plane you can get for cheap on the used market.
Ya, I got a couple sizes of those Stanley Rabbets somewhere. When I was starting out I'd find reasons to use them and I'll admit, that was fun. But nowadays.... a chisels faster and easier.
@@wortheffort Heh Heh I was somewhat worried you might put my Rabbet Plane on the list. I actually had it out yesterday and it was the perfect tool for the job. To be fair I'm not sure I have ever used it as a shoulder plane, I was more or less saying that if you think you need a shoulder plane, get a rabbet instead, more useful.
Thanks for not selling out after all these years, so many woodworking youtubers (even the very good ones) are just salesmen for fancy crap you don't need.
I'll sell out. If the price is right! I ain't no uppity ho. It's just a short, elderly, overweight cross between George Costanza and Sam Kineson with the voice of Gilbert Godfrey doesn't seem to attract those spokesperson positions. So I just keep trucking along.
good one bro. Chris from progressive ideas in wood. I agree with your assessment &reasoning, though I have to say I like my jointers plane.doesnt get a ton of use,but I work with big live edge slabs fairly often,so even after a sled,it works the lines out quick&nice! ✌️ big dawg!
I agree about the small router. I’ve never used it but I do use the full size one. Chisels are cheap so I have a choice of 6. I have a jointer never used as far as I can remember. I guess that drawbore tool is for big mortise and tenons, but I glue mine.
Subscribed! I agree with just about everything. Shoulder planes can get you out of a bind, but aren’t essential. When you need one you’re glad you have one. The jointer plane though, I actually use quite a bit, paired with a fence. I do have a 6” stationery jointer, but I don’t fully trust its accuracy. When I am gluing up panels I still give things a pass with the jointer plane and check with a straight edge to ensure things are perfect. Is it necessary, probably not but for my workflow I think it’s essential.
Thank you for this video and reducing my guilt for never having owned a shoulder plane (I’ve never seen the need for what I do) but have been told so many times by so many people I need one.
As someone who comes to woodworking from finish carpentry first, my go to is almost always a Butt Chisel which seems to be at odds with most woodworkers. I largely agree with you about not needing every size of chisel known to man, though I will admit to a completionist streak which often drives me in that direction. That being said I find that 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", 1", and 2" have covered all of my needs over the years with 1/4", 1/2" and1" being used far more often than anything else. The 1/8" is rarely used but sort of the only thing that works when needed, while the 2" is ideal for hanging doors...which is rare in our pre-hung world, but is invaluable when dealing with older doors, or tuning up newer ones. On top of that I find a 1/2" paring chisel (lol I only do short and long) is super useful in making things really fit. As these are the chisels I have they are what I use for woodworking and I find that they work perfectly well, though that may largely be familiarity more so than their suitability for a given task.
You have to figure in the show factor too! A shoulder plane was just the thing to finish off my hanging tool cabinet and it shines. Enjoyment of tools can come from looks and feel as much as use. Takes time and money to accumulate but sure feeds my habit .
Thanks for this. I’ve been eyeing both a shoulder plane and some draw bore pins for about a year, but keep putting them off until I get to a project where I need them. Haven’t gotten there yet.
I bought a 5 1/2 jack years ago at a Rob Cosman demonstration. He was right in that it’s really the one plane that can do 90% of what you need to. It’s nearly as long as a #6, has the same blade width, can be fine tuned or with a 2nd blade used as a scrub plane. I was given a #6 later but barely use that. The #4 smoother plane (I went with the 4 1/2 for blade width) rarely gets used despite what Paul Sellers advocates, no offense to him.
4s are by far the most common plane out there and that's for good reason. It's the minimum that'll do the job. 5s are my personal favorite. A bit more rare but still common and just a bit more than a 4 is. It goes to 11.
Great vid - bold! Thx. I subed because I like frank opinions like these. I actually like my jointer and shoulder planes. I don't use them often but I do use them for their intended purposes. I make small and medium sized tables, archery bows, cutting boards, and I use no power tools.
Thanks for your commentary, wish I had seen this years ago. I have the exact shoulder plane. I really like it and use it a lot. Holds a great edge. Don't use it as it was intended, but I'm having fun.
Hey Sir, love your videos so much, and have for many years. I do disagree with you on that jointer plane, though. My shop is a shed, with only an extension cord for lights. I use all of my planes nearly every evening. 48" is about the longest component on any of my projects, but I have found it incredibly frustrating to try to get edges flat and square without my 22" jointer. In fact, I would say that it is probably the most fun thing to use, because when I get done with my jointer, I know that part is true, and then it's time for the joinery and assembly. Just my .02. Thanks for the video. Totally agreed with all your other points. Cheers.
Draw bore pins......ha ha ha. I draw bore most of my mortise and tenons. I ain't ever buying draw bore pins. I use a no 5 for everything regarding bench planes. I actually flattened my bench today and it requires my thinnest feeler guage to measure the error. Its the jack of all trades. I don't own a regular smoother or a no 7. You are spot on about the chisels. Which is my most used, go to chisel? It's the half inch of course. I only own four bevel edge chisels. A 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and a 25 mm. I can do virtually anything I need with those four chisels.
Great video. Came a recommendation and quite timely. I'm a new woodworker and amassing a collection of vintage tools to get going. I was looking for both a router and shoulder plane. You sir, have saved me some money! Thanks! Still going to buy a No.7 Stanley though. hehe.
Oh man, I love my jointer plane. But I do only have a total of 3 planes. Block, number 4 and number 7. I kinda took your minimal chisel approach and applied it to my hand planes. Maybe if I had a jack plane I wouldn’t use my number 7 but since it’s the only one I’ve got bigger than my number 4 I use it frequently. I totally agree with the chisels though. For some of my specific tasks I needed a very fine one about 3/32 but other than that, 1” and 1/2” are definitely my go to’s
Brilliant video and lessons! Always appreciate a good chuckle while learning. I have to admit, I have some "Kool-Aid Inspired Tools" collecting dust in my shop. I particularly appreciated your comments on chisels - my one divergence... I have an old Stanley 1/8" chisel with flat sides that was my grandfather's and I use it all of the time. Don't think I'd have ever bought an 1/8" chisel, but I find that I'm almost always reaching for it for fine tuning joinery. Your videos are quite refreshing after watching other folks who insist that you can only do quality work with absurdly expensive tools.
full set chisels, OK. jointer plane, depends on your work, i use mine. shoulder plane is useful in other ways. so you didnt convince me to get rid of any stuff, but did convince me to buy more (router plane)
Thought provoking! I use my 2 mini routers all the time. I like the small size, it just works for me. The other 4 mentioned I don't commonly use. Thanks for the thoughts!
Is there a vid where you made that neat little square? I really cant blame ya for those little router planes, they are just so darn neat looking and beautiful to look at. I do detest how the older vintage tools have become so expensive due to folks collecting them but I can certainly understand the attraction.
I agree with your list but only to a certain degree regarding the shoulder and jointer plane. When my saw skills were less than ideal, the technique I used was to saw close to the line and then use the shoulder plane to perfect the cut. Worked all the time until I got better with a saw. Occasionally, I will cut out of square and still use the shoulder plane to clean it up. I have a Stanley 607 jointer which I got really cheap, so if it just sits there, it's not a problem. I use it probably twice a year. I have a set of 5 LN chisels; realistically I could have lived on 3; L M S. I don't think dovetail saws are necessary.
It is very refreshing to hear and see some down to earth and so true advices for the new and even seasoned woodworkers here on youtube! Ten thumbs up! 🔟👍🏻 Let’s face it - most of us are tool hoarders…it might stir the fragile mindset of some of us in this category. But that does not make your advices less true or important. 😄
Superb advice. I don't own any of those but was considering a shoulder plane. You have saved me some $$ there. I'll get my dream router plane instead...
Drawbore peg? Never even heard of such a thing. As for the #7 jointer plane, I like mine when straightening an edge on a board. In the 16 woodworking benches you claim to have made, how did you flatten the tops? With a jointer plane? Or did you leave them not flat?
Used the jack normally and a straight edge to get it 99% there and then backed the jack off to take whisper shavings for the final. If the straight edge doesn't "pivot" anywhere on bench then that's flat enough to me.
Good video. I am in the same boat, but hey life is short and I still like finding a new tool that I don't really need! You can't take it with you so, be good be happy is my goal.
100% agree, except for the jointing plane. If you're a total hand tool shop, the jointer plane has a place for long rough cut slabs/boards. In a hybrid or a full machine shop, that plane is a waste of time & money. I too have bought ALL the chisels and I only use a 1-1/2", a 1/2" and a 1/4" chisel. The rest sit in the tool cabinet drawer being lonely.
Thanks for the helpful advice pal.. Love ur channel btw. It's packed full of great ideas for learning as well as great advice and tips on best practices and tools we all need or there I say it DON'T need.. LOL Keep the great content coming my bro.. Salute from Dublin, IRELAND!
I do use the shoulder plane (same 'mid-size Veritas') for a lot of things (e.g. trimming tenons or other end-grain pieces). Then again, it's possibly because I'm not a good woodworker, and I don't have a router plane.
One thing I've used my No.6 or No. 7 plane is to thin down stock for guitar plates to uniform thickness. I put down 3/32 or 1/8" strips on either side of the rough stock to control the depth. Then I skew the plane while planing the stock until it rides on the control strips. Other than that, I use a jack, a No.4, and a 60-1/2.
I agree with most. I use my Stanley #271 router plane when putting locks on doors for the latch mortise on edge of door. My large router plane is too big to register on a 1 3/8" thick door. I use a router for the hinges.
Nice vid! I love a vid that tells me what to NOT get, instead of making me gas for something! I’m a n00b, shoestring budget and also want the most minimal kit possible. Currently, only have 3 planes and wanna keep it that way - #4-1/2 (smoother, small jack), #6 (flattening, small jointer, large jack) and #405 (grooves, dados, rabbets, marking knife for big 4’-8’ sheets). Chisels, Irwin Marples 5pc set. Saw, Gyokucho Kataba Japanese saw. Files & rasp, Shinto and Nicholson 3pc set (already had the Nicholsons prior to starting woodworking) Craftsman scratch awl, acetate handle. Actually started w a #4 from Home Depot… but returned it to get a vintage #4-1/2… because I was impressed w the quality of the vintage #6 I got. Block plain… I’ll pass, since my #4-1/2 can do the same, and a Shinto can do chamfers and endgrains very nicely too. Spokeshave… I’ll pass too, since the Shinto can do its’ tasks too, easier to boot (always hear spokeshaves can be a pia sometimes and chattery). #6 is also great imo… cuz it’s much cheaper than a #7.
My usage of tools depends on size of project I am building. My jointer gets used on oak (hard) lumber in which the weight helps slices through without much hangups definitely on long boards. If I had a jack plane I 'd reach for it most of the time. I was told by and old carpenter Butt chisels were mainly meant for carpenters when hanging doors and other similar uses in houses construction. Overall I do agree with your assessment of the tools you can do without.
Cheers! I have been debating jointer, side rabbet plane and perhaps a wooden bodied moving filletster. I kind of figured that the shoulder plane was overkill for most applications. I just love old wooden bodied planes even if I can’t find use for them.
My shoulder plane is probably the one hand tool that I actually use regularly. I use it probably more like someone else would use a rabbeting block plane. I don't really like my block plane and I will almost always reach for the shoulder plane instead. I even have that little micro one Lee Valley made as kind of a joke that I actually use fairly often.
I use my shoulder plane. I use all my chisels. I just love having my jointer plane even though i rarely use it. It's all about how you work and what you like. That said, is a pretty reasonable list.
Good Video. I have a #8 Stanley Bedrock. Never have used it. Bought it after the 2008 crash because it was only $75. Bought a lot of old Stanleys for cheap then. Oh well its good shop wall art. Maybe someday It'll get restored
A most excellent video, thanks!!!! How about another video on some of your most needed/used tools that you were unaware of early in your career? You touched upon that with your chisels.
The argument against the jointing plane applies equally to the jack plane - for small jobs a smoothing plane, or even block plane ought to be good enough! I think the key is to get _either_ a jointing plane or a jack plane based on whether you need/want the lighter weight and easier handling of the jack plane, or the flexibility to handle larger jobs offered by the the jointing plane. Then set it up for jointing and flattening jobs. The smoother and block planes can then be setup for their jobs so you can just grab the plane you need without fussing to adjust anything.
I have a nice shoulder plane....that I've never used once. My jointer I use a little....but not much.
But there's always the "I might need it someday...."
Excellent lesson on what experience teaches a person. As far chisels go everyone should have a battle chisel in their set of tools. Just a chisel that can be sharpened with a belt sander for those odd abusive needs we all come across from time to time. 3/4 of inch in size is perfect in my opinion.
Haha... I have one. 3/4 inch as well. Good for those "beat the hell out of it" situations.
especially for cutting nails that can't be gotten to any other way. Done it many times. I have one just for cleaning glue off of a putty knife.
I've got a 1-inch that I picked up as part of a lot of other tools and was already beat to crap. A few minutes with the grinder to remove the old gnarly edge that looked like almost serrated and I had my beater.
I have a selection of "shit kickers": a thin and thick chisel, a few slotted screwdrivers, pin punches, speed squares, rulers, drill bits. They are basically sacrificial. I beat them up, drill holes in em, use them to persuade metal, whatever the job needs.
As a rough carpenter I carried a 1" harbor freight chisel in my bags. It's amazing how often you use one.
I really appreciate that you are not afraid to be yourself and not afraid how that might affect your audience. You speak from the heart and are just honest with people. You're not telling people not to buy them, just simply explaining that, from your point of view, you don't believe that these tools are worth it. And if people try to work around things before buying this new tool they're told they need, then they might not have to buy a tool that is gonna end up collecting dust somewhere in the shop. General rule of thumb I was taught, is not to buy a tool until you need it. And Even at that, you might only need it once or twice....yet that general rule of thumb didn't account for that!
Yet again another great video Shawn. Thank you for sharing your opinions to others with what I believe to be the goel of helping others in the long run :)
Most of work is accomplished with the same handful of tools. They're not the sexiest tools either. But when you need specialty tools they're nice to have.
4:40 - opening up a knife line into a rebate with the shoulder plane is super handy if you are trying to cut custom molding profiles with hand planes, but most people aren't doing that.
have been watching your videos for a dozen or so years and got inspired 10 years ago to get into hand tool woodworking in some part because of this channel. Thank you sir for all the years of great content.
Really enjoyed this video. Personally I find uses for all my chisels, from the smallest to the largest, bevel sided pairing to Japanese square sided. Maybe it's just because I like using them and I always find an excuse. Carvings, inlays, bow ties, cleaning up cuts, blocking out initials. I generally have at least 3 on the bench with me for any given project.
My no 8 plane is also something I couldn't give up. I don't trust my eye, but I trust my plane. It's saved me on several countertops, tabletops, and benchtops. And it might be my favorite tool to use.
After just a couple years into woodworking, I'm with you 80% of the way. My one point of divergence: I *do* make tables and things with longer legs, so my vintage Stanley No. 8 sees regular use. But as you point out, people who aren't working on large projects don't need a honking big plane. I do love my chonky boi, though, even if I do 90% of my planing with a No. 5.
I like my no. 7 for book matching guitar tops. But, ya, the no.5 is the “jack” plane for sure.
I'm an old woodworker. I've been at it for years, making this and that. Each project intended to improve my skills. You are "spot on" in this video...the tools you mention are not worthless, just not necessary. I have all the tools you mention (like you, I read all the articles, saw the videos, went to the shows and bought what was "hot") and rarely, if even, use them.
haha, wall of shame... love it! I find my largest shoulder plane indispensable when Im doing large joinery in construction. I need the rabbeting function and other planes are uncomfortable and a router plane is nowhere close enough to reach down into the sizes of stock I use. The smaller shoulder planes are great when im needing to clean up areas in instrument and model making/sculpting, right tool for the job. I could easily remove tools from my kit, but whenever I do, I regret it later. Half the challenge is knowing what other practical uses a given tool has and knowing to reach for it when the need arises!.... Fun video, thankyou!
👏👏👏 Every second of every day, someone somewhere is being persuaded to part with their money for something they don't need and woodworking is no different. A LOT of woodworking tools just gather dust(no pun intended) and are so rarely used, if ever, that there is always another way.
So it takes you twice as long to do a job because you don't have a certain tool. Doesn't matter if you only do that job once in a blue moon.
Definitely wortheffort to make this video!
Ha ha, you are 100% correct. I bought a jointer to make doors, 12 doors later and I still have a jointer plane, that I don’t use any more. There are a lot of other tools you don’t need as well. Keep up the good work, love your stuff . . . still!!!
I had the same experiences with my projects.
I only have a bunch of basic tools and most of my tools are home-made.
Your video is appreciated much.
Thank you.
I'll build myself a jointer. If I don't use it I'll at least have had the fun building it...
@@johanneswerner1140 Good luck, I bought a wooden one and absolutely love it, wouldnt want to mess with the weight of a metal one. Will you be mortising the opening for the blade, or will it be a glued construction?
I just prior to watching this video, I watched your power tool version of this topic. I absolutely agree with everything you stated here. I have 3 full sets of chisels one set from Germany cost me several hundreds of dollars; I find I go back to my 4 original chisels I purchased from Sears 40 years ago for about $10. On hand planes .... I NEVER use my shoulder planes (plural) my Stanley planes numbers 6, 7 and 8. It's time to sell them and other tools I don't use. But they are so pretty .... and what's more manly than leaving a Stanley No 8 out on your workbench with shavings (from your number 5) to show off your tools.
And they're still cheaper decorations than what's in your spouses jewelry box right?
You didn't destroy my opinion of you but enhanced it.
Marples Blue Chip chisels takes me back. I bought a set when they first appeared, I was about 20 . I never buy sets of router bits for example. Wondered about a shoulder plane many times, but lucky me never wasted my money.
A great video.
The only place we differ is on the jointer plane. My most used plane is my huge #8 jointer plane, my least used is my low angle jack plane. I just get a flatter surface with the #8, especially for neck-through laminated guitar neck stringers.. I also like my #4 bronze Lie Nielsen, which gets almost as much use as the #8. I think the nature of the projects you work on determines you must-have tools.
Few days ago I bought a Taparia CJP No. 5 Jack Plane and this is my first Jack Plane that I have bought in my life. After unboxing, I was very excited to use it as soon as possible. After tuning, I realized that this plane was not making chips, I increased the depth of cutting blade but on doing so it used to get stuck. I noticed that the cutting blade assembly and chip breaker were getting clogged quite often, with small wood chips getting clogged between the cutting blade and the chip breaker. Trust me... I said "it's kind of $hit jack plane💩" I was thinking my money was completely wasted. After few hours I was on TH-cam trying to find solution about that issue and I found your video where you said "you know cap irons, they just suck" , After that I understood what is the problem and its solution. thanks for that video.
Really appreciate you sharing your experience and opinions. In my case, I guess I am ahead of the curve, as I don't own any of these items. Thanks for saving me money. Please keep sharing! Thank you!
For my workflow I do enjoy having a large array of chisel sizes but I’ll agree 100% with the jointer plane. It’s cool looking but dusty because I haven’t touched it in years. Part of me wants to disagree with you on the shoulder plane but honestly I can’t recall the last time I needed to use mine. Enjoyed the video very much!
I was thinking the same about the shoulder plane. No way is that not essential... oh wait... I haven't used mine in years. But, I can't seem to part with it.
I use mine for rebates. Works well enough. I also have a combination plane, but that's a faff.
I would love to have a shoulder plane. It would be much easier than using the bull nose
A real rabbet plane (skewed iron!) would be better. Alas I don't have one, and don't really "need" one. If it wasn't such a clat to get the clearance for the chips to escape right I would build one. Maybe I'll do that anyway...
Totally agree on the shoulder plane ( I have the same one you do ), the jointer plane ( I have a Veritas ) and the tiny router planes although I don't have any of them. I do have and occasionally ( very occasionally ) use a home made hand router plane about the size of the one you like. And I do have too many chisels that I don't use as well. Most of us get caught up in the hype before we actually figure out what we need for the type of work we do.
Somewhere deep inside, many hobby woodworkers are actually tool junkies, and easy to prey upon. I agree with pretty much everything here.
Couple of honorable mentions to add. Dowel plates for sizing dowels. I recall these being pushed with drawbore pins once upon a time. And dedicated carbide burnishers for card scrapers, when the honest truth is that the shank of any reputable screwdriver will do the job.
"tool junkies", I feel seen.
I've tried screwdriver shanks and they really didn't do it for me. I polished an old round file and it burnishes good. Perhaps my screwdrivers are not reputable? I certainly wouldn't want a screwdriver with a shank as hard as a file.
I agree with you on everything and I also drank the 'woodworking kool aid' too.
I have a jointer plane that I used for my workbench; now it's benched and my low angle jack does everything else. I think buying 4 good quality chisels is a worthy investment (1/4" - 1/2" - 3/4" - 1") instead of an entire set. I really like this type of video! maybe you could start a 'overhyped and underused woodworking tools' series?
Great videos as always!
watch the next 4 days. trying to play the algorithm before I go live with some hard to make videos.
1/4"-1/2"-3/4" & 1" IS an entire set.😁
Good to see you back, I would defer only on the shoulder plane, it does get a lot of use around here, same with the rest, chisels have been an ongoing experience, it takes time before you have the right selection for your own paricular needs, like my go to is always a 5/8 full chisel, 1/2 " would just be too narrow around here, thanks for the video!
I use the no7 the most, I like it for joining the boards of table tops. But I think your point is true all the same, because I have a cabinet full of planes that I never use. I also have a big set of chisels that I do use most of the sizes but a whole second drawer of them that never gets opened or used!!
It's funny that I've been downsizing my shop when thiis video came up, we don't need that many tools and experience proves that the more we do woodworking. Great video!
I use my #7 & #8 to flatten my bench tops and to keep them flat. But your points are well taken.
Only thing in this list I have is a set of chisels but they were free. Belonged to my grandfather and when my dad gave them to me they had been well used and abused. Most of the handles were either missing or broken. Fixed them up, turned new handles and they are a welcome addition to my tools.
Thank you for your effort. I agree with the first four for sure however I’m not as sure about the joiner. I’m early on my hand woodworking journey and still feeling my way on this one.
I do appreciate guys like you who are a lot further on their journey and sharing their experience.
i use my bevel up jointer almost more than any other plane. it has so much to offer! i wouldn't use a bevel down jointer, however...IDK why, but that veritas bevel up jointer is just so amazing.
It's basically a bigger version of the bevel up jack with all of the latter's versatility and support for shooting and rabbeting.
Can't argue with much of your list. I'd go with a few more chisel sizes but definitely not a large set. I've found a 1/8" chisel to be very useful in many cases because it can get into spaces that a 1/4" cannot. I got the 4 chisel Marples set and have been using them for well over 25 years. As you said, 1/4 and 1/2 are the most used but I do find that sometimes 3/4" is more useful than 1" and the converse in other cases so I don't see that the 4 chisel set + 1/8" addition are excessive. Definitely agree on the shoulder plane I got a good one but it has seen very little use.
Great Video. Love this to help everyone out there.
1- I have a large medium and small shoulder planes its super useful for shoulders, tenons and dado work. I agree it does have some limited uses
2- agree I like medium to large router planes
3-I use all my chisels 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 etc...good for all dimensions in a pinch, agree with short chisel
4-agree
5-I build larger furniture and the jointer plane is indispensable even with my 16 inch jointer and 16 inch planer.
Truly appreciate these videos for showing us different options to solve a problem.
Think this list will change depending on the woodworking your doing. I use my No 6 and 8 jointer all the time for boat deck and tabletop glue-ups.
I use a shoulder plane regularly when adjusting long rabbets, such as for box lids or in the back of cabinets. It’s not essential, but it can make certain jobs that much easier, and I think that goes for all the tools you listed. Really it depends on the kind of work that you do and the way that you do it.
Adjusting rabbets is exactly what I was going to say as well.
I fully agree with the entire list. I would add to that a full set of sharpening stones. An extra-extra coarse diamond stone, a Norton India combination stone, and a strop is all I need to shape and sharpen my edges. Loved the video!
What do you need a coarse stone for?
@@1pcfred I don't have electricity in my shed, so it replaces the grinder to restore primary bevels.
@@ISwood4U that's a problem. I would consider grinding the primary bevel pretty much essential. It is not efficient or practical to grind the primary by hand. I actually prefer the hollow grind over a flat grind anyways.
The Rikon in the background is probably my next upgrade. Agree with all your decisions and find sharpening skill with diamonds more pleasant than waterstones. I do love my Japanese chisels but use my power tools before their saws. I recently bought an English Norris plane 100 years old which I adore. Very much a novice at woodturning but thank you for explaining so much!
Good video, cheers.
With the exception of the shoulder plane I agree with you on the other tools.
I love my vintage Stanley jointer plane but I've only ever really used it to flatten the bench I made.
The jointer plane was one of the first tools I bought. I used it a lot at first and then I bought a cheap benchtop 6in jointer. The plane is so heavy and needs a 22in space for storage. I have used the tiny routers for cutting grooves for sliding panels on the tops of boxes. I also had to build a tiny one to make a dado to set a bridge on a guitar. They are useful, but specialized. For bench chisels I use 1in, 1/2in and sometimes the 1/4in when i need to reach a tight place or need to pare down the shoulder of a tenon (instead of using a shoulder plane)
I agree on all of these. I have an old craftsman jointer plane. I have used to for the fun of it a time or two. But the 4 or 5 1/2 get used the most.
I never pay much for stuff as I am just having fun building what I want. If I were doing production I'd get tools that make things easier sure. But I like fixing up old tools too.
Great list and thanks for sharing! I, too, bought a full set of Richter chisels and I only use a small, med and large. all the ones in between just sit. I'm in the process of acquiring planes now and have been thinking of a Jointer, or maybe just a #6 or 7, but maybe I'll hold off for the time being.
I own many planes. 99% of the time, the biggest plane I use is the no 5. The 1% of the time I need anything bigger, I reach for my no 6. See how you get on with just a 4 and 5 before buying others. I've spent silly amounts of money acquiring planes I've never needed.
I agree with the planes. I have a block plane and a 5 1/2. Those two fill MY needs for what I do. I also have a medium shoulder plane which comes in handy at times, and a large router plane that I use fairly often. What you need depends on the work you do, the projects you make, and the finish you’re after. A hand plane honed to 16,000 grit will produce a finish superior to any sand paper. It’s also noise and dust free, and more satisfying to use than any power tool. For me it’s about the process and not speed. I take my time and enjoy myself.
I'm about a year in apprenticing in woodworking and when it comes to tools I find it's all about solving what annoys the crap out of you and what speeds up the process. I'm with you on not needing a complete chisel set. I use 3 sizes because each size solves an annoyance with the other 2 sizes. In theory I could marginally reduce the annoyance with a couple of more sizes, but then I would have more chisels to sharpen, which is annoying.
This resonates so much. While I knew I was going to be more of a power tool guy, I still drank the Kool-aide on hand tools. I bought a 4 pack of chisels, but only grab my 1/4"; bought/restored 5 planes of varying types, but only occasionally use a block plane (minor clean up, chamfers, etc.) ; and I don't know how many types of saws because I only ever use a cheap flush cut saw and a ryoba. I've been debating for years about buying a router plane, and replacing all my current planes with either a shoulder or rabbeting block plane...but I clearly haven't need them yet.
You are right on in regards to chisels and hand plane. They look good in my tool cabinet. I have purged my shop several times. BTW most of my work I do with hand tools.I call it a bench shop. Not a pro just entertaining myself.
Tools are definitely a personal choice. My #7 is one of my more frequently used planes, but that's because i rebuilt it and it's been tuned for me. The chisels i would agree with as well. I have 4 and each is used regularly without me feeling like i need something else. Though being completely honest here I'm going to get more because i plan on making them in my forge. This is definitely an outlier though
I agree with all of that. I use the same chisels over and over, usually 1/2", and 1 1/4". I mostly only reach for the smoothing plane. The small router plane has it's home in my tool bag where it gets plenty of use on site for morticing for the plate of door latches, but it's never seen use in my workshop (shed would be a more accurate description tbh). Never heard of the drawbore thingys, even though I drawbore quite often and I don't own a shoulder plane and have never felt I was missing out. I have plenty of tools that see little or no action, both power and hand, and they all seemed like a good idea at the time, when I get time they are going on ebay.
I agree with you on all of these. A jointer for flattening large benches, maybe? I think a No 6 will do just as well. I never use my shoulder plane, well almost never. Usually a larger chisel. I only use three, maybe four chisels. I only have a standard router plane, and it hasn't failed me yet. I do most of my joinery by hand and still only need basic tools.
You didn't change my opinion of you sir! I value your opinion, even if I disagree. I had none. I started to about the router plane, but you were absolutely right, I don't need the small one, the big one does it all. Well maybe once in a blue moon, but generally the only situations would be repair. I would simply make a small one from plexiglass and an allen wrench, as opposed to buying it. As a matter of necessity I try to fabricobble as many of my tools as I can.
Once again, horses for courses. I do not have an electric jointer. I use my 40-year-old ELU table/chop saw combination to straighten the edges when joining boards, and my No 7 Stanley to match the glue surface. I also have a No 4 and a 10½ Stanley plane, but when it comes to gluing board edges, No 7 is the go-to guy. Another tool in my shop that is only touched on in discussions is my Stanley Yankee screwdriver which I bought 1n 1964. At the time it was a wonderful time saver. Today battery operated ones have taken their place. I will add the 1/8 th chisel in my ancient Bacho chisel set as indispensable at times. I love your videos. Keep it up!
We need more content like this! Great video, sound logic.
Nice video, I agree on all the points you made, but I think a larger plane is very handy for larger work.
At the time I built my 180cm (6 feet) workbench, which I use as a reference for every single project, I only had a n.4 and a crappy n.5 I used as a scrub plane. I bought a Juuma n.6 for the job and loved it. Long enough to flatten the top, but still light enough to handle for a long time. It's my most used plane for sure now, unless I'm working on something really small, then I'll pick up my n.4.
Well done! I think some of us were wishy washy about the chisels, but for sure a full set is a luxury and my wide ones don't get a lot of use. I've always had a jointer plane on my list but just never seem to need one bad enough to fork our the dough. I have a no.6 that I use a lot. As for the shoulder plane, my Stanley no.78 will do just fine the odd time I need a shoulder plane and for some reason they still seem to be the one plane you can get for cheap on the used market.
Ya, I got a couple sizes of those Stanley Rabbets somewhere. When I was starting out I'd find reasons to use them and I'll admit, that was fun. But nowadays.... a chisels faster and easier.
@@wortheffort Heh Heh I was somewhat worried you might put my Rabbet Plane on the list. I actually had it out yesterday and it was the perfect tool for the job. To be fair I'm not sure I have ever used it as a shoulder plane, I was more or less saying that if you think you need a shoulder plane, get a rabbet instead, more useful.
Thanks for not selling out after all these years, so many woodworking youtubers (even the very good ones) are just salesmen for fancy crap you don't need.
I'll sell out. If the price is right! I ain't no uppity ho. It's just a short, elderly, overweight cross between George Costanza and Sam Kineson with the voice of Gilbert Godfrey doesn't seem to attract those spokesperson positions. So I just keep trucking along.
good one bro. Chris from progressive ideas in wood. I agree with your assessment &reasoning, though I have to say I like my jointers plane.doesnt get a ton of use,but I work with big live edge slabs fairly often,so even after a sled,it works the lines out quick&nice! ✌️ big dawg!
Awesome content and saved me a lot of money as I was about to purchase a jointer plane for my in progress workbench build. New subscriber here!
I agree about the small router. I’ve never used it but I do use the full size one. Chisels are cheap so I have a choice of 6. I have a jointer never used as far as I can remember. I guess that drawbore tool is for big mortise and tenons, but I glue mine.
Subscribed! I agree with just about everything. Shoulder planes can get you out of a bind, but aren’t essential. When you need one you’re glad you have one. The jointer plane though, I actually use quite a bit, paired with a fence. I do have a 6” stationery jointer, but I don’t fully trust its accuracy. When I am gluing up panels I still give things a pass with the jointer plane and check with a straight edge to ensure things are perfect. Is it necessary, probably not but for my workflow I think it’s essential.
Thank you for this video and reducing my guilt for never having owned a shoulder plane (I’ve never seen the need for what I do) but have been told so many times by so many people I need one.
As someone who comes to woodworking from finish carpentry first, my go to is almost always a Butt Chisel which seems to be at odds with most woodworkers. I largely agree with you about not needing every size of chisel known to man, though I will admit to a completionist streak which often drives me in that direction. That being said I find that 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", 1", and 2" have covered all of my needs over the years with 1/4", 1/2" and1" being used far more often than anything else. The 1/8" is rarely used but sort of the only thing that works when needed, while the 2" is ideal for hanging doors...which is rare in our pre-hung world, but is invaluable when dealing with older doors, or tuning up newer ones. On top of that I find a 1/2" paring chisel (lol I only do short and long) is super useful in making things really fit. As these are the chisels I have they are what I use for woodworking and I find that they work perfectly well, though that may largely be familiarity more so than their suitability for a given task.
I used one of those big planers but it was from the 19th century at the WV State Farm Museum, Carpenter Shop as I was showing the many things there.
You have to figure in the show factor too! A shoulder plane was just the thing to finish off my hanging tool cabinet and it shines. Enjoyment of tools can come from looks and feel as much as use. Takes time and money to accumulate but sure feeds my habit .
still cheaper than the jewelry we buy spouses.
i cleverly picked out a spouse who has no interest in jewellery...great success!
Just experience and honesty. Pure gold ! ❤
Thanks for this. I’ve been eyeing both a shoulder plane and some draw bore pins for about a year, but keep putting them off until I get to a project where I need them. Haven’t gotten there yet.
I bought a 5 1/2 jack years ago at a Rob Cosman demonstration. He was right in that it’s really the one plane that can do 90% of what you need to. It’s nearly as long as a #6, has the same blade width, can be fine tuned or with a 2nd blade used as a scrub plane. I was given a #6 later but barely use that. The #4 smoother plane (I went with the 4 1/2 for blade width) rarely gets used despite what Paul Sellers advocates, no offense to him.
Agree, a 5 1/2 is my go to plane for all but specific situations
4s are by far the most common plane out there and that's for good reason. It's the minimum that'll do the job. 5s are my personal favorite. A bit more rare but still common and just a bit more than a 4 is. It goes to 11.
Totally agree. At school, 🇬🇧, we only used hand tools. Chisels were most used. I've still got a set, but they don't get much use. Nostalgia!!
Thanks again for the time you take to make us videos.
Great vid - bold! Thx. I subed because I like frank opinions like these.
I actually like my jointer and shoulder planes. I don't use them often but I do use them for their intended purposes. I make small and medium sized tables, archery bows, cutting boards, and I use no power tools.
I cry fie on you for the jointer plane comments! They are essential for looking awesome on a tool wall.
***snort***
Thanks for your commentary, wish I had seen this years ago. I have the exact shoulder plane. I really like it and use it a lot. Holds a great edge. Don't use it as it was intended, but I'm having fun.
Hey Sir, love your videos so much, and have for many years. I do disagree with you on that jointer plane, though. My shop is a shed, with only an extension cord for lights. I use all of my planes nearly every evening. 48" is about the longest component on any of my projects, but I have found it incredibly frustrating to try to get edges flat and square without my 22" jointer. In fact, I would say that it is probably the most fun thing to use, because when I get done with my jointer, I know that part is true, and then it's time for the joinery and assembly. Just my .02. Thanks for the video. Totally agreed with all your other points. Cheers.
Great points Shawn… I’ve become a huge fan of yours over the last couple years
Draw bore pins......ha ha ha. I draw bore most of my mortise and tenons. I ain't ever buying draw bore pins. I use a no 5 for everything regarding bench planes. I actually flattened my bench today and it requires my thinnest feeler guage to measure the error. Its the jack of all trades. I don't own a regular smoother or a no 7. You are spot on about the chisels. Which is my most used, go to chisel? It's the half inch of course. I only own four bevel edge chisels. A 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and a 25 mm. I can do virtually anything I need with those four chisels.
Great video. Came a recommendation and quite timely. I'm a new woodworker and amassing a collection of vintage tools to get going. I was looking for both a router and shoulder plane. You sir, have saved me some money! Thanks! Still going to buy a No.7 Stanley though. hehe.
Go for it. You’ll get a workout using it.
Oh man, I love my jointer plane. But I do only have a total of 3 planes. Block, number 4 and number 7. I kinda took your minimal chisel approach and applied it to my hand planes. Maybe if I had a jack plane I wouldn’t use my number 7 but since it’s the only one I’ve got bigger than my number 4 I use it frequently. I totally agree with the chisels though. For some of my specific tasks I needed a very fine one about 3/32 but other than that, 1” and 1/2” are definitely my go to’s
Thank you.
I’ve been weighing up whether I needed small router planes or to only get a large one.
Superb video. Just what I needed to stop me in my tracks, and make me think about what I really need, as opposed to what I want.
Brilliant video and lessons! Always appreciate a good chuckle while learning. I have to admit, I have some "Kool-Aid Inspired Tools" collecting dust in my shop. I particularly appreciated your comments on chisels - my one divergence... I have an old Stanley 1/8" chisel with flat sides that was my grandfather's and I use it all of the time. Don't think I'd have ever bought an 1/8" chisel, but I find that I'm almost always reaching for it for fine tuning joinery.
Your videos are quite refreshing after watching other folks who insist that you can only do quality work with absurdly expensive tools.
full set chisels, OK. jointer plane, depends on your work, i use mine. shoulder plane is useful in other ways. so you didnt convince me to get rid of any stuff, but did convince me to buy more (router plane)
Thought provoking! I use my 2 mini routers all the time. I like the small size, it just works for me. The other 4 mentioned I don't commonly use. Thanks for the thoughts!
Is there a vid where you made that neat little square? I really cant blame ya for those little router planes, they are just so darn neat looking and beautiful to look at. I do detest how the older vintage tools have become so expensive due to folks collecting them but I can certainly understand the attraction.
yes, dovetail marker
I agree with your list but only to a certain degree regarding the shoulder and jointer plane. When my saw skills were less than ideal, the technique I used was to saw close to the line and then use the shoulder plane to perfect the cut. Worked all the time until I got better with a saw. Occasionally, I will cut out of square and still use the shoulder plane to clean it up. I have a Stanley 607 jointer which I got really cheap, so if it just sits there, it's not a problem. I use it probably twice a year. I have a set of 5 LN chisels; realistically I could have lived on 3; L M S. I don't think dovetail saws are necessary.
It is very refreshing to hear and see some down to earth and so true advices for the new and even seasoned woodworkers here on youtube! Ten thumbs up! 🔟👍🏻
Let’s face it - most of us are tool hoarders…it might stir the fragile mindset of some of us in this category. But that does not make your advices less true or important. 😄
Great info. Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely saved me some money.
Superb advice. I don't own any of those but was considering a shoulder plane. You have saved me some $$ there. I'll get my dream router plane instead...
Drawbore peg? Never even heard of such a thing. As for the #7 jointer plane, I like mine when straightening an edge on a board. In the 16 woodworking benches you claim to have made, how did you flatten the tops? With a jointer plane? Or did you leave them not flat?
Used the jack normally and a straight edge to get it 99% there and then backed the jack off to take whisper shavings for the final. If the straight edge doesn't "pivot" anywhere on bench then that's flat enough to me.
Great video thank for you honest opinion as a new woodworker you look at these videos and think you need to buy all these tools
Good video. I am in the same boat, but hey life is short and I still like finding a new tool that I don't really need! You can't take it with you so, be good be happy is my goal.
100% agree, except for the jointing plane. If you're a total hand tool shop, the jointer plane has a place for long rough cut slabs/boards. In a hybrid or a full machine shop, that plane is a waste of time & money. I too have bought ALL the chisels and I only use a 1-1/2", a 1/2" and a 1/4" chisel. The rest sit in the tool cabinet drawer being lonely.
Thanks for the helpful advice pal.. Love ur channel btw. It's packed full of great ideas for learning as well as great advice and tips on best practices and tools we all need or there I say it DON'T need.. LOL
Keep the great content coming my bro.. Salute from Dublin, IRELAND!
I do use the shoulder plane (same 'mid-size Veritas') for a lot of things (e.g. trimming tenons or other end-grain pieces). Then again, it's possibly because I'm not a good woodworker, and I don't have a router plane.
Thank you young man, a much needed video, want and need are two different animals. I will start watching you again, I like the honesty
"young".... you're nice people.
One thing I've used my No.6 or No. 7 plane is to thin down stock for guitar plates to uniform thickness. I put down 3/32 or 1/8" strips on either side of the rough stock to control the depth. Then I skew the plane while planing the stock until it rides on the control strips. Other than that, I use a jack, a No.4, and a 60-1/2.
I agree with most. I use my Stanley #271 router plane when putting locks on doors for the latch mortise on edge of door. My large router plane is too big to register on a 1 3/8" thick door. I use a router for the hinges.
Nice vid! I love a vid that tells me what to NOT get, instead of making me gas for something!
I’m a n00b, shoestring budget and also want the most minimal kit possible.
Currently, only have 3 planes and wanna keep it that way - #4-1/2 (smoother, small jack), #6 (flattening, small jointer, large jack) and #405 (grooves, dados, rabbets, marking knife for big 4’-8’ sheets).
Chisels, Irwin Marples 5pc set.
Saw, Gyokucho Kataba Japanese saw.
Files & rasp, Shinto and Nicholson 3pc set (already had the Nicholsons prior to starting woodworking)
Craftsman scratch awl, acetate handle.
Actually started w a #4 from Home Depot… but returned it to get a vintage #4-1/2… because I was impressed w the quality of the vintage #6 I got.
Block plain… I’ll pass, since my #4-1/2 can do the same, and a Shinto can do chamfers and endgrains very nicely too.
Spokeshave… I’ll pass too, since the Shinto can do its’ tasks too, easier to boot (always hear spokeshaves can be a pia sometimes and chattery).
#6 is also great imo… cuz it’s much cheaper than a #7.
Love the idea of matching the faces with sand paper. Sounds much better than running the pair down the table saw.
My usage of tools depends on size of project I am building. My jointer gets used on oak (hard) lumber in which the weight helps slices through without much hangups definitely on long boards. If I had a jack plane I 'd reach for it most of the time. I was told by and old carpenter Butt chisels were mainly meant for carpenters when hanging doors and other similar uses in houses construction. Overall I do agree with your assessment of the tools you can do without.
Cheers! I have been debating jointer, side rabbet plane and perhaps a wooden bodied moving filletster. I kind of figured that the shoulder plane was overkill for most applications. I just love old wooden bodied planes even if I can’t find use for them.
Dude, if you like em buy em. That's reason enough.
My shoulder plane is probably the one hand tool that I actually use regularly. I use it probably more like someone else would use a rabbeting block plane. I don't really like my block plane and I will almost always reach for the shoulder plane instead. I even have that little micro one Lee Valley made as kind of a joke that I actually use fairly often.
Hey... what else are we supposed to decorate our workshop with?
Woodpecker red is popular.
I use my shoulder plane. I use all my chisels. I just love having my jointer plane even though i rarely use it. It's all about how you work and what you like. That said, is a pretty reasonable list.
Good Video. I have a #8 Stanley Bedrock. Never have used it. Bought it after the 2008 crash because it was only $75. Bought a lot of old Stanleys for cheap then. Oh well its good shop wall art. Maybe someday It'll get restored
Bedrock for $85. Ya, I'd of got that too.
A most excellent video, thanks!!!! How about another video on some of your most needed/used tools that you were unaware of early in your career? You touched upon that with your chisels.
Check back in a few hours.
The argument against the jointing plane applies equally to the jack plane - for small jobs a smoothing plane, or even block plane ought to be good enough! I think the key is to get _either_ a jointing plane or a jack plane based on whether you need/want the lighter weight and easier handling of the jack plane, or the flexibility to handle larger jobs offered by the the jointing plane. Then set it up for jointing and flattening jobs. The smoother and block planes can then be setup for their jobs so you can just grab the plane you need without fussing to adjust anything.