Next Plane?

Re: Next Plane?

Frank Martin (Chicago, IL)

>I am sure you will get different responses. The next plane you need depends on what you want to accomplish (yeah, you knew that already:-). But, I would actually go for the LA Jack plane, as you can use it for a wide variety of tasks. The next would be the LA Bevel Up Smoother. With couple extra blades these two planes will cover a lot of ground. Then, when Rob unveils his LA Jointer in the Fall you can add it to your collection if you have a need for a jointer plane (who doesn't?).

Good luck!

Re: Next Plane?

John K in Hastings, MN

>The LA jack is a great plane, as is the LA smoother (new one). But, I'd pass on the limited use bullnose plane and get the Medium Shoulder instead.

Re: Next Plane?

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>Roberto,

If it was me, I'd be thinking what tasks have I been doing, or might be doing in my next few projects, that my current tools haven't been fully adequate for.

Are you going to have access to some thick planks that your going to want to thin down for some smaller projects? Then a scrub plane and a Jack plane might be helpfull.

Are you going to be working on some small tables where you're going to be making a lot of mortice and tenon joints? Then a shoulder plane is likely just the thing.

Planning on making up your own work bench top or a big table and need to glue a bunch of boards together? then a jointer plane is in order.

If you're having a devil of a time surfacing a stock of highly figured cocobolo or similar wood, then just maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to go with that LV LA super smoother with the high angle blade, but I think I'd just try back beveling the blade on that # 4 you already have first.

Going to be making up some book cases with a bunch of blind rebates or dadoes and don't have a cranked neck chisel? well, then maybe that bullnose isn't such a bad idea.

I'm suggesting that if you let your next projects be your guide, you'll likely be happiest with your new purchases as they will fulfill an immediate need. Not that one requires a need to want a tool, but since your asking.... :-)

That all said, if it were me with your current selection of tools, and I had an interest in a wide range of projects, I'd personally go with the Lee Valley LA Jack with an extra blade (say the 25 and the 38), and the LV Medium Shoulder plane, in that order.