What Hand Plane Should You Buy?

What Hand Plane Should You Buy?

Get the Katz-Moses Magnetic Dovetail Jig here: https://lddy.no/stiz
(Hand Plane Links Below) Today we talk about which woodworking planes you should buy. As always I subscribe to the buy once cry once philosophy of buying tools. Spending more will get you better planes but that doesn’t mean you can’t get great results from less expensive planes or by refurbishing old ones. I suggest you start slow and buy what you can afford. Then as your skills and collection grows you can wait and save up for the really good ones. Let me know in the comments what joint you’d like to see next week. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
LINKS TO PLANES DISCUSSED IN VIDEO
Stanley NO 62 Jack Plane: https://amzn.to/2OhpqI9 – $139
Lei Neilson NO 62 Jack Plane: http://bit.ly/2ULwXRW – $245
LOW ANGLE Block Plane I Use every day: https://amzn.to/2Fi1NLA – $82.99
Lei Nielsen RABETTING Block Plane: http://bit.ly/2YbP4CO – $175
INEXPENSIVE #7 JOINTER I Like: https://amzn.to/2TpIpBk – $88.95
RABBETINg 3 in 1 plane from Shop Fox: https://amzn.to/2YdYP3b – $73.76
Lei Nielsen Router Plane: http://bit.ly/2FrHe0g – $140
INEXPENSIVE Router Plane that gets the job done: https://amzn.to/2U3cdYN – $46.52
Lei Nielsen #164 Smoother (ridiculously awesome): http://bit.ly/2UUMjn6 – $265
INEXPENSIVE # 5 ½ that actually works pretty well: https://amzn.to/2U4jpnx – $48.94
Stanley #4 Smoother (not my favorite): https://amzn.to/2YaB38k – $109.27 plus $20 Shipping
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Buy the Katz-Moses Dovetail Jig: https://lddy.no/stiz
I have Walnut Slabs for sale: https://lddy.no/stj0
Buy The Katz-Moses Stop Block: https://lddy.no/stiz
The Katz-Moses Woodworking Apron: https://lddy.no/stir
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Check me out on social media:
www.instagram.com/jkatzmoses
www.Facebook.com/katzmoseswoodworking
patreon.com/katzmoseswoodworking
youtube.com/katzmoseswoodworkingshop
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Essential Woodworking Skills Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13FPTSA4pdo&list=PLWpKyJXgeoFFaP3lBBaxU8eIpmSQwIyoF
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Woodworking Joint of the Week Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWpKyJXgeoFGIa10WFuigwV3EE57MvXDS
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Best of Katz-Moses Woodworking Video Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKlcfAu9kos&list=PLWpKyJXgeoFFzGGO9sb6USA-DyHvmmXd8
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Tools I love:
The Katz-Moses Woodworking Apron: https://lddy.no/stir
My Favorite Dozuki Saw: https://lddy.no/stit
My Favorite Ryoba Saw: https://lddy.no/stiv
New Flush Trim Saw: https://lddy.no/stix
Marking Gauge: http://amzn.to/2nlXLuQ
Marking Knife: http://amzn.to/2nm39Ok
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: http://amzn.to/2mVMTkF
Knew Concepts Fret Saw: http://amzn.to/2FUDbYZ
Dewalt Planer Package: http://amzn.to/2thEf6O
Forrest 10” Combo Blade: http://amzn.to/2Fdaee3
Festool Tape Measure: http://amzn.to/2oS3cjD
Starrett 6” Combination Square: http://amzn.to/2oP3dVw
Woodstock 3 in 1 Shoulder Plane: http://amzn.to/2FgAS1A
Stanley Low Angle Jack Plane: http://amzn.to/2oV4I4O
Dewaxed Shellac Flakes: http://amzn.to/2FeqqYh
Abalone Inlay :https://amzn.to/2rjMTxe
Abalone Inlay Alternate: https://goo.gl/DHonFy
5 Minute Epoxy: http://amzn.to/2FijsSa
Triton 3 ¼ hp Router (with built in lift and edge guide incl): https://amzn.to/2LBw3Go
Kreg Router Plate: https://amzn.to/2A7oVNC
Triton Bushing Set: https://amzn.to/2A7pSpa
Bosch 1 HP Colt Router Set With Fixed and Plunge Base: https://amzn.to/2mHP1wY
Bosch Edge Guide: https://amzn.to/2uRRKs2
Bosch Bushings Set: https://amzn.to/2JUNRYb
Centering Cone: https://amzn.to/2OjgOAf
¼” Inexpensive Router Bit Set: https://amzn.to/2JUPrJB
½” Inexpensive router Bit Set: https://amzn.to/2Abyhrq
Whiteside ¼” shank Spiral Upcut Bit ⅛”: https://amzn.to/2LDw6S1
Whiteside ¼” Shank Spiral Upcut Bit 1/4”: https://amzn.to/2uNanxA
SUPER MEGA FLUSH TRIM BIT ½” Shank: https://amzn.to/2LyH1wr
SUPER MEGA FLUSH TRIM BIT 1/4” Shank: https://amzn.to/2JWMFDx
45 Degree Bit I Like: https://amzn.to/2JRNNII
Whiteside Inlay Kit I like: https://amzn.to/2JV0DWp
Flush Trim Bit I Use All The Time for smaller applications: https://amzn.to/2uPrvCC
Avid CNCs of all shapes and sizes: https://bit.ly/3cdKdqA
Bescutter Laser (awesome c02 and fiber lasers) Website: http://bit.ly/bescutter
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Camera Gear:
Lumix GH5-s and main lens: https://amzn.to/2J49F7m
30mm Macro Lens: https://amzn.to/2GJXtTT
15mm Lens: https://amzn.to/2NafUox
50mm Lens I use for product shots: https://amzn.to/2mehs5y
Microphone: https://amzn.to/2IGjKIa
Lav Microphone: https://amzn.to/2Nb8SzY
Gimbal: https://amzn.to/2s9ZV0F
2nd CAMERA Canon 70d: http://amzn.to/2FiCEDq
Tripod: http://amzn.to/2HasNvK
Slider: http://amzn.to/2oNucSd
24MM Wide Angle/Macro Lens: http://amzn.to/2oSzzjh
50MM f/1.8 for those tight shots: http://amzn.to/2tpAoVm
10-18mm Lens for the wide shots: http://amzn.to/2FZrhNM

50 Comments

  1. Benoit Lgt on January 1, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    Merci



  2. Bob St. Cyr on January 1, 2022 at 8:10 pm

    Are standard planes really sharpened at 25 degrees? 45 plus 25 gives a 70 degree cut angle, that seems high to me.



  3. Jonathan Katz-Moses on January 1, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    LINKS TO PLANES DISCUSSED IN VIDEO
    Stanley NO 62 Jack Plane: https://amzn.to/2OhpqI9 – $139
    Lei Neilson NO 62 Jack Plane: http://bit.ly/2ULwXRW – $245
    LOW ANGLE Block Plane I Use every day: https://amzn.to/2Fi1NLA – $82.99
    Lei Nielsen RABETTING Block Plane: http://bit.ly/2YbP4CO – $175
    INEXPENSIVE #7 JOINTER I Like:  https://amzn.to/2TpIpBk – $88.95
    RABBETINg 3 in 1 plane from Shop Fox: https://amzn.to/2YdYP3b – $73.76
    Lei Nielsen Router Plane: http://bit.ly/2FrHe0g – $140
    INEXPENSIVE Router Plane that gets the job done: https://amzn.to/2U3cdYN – $46.52
    Lei Nielsen #164 Smoother (ridiculously awesome): http://bit.ly/2UUMjn6 – $265
    INEXPENSIVE # 5 ½ that actually works pretty well: https://amzn.to/2U4jpnx – $48.94
    Stanley #4 Smoother (not my favorite): https://amzn.to/2YaB38k – $109.27 plus $20 Shipping



  4. coecovideo on January 1, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    Kanna plane in the back …. feeling lonely …



  5. Jed on January 1, 2022 at 8:15 pm

    I see many youtube woodworkers owning the lie-nielsen rabbeting block plane.i wanna get it but I have no idea where to get it in canada.



  6. sustain wind on January 1, 2022 at 8:15 pm

    I hope this video had visually shown these planes being put to work.



  7. Solid Snake on January 1, 2022 at 8:17 pm

    Your thoughts on plough planes?



  8. Jackson T on January 1, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    I have watched a ton of woodworking videos these past few years and have subscribed to just about everybody’s channel. If it wasn’t for all the content all you guys put online, I wouldn’t know where to begin. It’s because of your collective knowledge, I am able to learn and make educated purchasing decisions without wasting money. It just so happens my first three planes were coincidentally purchased in the exact order you recommended. Veritas LA jack, then LN rabbeting block, then LN #4 bronze smoother. Again, thanks Jonathan for all your time and effort you put into these videos! They are very informative and encouraging as well!



  9. Sean Leal on January 1, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    How important is quality when it comes to a block plane? Should I spend extra to get a Lie Nielson adjustable block plane or just get the shop fox one that is on this video’s about section?



  10. Law V. on January 1, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    New to your channel… Good stuff!!👍🏻🎩



  11. Thomas Costello on January 1, 2022 at 8:21 pm

    good stuff – lotsa info here ty



  12. Tom Jeffries on January 1, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    I love to refurbish planes- cheap or not cheap there’s just nothing like taking a rusty old relic and though I may not make it look like brand new but they’re smoother, softer to handle and sharper than when new when I’m done.



  13. John Jones on January 1, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    You mentioned in passing the #5 from Grizzly is surprisingly good. I watched another video from a hand tool guy that said their #4 was also pretty good. At $30-40 each they seem to be a good option for beginners without too much “buy once cry once” pain where they can “earn” a better plane over time if they stick with the hobby and sharpen their skills.



  14. Steve Iv on January 1, 2022 at 8:23 pm

    Just recently bought a very well cared for #7 Anchor plane, and a #6 Canadian made Ideal plane , and an old #8 Fulton. These planes were beautifully kept, but as a beginner into hand planes they are beast to work with and will give you a good workout. As usual Jonathan Great video.



  15. Rand Sipe on January 1, 2022 at 8:23 pm

    For my second investment it wouk]ld be a Hock blade



  16. Trevor Dennis on January 1, 2022 at 8:24 pm

    An interesting video with some surprising revelations. I don’t own a low angle plane, for instance, but I am looking hungrily at how much room it leaves for a decent sized handle — I have never been able to get used to the three finger grip of a smoothing plane. I share Jonathan’s views on the block plane. I absolutely love my Stanley, but I think mine must have come out of Mexico and it took a lot of work to make it right. My target for sharpening is being able to plough directly into a sheet of photocopy/printer paper at 90°. I can’t achieve that with my 8000 Extra Extra Fine DMT diamond sharpener. It needs a couple of minutes with buffing paste and Brasso on MDF, but I have discovered a shortcut. If you have a Dremel and some of those 25mm (ish) felt buffing wheels, they make short work of that final step, and get your blades sharper than I have ever been able to achieve any other way. In fact that’s all I use to touch up my blades nowadays.



  17. JDhelsing on January 1, 2022 at 8:25 pm

    Good video I have a question I’m about to buy a hand planer n°.4, I’m between bench dog and stanley which for you is better



  18. Jeff Dutton on January 1, 2022 at 8:28 pm

    When I retired I wanted to up my woodworking game so I splurged on a Veritas low angle jack plane. I’m still learning how to get the most from it but I was amazed at how quickly it put me ankle-deep in nearly transparent shavings, and how smooth a surface it left. What a joy to use.



  19. X Gecko on January 1, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    As a wooden boat builder I find the light weight and more nimble nature of a No3 far easier to use than a No4. Also check out the Lie Neilson 102 for you apron block plane



  20. ClanBez on January 1, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    it’s serious business when you have safety goggle scars to show off.



  21. bryan greifinger on January 1, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Jonathan i’m seeing that the Veritas Jack Plane has the PM-V11 blade which i have heard is a very good blade. But the Lie Nielsen doesnt offer that. Can you use the PM blade on a Lie Nielsen and would it be a better choice? Thanks in advance.



  22. Gary Miceli on January 1, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    thanks sir



  23. Haider Malik on January 1, 2022 at 8:36 pm

    Haven’t seen any detailed video on what the planes actually do and how one is different from the others. Most youtube woodworkers are like all planes are used for shaving wood, all can make surfaces flat and all can make surfaces smooth. Why the heck buy all of these if everyone of them does the same job?? Of course they all do the same thing but differently right? I wana know how



  24. Scrimjaw on January 1, 2022 at 8:38 pm

    I have a Woden no 4, a Stanley no 5 and a "piano makers" block plane. All of which I got of ebay for under £40 or way less and I spruced them up to perfection. I’ve tried out friends lie-nielson planes… quite honestly, not worth the money when you can get old and make new.



  25. Mark Marcus on January 1, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    I’m purchasing my first hand plane and was curious which of the following you would recommend: Woodstock Fox Shop D3831 vs Stanley Sweetheart No 60 1/2 vs Lie Nielsen No 102 vs WoodRiver Low Angle Block Plane



  26. Timothy Baker on January 1, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    Jack = Jack of all Trades



  27. Linda h on January 1, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    what planes are made in USA



  28. Rand Sipe on January 1, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    For my first plane I would get a #5 or 5 1/2.



  29. EJay Allgood on January 1, 2022 at 8:43 pm

    I know you probably get this a lot, but when I saw you for the first time, I immediately though, "oh wow, Jimmy Kimmel’s estranged woodworking brother". Then I heard you speak and it’s uncanny, you sound almost exactly the same as well… Any relation?



  30. Justin Sane on January 1, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    As a self taught guy who also had no money, I advise newer woodworkers to go for the veritas or lie Nielson. They ARE more expensive, but they are ready, teach you how a sharp, well tuned plane should FEEL, and they have the greatest of service(lie Nielson). If something happens to your tool, you send it to them and they fix it for free, FOR THE LIFE OF THE TOOL! This means that your son can do the same, and his son, etc. They ARE worth the money. That being said, my first plane was a sweetheart 5 1/4 that I restored, and it’s still a Rockstar. But, it wasn’t until I used a premium plane that really learned what I needed to adjust on the Stanley (slightly, for my first restoration I did an awesome job! Self pat on the back, lol)



  31. Skyy Pham on January 1, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Didn’t understand one single thing. Got distracted by the display in the background 🤥



  32. James T Kirk on January 1, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Great video.



  33. Joseph Fry on January 1, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Are there more than two reputable brands for bench planes? lol. Looks like modern Stanley’s I find online are made with plastic handles. So is Lie-Nielsen the only other option that’s worth a damn?



  34. Keith Chamberlain on January 1, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Europeans: Check out "Clifton" planes from Thomas Flinn (entirely British made), Dictum from Germany, Kunz from Germany and Axminster from the UK (Made in India, built in the UK).
    All four are producing top quality planes.



  35. YooToobModerator on January 1, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    No scraper plane? Use mine a lot…



  36. Atypical Paul on January 1, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    What would you use to flatten out a large slab of sweet gum wood? I have an 8foot by 2foot slab to flatten then sand smooth



  37. Jeremy B on January 1, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    Depends on what kind of woodworking you’re doing. For all hand tool work, jointer, fore, smoother, and router. For your type of work, where you use power tools for all the base work, you list is right. I probably wouldn’t recommend people get a #4, though. I’d recommend they get a #4 through #5, depending on the person’s size. I’m 6ft, and I can barely use a #4 because its too small for my hand.



  38. Eric Shepherd on January 1, 2022 at 8:50 pm

    You might also check out wood river planes. They have been a great tool in my shop.



  39. MixingGBP on January 1, 2022 at 8:50 pm

    Jonathan, what is your opinion on using electronic planes?



  40. Matrix Modulator on January 1, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    Which one you would buy to plane down a piece of (kinda fragile) maple burl 5mm down to 3mm thick?



  41. Felipe Bedulli on January 1, 2022 at 8:56 pm

    Amazing video, thanks for all the information. I’m starting on woodworking and I wanted to get some experience on hand tools, and I’m still little bit confused on where to start and you definitely helped. I’m starting with some cutting boards (guess everyone starts there, lol) and do you think a number 4 is the definitely the first one to buy?

    BTW, dude, are you Jimmy Kimmel’s clone? Same voice, same face!



  42. Brandon DeYoung on January 1, 2022 at 8:56 pm


  43. Ja Nee on January 1, 2022 at 8:56 pm

    Just get a veritas or LN
    Stanley has no other blades for the LAJ so you will ending up buying another plane.
    Veritas has also 38 and 50 degree blades.
    For the block plane get a woodriver/quansheng/dictum/peaktool/luban as it’s 99% the same. They always get good reviews.
    My choice is the rebate block plane with adjustable mouth.
    If they have a(free) sharpening service, use it as soon as you order it, the blade isn’t really sharp.



  44. Patrick Stoddard on January 1, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    Do you have an opinion on the Veritas Jack Rabbet? It looks very versatile with the ability to potentially take the place of a few planes.



  45. Thomas Cunniff on January 1, 2022 at 9:02 pm

    Just bought my first plane on eBay. Its a union plane co #5. Paid 28 bucks plus shipping.



  46. James Mosley on January 1, 2022 at 9:03 pm

    All of my planes I got from an estate sale.



  47. Lenny M7 on January 1, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    Do you know anything about the Metril IND Brad 2 plane? I have one that was being thrown away cleaned it up a little, would love to know what angle sharpen the blade too!



  48. Anthony Mohammed on January 1, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    Love the collection but at 1::55 I was amazed that statement on the 5 1/2 man that is all I have and all I will ever need sir
    Develop your skills around a few tools and master them they become part of you from the minute you hold the plane it’s a matter of feel not sight
    Thank you for sharing always looking on God bless



  49. Bruce on January 1, 2022 at 9:07 pm

    Thanks for the info. Been into woodworking most of my life and was raised by a old school carpenter of 50 years in the business. Now that I’m retired and have my time now, I’m torn between power and hand tools. I do enjoy the hand tools more but realize the place of power tools. Owning several hand planes now that are Stanley’s but am at that point of biting the bullet for a little more quality. Again, thanks for the info and I’ll check out more of your videos on this subject.



  50. Heath Hensgens on January 1, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    Great video man. Thanks for all the info. What type of plane would recommend using for flattening a large table top?