More Plane advice needed

[knappers]

Having built most of my workshop jigs and projects using mostly electric tools, and having recently inherited some of my grandfather's old chisels and bits and bobs, I would like to develop my hand tool skills and get some more hand tools. I guess a good place to start would be a no. 4 plane. It would be nice to buy a new QS from Matthew, but I don't have that kind of money at the moment. There are lots of old Stanley Bailey planes on eBay, but wouldn't really know where to begin. I guess something in half decent nick where I could flatten the sole and perhaps drop in an Axy Jap blade and QS chip breaker?
Anybody got anything they would consider moving on? eBay is such a lottery if you don't know what you are looking for.
thanks
Si.

 

[yetloh]

Sounds like a good plan. I can thoroughlt recommend the Japanese blades, but I wouldn't buy on ebay. Much better to go to a secondhand tool shop and pick over what they have in stock.. That way you can find obvious problems like cracked castings and misaligned blade beds. I also strongly recommend taking a good straight edge with you. That way you can get one that is near flat to start with and save yourself a lot of work. Go for a pre 1960s Stanley or Record if you can - the quality tends to be much better.

Jim

 

[knappers]

Thanks Jim, that's exactly why I have put an appeal in the wanted section to see if any kindly soul has something decent on here they wouldn't mind parting with.
I could just see me getting a carefully photographed banana off eBay otherwise.

Si