I build boxes and small furniture in softer woods like Mahogany. About 18 months ago, I saw a list in FWW saying what planes a newbie "must have". Ive bought almost all of those and a couple more, either new or used. Specifically, I have these: low angle and regular block planes, #3, #4, #5 and a small ( 1/2" ) shoulder plane. (Its just been a good year money-wise. Purely good fortune and out of the norm.)
But as a result, Im out of ideas for what I want for Christmas. Im inclined to get 1 or 2 more planes- not because I need them, but just because learning to use them has been such a fascinating journey. (Recall Im both a newbie and a hybrid user - I still plan to use my power planer.) So theres a point where buying more gets rather silly. Problem is, nothing else interests me at this moment.
So I need ideas and advice. Im thinking about buying 1-2 of these planes as candidates:
1. a #7 jointer. Its the last one on the FWW list left to buy, but I just dont know that its worth the $ when Im not going to abandon power tools. Its roughly $300 for LVs. Do I really need a #7 in my tool chest for the work I do? Is it just a smart thing to have, regardless?
2. A #4 1/2 smoother. My #4 does nice work. But the 4 1/2 is supposed to be the cream of the crop for smoothers. Wood River has a nice one for $169.
3. A medium (3/4" wide) shoulder plane. Wood River on sale for $119.
4. A #2 smoother. This one interests me because its small - fits between my block plane and my #3. Seems more versatile for the small stuff I build. The only one I can find is LN, for $250.
5. Scraper plane. The LV is $200-ish. Mostly interested in it because its something I havent tried. But this may not get me much - I have several scrapers and scraper holders, so this might give me the least bang for the buck. I dont know.
Id like to stay at around $300 and I think Id like to buy new rather than old/refurb. All of these are wish list - none of them are really required based on the other stuff I already have. Which one or two of these would be most useful?
Thanks guys!
Fred