Hi guys,
I think Id like to buy a dado plane and need some of your more experienced advice.
As background, Im sliding further and further down the slippery slope. Now Ive found that I really like cutting grooves and rabbetts by hand. I got a small plough plane from LV and got the hang of it. Then a skewed rabbet plane from LV - you guys gave me a bunch of advice on using it, and now I can do a decent job with it. I really like the feel of shaping wood with these two and I dont miss my electric router or dado blades one bit. Im hooked. I have cut a couple dados with a saw and a chisel and a router plane. I think Id like a purpose-built dado plane better. Im reluctant to try and build one just yet. The only one I could find was at HNT Gordon for $365 (Austrailian $). Im not skilled enough to "deserve" a tool like that yet. So Id like to try "used" instead.
Heres some questions that came to my mind. Id appreciate any thoughts or advice you have on any of them.
1) Ive read good things about Stanley 39s, if you can get the complete tool. Good users seem to run between $150-$200. If I only bought one, Id grab a 1/4 or 3/8. Is one likely to be enough?
2) Would a used wooden dado plane work just as well, considering my moderate hand tool skill level? I havent tried woodies yet but I mean to try sometime. Can I get a complete wooden dado plane in user condition for much less than a metal #39? (I ask b/c I dont know enough about woodies to judge "good" from what I see on auction sites.)
3) Ive fettled 3 metal planes now and they work well. Id expect fettling a woodie to be different, but I dont know if it would be easier or harder than tuning a metal one. What do you think?
4) Is there a better choice for a metal dado plane than a #39?
5) Question deleted - didnt work.
Thanks guys. I appreciate your help.
Fred