Long time lurking, first time posting.
Looking for japanese-plane-buying advice. I've looked at the other first-plane purchasing advice on the web. Had trouble finding stuff that had working links and planes I could actually buy. So, as a service to the internet and me, would you all please chime in with specific Tsunesaburo planes for Japanese tool n00bs.
I need planes that are suitable for preparing rough lumber (jack, scrub), jointing, smoothing, and a low-angle plane block-type for trimming end grain.
I don't want "starter" planes to try/play/fool with. I don't want super-fancy one-of-a-kind forged-in-the-moon-light-on-the-summer-solstice type planes. Nothing romantic. I just want real planes that I can use for woodworking.
I have experience sharpening plane irons and setting up wedge-type planes with a hammer.
I plan to mainly work with soft woods---pines, doug fir, cedars, and poplar.
I'm looking for tool performance, not sharpening ease.
The budget is 300-500 $ for all the planes together, not each!
Thanks for looking! Would be glad to hear any and all advice.