Specifically, I have become very interested in buying a combination plane. I am looking for a Stanley 45. I have been reading light research in textbooks, and online resources, and believe that is the plane that will suit my needs. Looking to have a plane that will Groove/Dado, Rebate, bead/tongue. I might even have my eyes on the wrong hardware. Advice is welcomed.
Generally speaking, I am looking for a plane that I can use, and use weekly. I don't want something that would "lose it's value", or perhaps, I am not understanding that either. If I buy a collectible plane and tune it and use it, does it lose value when I repair broken items, rejapan, replace parts, etc. Could I search for another maker's plane and tune that up as a user such as a Sargent or a Record and avoid the higher prices of collectibility of Stanley's. More advice is welcomed.
I have looked at various garage sales, antique stores, and ebay and generally can only find rusty tools or tools that exceed $200. I have found some on ebay that look like they might only take a small amount of work that are sub $100, but I am just wondering what sort of luck people have had with purchasing these.
dan