Reddit reviews Stanley 12-905 14-Inch No.5 Contractor Grade Smooth Bottom Bench Plane
We found 5 Reddit comments about Stanley 12-905 14-Inch No.5 Contractor Grade Smooth Bottom Bench Plane. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Stanley - Black & DeckerHardened, tempered steel gives precision-ground cutter edge durabilityGray, cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom; durable epoxy coating provides long-lasting protectionSolid brass cutter-adjustment knob; high-impact polymer handles and knobs are contoured and polished14-Inch long; 2-Inch cutter; limited lifetime warrantySmooth bottom bench plane with a 2-Inch cutterHardened, tempered steel gives precision-ground cutter edge durabilityGray, cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom; durable epoxy coating provides long-lasting protectionSolid brass cutter-adjustment knob; high-impact polymer handles and knobs are contoured and polished14-Inch long; 2-Inch cutter; limited lifetime warranty
I wouldn't bother with trying to get that Skil to fall in under $100. I much prefer the Bosch having used it in a production environment for 6 months or so. The Skil units were frequently returned when I worked there, they seem to have far too much play in the spindle and are generally of a lower quality.
Since you're looking at mostly power tools I wouldn't spend a lot on your hand tools. This chisel set is $55. I'm happy with it so far and I'm working entirely with hand tools at this point. A 4 piece set is a bit cheaper and would probably cover you pretty well.
You could throw a basic Stanley jack plane in there for another $50. I have used one very similar to this with acceptable results. I've gotten comparable results with one of these from HF for a whole $10, but it did take a bit of tuning work, especially on the blade.
All of that said, I have no problem asking for Lowe's gift cards for Christmas. Tools are a pretty personal choice and my family completely understands. It may not be the coolest gift under the tree, but you could get $100 closer to a better router.
Thanks for the advice, any particular reason why you recommend that plane instead of this [this?] (https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-12-905-14-Inch-Contractor-Smooth/dp/B00004UDKW/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1479926517&sr=1-1&keywords=stanley+%235) My goal is to bring something from coarse (circular saw) to fine (ready for my sander).
What would be the difference between a vintage #5 and [something new like this] (https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-12-905-14-Inch-Contractor-Smooth/dp/B00004UDKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479410261&sr=8-1&keywords=stanley+5), which is ~60 bucks?
This one?
I just started as well using only hand tools. Hopefully this helps in some way. Don't hate me if it doesn't.
So far here is what I've collected:
Note - I have no idea if that knife sharpener is correct to use with the chisels and plane. I'm only using the fine stone and it seems to work, but I have no idea what I'm doing in that department.
This seems to cover the basics for me. I'm about halfway through a desk project and struggling, but I think that's user error more than the tools. More clamps and a better workspace would work wonders.