dtillman@o... wrote:
>
>   I need your advice on a what would constitute a minimal
>   grouping of planes.
>
>   Don't say "One of each".
>
>   I used my modern era 220 block plane to smooth up the joints
>   on some glued up SYP 4x4 table legs last night. (heart wood
>   cut from 2x8 - similar to the FWW bench technique - but that's
>   another story) It wasn't the right tool for the job, but it
>   gave me a taste of what to expect.
>
>   I was thinking a 4, 5, and 7 to start with?

Good choices. I don't see any reason not to substitute a #3 (smoothing
plane, Jeff) for the #4 (smoothing plane, Jeff)  if you find one.
Similarly a #8 (jointer plane, Jeff) may be substituted for the #7
(another jointer plane, Jeff) with little effect.
>
>   What variations of these do I want (for users, not collectors)
>   and what is it going to cost me?

Check the FS's in the archives. A lot depends on whether you get nice,
almost ready to go, planes from the venerable old tool dealers on the
porch, or whether you look for bargains on your own. I prefer not to
spend my time at flea markets and auctions, so I'd probably consider
$40-$60 for the #4 and #5 to be reasonable, and maybe $100 -$125 for a
jointer in good shape. If you can't afford them all at once start with
the #5, then get the jointer, and then get the smoother.
>
>   The local Lowes is closing out their Stanley #4s for $20.00.
>   Somebody - talk me out of it...

OK, How about "If you do this I'll send Louie and Carmine from Joizey
City for a visit to let you know how really, really stoopid you were to
buy a new plane. So avoid the unpleasantness, pain and trauma, and buy a
decent old plane."

Carl