Wendell wrote...

>   The local Lowes is closing out their Stanley #4s for $20.00.
>   Somebody - talk me out of it...

To reiterate, I bought a Record #5 from Garret WAde a few years before
enlightenment.  It had hardwood handles and is a very nice plane.  Not as
nice as the fine sweethart Stanley #5 for $15.00 at a garage sale.  THat was
the first old tool I bought.
So, forget the close outs.  I've looked at 'em at Woodcraft with the plastic
handles they're God awful.
You can get much better users off the list.  I'm a user and don't have
extras.  There really is no comparison.  You'll hate yourself in the morning
with the Lowes.  Kind of like sleeping with your cousin after too much
drink.
There is always the MofA.

Charlie Nunemaker
M-WTCA
Wilmette,IL