8 Woodworking Tools You Should Avoid Buying

🔨Hand planes: Avoid buying smaller sizes like 3s, 4s, and 5s; consider a 4 and a half for better stability and comfort.

🔩Low-angle Jack planes: Not recommended due to awkward handling and lack of stability. A 5 and a half is more versatile and comfortable.

🪚Block planes: Choose a low-angle block plane for better control and stability. Avoid ones with uneven sides or slanted edges.

🧰Mortise chisels: Don't buy ones without parallel sides or square edges; they affect the accuracy and cleanliness of the mortises.

Why should I avoid buying smaller hand planes?

—Smaller hand planes like 3s, 4s, and 5s are less stable and comfortable to use. Consider a 4 and a half for better performance.

What's wrong with low-angle Jack planes?

—Low-angle Jack planes can be awkward to handle and lack stability. A 5 and a half plane is more versatile and comfortable.

Why are uneven-sided block planes not recommended?

—Block planes with uneven sides affect the accuracy of cuts and make it harder to achieve clean finishes. Choose ones with parallel sides for better control.

What's the issue with mortise chisels without parallel sides?

—Mortise chisels without parallel sides affect the accuracy and cleanliness of mortises. It's essential to choose ones with square edges to get clean and precise cuts.

Are there any alternatives suggested for these tools?

—For hand planes, consider a 4 and a half for stability and comfort. Use a 5 and a half plane instead of a low-angle Jack plane. Choose low-angle block planes with parallel sides for better control. And buy mortise chisels with parallel sides and square edges for accurate and clean mortises.

00:00Introduction and background on why not to buy certain woodworking tools.

02:43Reasons to avoid smaller hand planes and a suggestion for a better size.

05:55The drawbacks of low-angle Jack planes and an alternative recommendation.

08:20Issues with block planes that have uneven sides and a recommendation for selecting the right one.

09:50Why mortise chisels without parallel sides are problematic and the importance of choosing ones with square edges.

11:43Conclusion and summary of the suggested alternatives for the discussed tools.