Official Luthiers Forum!

I have a few Record and Stanley planes I've picked up here and there over the years. Most of the cheap modern planes lack quality materials and or machining to make them anything beyond mediocre. I've had pretty decent luck flattening cheap plane soles with a belt sander and hardening irons and chisels with a blow torch. A wet grinder is crucial to not ruining the temper. My favorite plane is a crappy #5 Buck from HD. It cuts paper thin shavings. Basically, you can make the crappy, cheapo tools from harbor freight significantly more useful with the right equipment and effort.

Here's a blog entry I wrote a while back about making micro chisels using music wire (steel rods): http://glennaycockwoodworking.blogspot. ... music.html

A couple more possibly useful blog entries regarding tools:

http://glennaycockwoodworking.blogspot. ... sharp.html

http://glennaycockwoodworking.blogspot. ... vival.html

It really helps to know where you are located. Knowing this will help you get better information.

I know it's tempting to get a set of chisels and multiple handplanes but you only need a few chisels and two handplanes to start if you only plan to use them building your first stringed instruments.

I suggest getting a 1/2" and a 1" bench chisel (In the US and EU, Narex is your best value), low angle Jack (aka #62) and a low angle block plane (aka #60 1/2) from either Lee Valley or Lie-Nielsen. Their resale value is much higher compared to the store brands should you decide that this is not for you. If you have the funds get an extra blade for the low angle plane and hone a 35 deg bevel for difficult grain. Google "Shooting Board" and make one for squaring up crosscuts and making perfect miters. You'll also need sharpening equipment. Google "Wicked Sharp". It's the best method for a short learning curve to great results and the least up-front cost. Lots of options for sharpening and you can spend lots of time and money without comparable results.