Do I Need A #3?

[crokett]

I realize this might be asking a chocoholic if he wants another candy bar.

The planes I currently have are a Bailey #4, a Millers Falls copy, a Millers Falls #14 (=#5) and a no-name block plane with a busted iron. Today I picked up a #7 that we think is pre-1900 and a 60.5 to replace the no-name. He had a #3 for 25 bucks, in pretty good shape. Are there going to be times I wish I had a slightly smaller plane than the #4?

[pelligrini]

Not too sure about your usage, but I really like my Stanley/Bailey #3. I'll use it quite often to do a final smoothing on boards. It's light and easy to work with on shorter cutoffs too.

[Larryl]

I have the Stanley/Bailey #4 and when I need smaller I go to the low-angle block plane or 6 1/2" infill kit plane. But for $25 if it is in good shape I believe I would I would have to have it in my tool box. BTY, please post pictures of the new Snickers Bar if you get it.

P.S. I think the reason Stanley numbered their planes is so we could easily remember which planes we still need.......

[BrazosJake]

Wrong question: do you want a #3???

Better yet: build your own Krenov-style smoother with the Hock iron/chipbreaker set. Those Bailey's will get a vacation:-)

[crokett]

Yes I want a #3 and I've more or less decided to get it. I also thought about getting rid of the Millers Falls #4 knock-off but decided I would fettle it and use it for the rougher stuff like planing 2x stock, etc.

[dbhost]

This question is sort of like asking "Do I need more clamps?". Just go ahead and get it...

[Hoover]

I recently picked up a #3 Wards Master plane. It is a WW2 era model built by Stanley. It is a good size and is nicely balanced. Go for it.

[Pappy]

Do you NEED it? no.

Are you going to buy it? Probably!

[Knottscott]

David - Note that the Bailey and Record number 3s can be a little tight for large hands, so make sure it's comfortable for you. There's a little more room on the tote of the Miller Falls equivalent (#8).

Even though a #3 and a #4 are similar enough to cover many of the same things, it's convenient to set one for very light shavings, almost like a scraper.