I like Christopher Schwarz as a writer. I think I’ve made that abundantly clear. Hell, as much as I talk about him, one might be forgiven for thinking I’m some kind of a fanboy.
However, reading his Handplane Essentials has given me the impression that he’s not really a fan of vintage tools. More specifically, of new people buying vintage tools in need of restoration in order to be usable.
And that’s precisely what I did all those years ago and why I bought a Sargent 5306 low angle block plane last night.
Here’s my thinking on why that’s a good idea for new woodworkers.