Shoulder plane

[bandit571]

Hmmm...it would seem my "shoulder plane" is a rather old one....Auburn Tool Co. of Auburn NY
 

   
Is actually a No. 181 Skew Rabbet
 

   
Made way before those "other" tools..
 

   
Thick, tapered 1-1/2" iron
 

   
At least it works better than this one ever did...
 

   
So, the Stanley No. 90 was sold.

[Tony Z]

My most used shoulder planes are two: a 7/16" wide Preston (yes, a collector quality) and a large LN. In between I have a number of woodies and a medium LV. Again, it comes down to what your need is for a shoulder plane and I have to add, the large LN (because of the mass) is very easy to use, and I mostly use it pulling towards me.

To the OP, if you haven't, you may wish to post the purpose for why you think you need a shoulder plane. Next, you may want to find someone who would lend you one to try.

[rwe2156]

I use a shoulder plane for what it was intended for: paring the shoulders of a tenon.

You can get in trouble quite easily using a shoulder plane on the faces, or cheeks, of a tenon.

I find a router plane with an base extension works best for tuning up long tenons because it keeps the tenon parallel with the face of the board.

I tend to use a rabbet block plane for getting the faces close, then the router plane for the final fit.

That being said, to the OP's question: I have both LN and LV shoulder planes.

I prefer the LV for 2 reasons: 1) ergonomics, 2) lateral iron adjustment screws.

[Elijah A.]

Thank you all for the great information. I have decided to hold off on the shoulder plane until I have more use for it. Sometimes when I have money burning a hole in my pocket I tend to buy tools that I don't need
Again, thanks for the suggestions!

[Handplanesandmore]

I tend to buy tools that I don't need
Again, thanks for the suggestions!

You are not alone on that count! It is a disease that can't be cured as long as one has the disposable income to support it.

Simon