Two planes do it all: Record's 04-1/2 smoother (left) and Lie-Nielsen's 07 bedrock jointer.

Bench plane names and lengths are not an exact science. The width listed in the chart above indicates the width of the plane blade.

Master woodworker Ian Kirby has identified two bench planes that, when used in tandem, are sufficient for virtually all bench plane tasks: an 04-1/2 and an 07. These lengths suit all occasions and can solve almost any furniture-making problem.

Sharpening convenience, leading to overall time savings, is the reason for choosing the 04-1/2 smoother over the 04. Its wide blade matches the one in the 07, allowing a woodworker to keep many identical blades that fit either tool (Ian Kirby keeps about 20 blades for his two planes). This allows a woodworker to swap dull blades for sharp ones without interruption in the planing process. Also more efficient is the opportunity to have one big sharpening session, to bring all the blades to a sharp and ready state.

Although not a strict industry standard, the length and width of a bench plane is indicated by a number cast into the body (see chart).  Longer planes are heavier, but the underlying point - the reason for the differently sized planes - is the length of wood that they can flatten. It's not an exact science, but you can flatten an edge that's about three times the length of your plane. Thus with an 07, which is 22-inches long, you can straighten a six foot edge with confidence.

For the reasons given above, it is an effective strategy to procure two planes of shorter and longer stature that share a common blade width. Then purchase several extra blades (five is a good round number to start out with) to complete the package.