Craftsmanship in Wood

So every now and then i cut out a shape or two from a piece of wood that happens by. This happens often as i operate a saw mill and build timber framehomes. You might notice in the photo the orbital sander which i usually use to finish the piece after blocking it out with the chain or band saw. I really don't enjoy using the sander however, but which planes might a person use to finish the wood with all of it's various grain nuances? By the way, the material is western red cedar. By the way, this piece goes to my mother as a birthday present, hope she can use another plant stand! The piece has been cut from an 18" square and it stands 27" tall. I usually finish them with bees wax. Just a little shop amusement that i thought i would share. John