Hand planes are elegant tools that if properly cared for will last a lifetime.
Heres how to use them, and how keep them in good condition and ready for every occasion.
Planes are used to straighten, smooth, and remove wood.
Types of Hand Planes
Hand planes are often referred to as bench planes.
They have a bevel that faces down and are are adjusted to your needs.
Smaller planes are used as smoothing planes and the larger/longer planes are used for jointing (flattening stock).
Place your thumb against the blade and the bottom of the plane.
That should give you a feel for what the blade setting should be.
With experience you will be able to adjust your plane based on what your thumb tells you.
Turn the dial located at the base of the plane to control the depth of the blade.
When not in use, set the plane straight down, not on its side.
Place the plane at one end of your wood piece and move it forward.
Lift, and repeat.
Always plane in the direction of the grain of the wood.
Apply even downward pressure during the entire process.
As you move, the plane should glide smoothly across the face of the wood.
If it doesnt, its likely you are not going with the grain.
How to Use Hand Planes| Heritage School of Woodworking (YouTube)
Photo byPhil Gradwell.
