How To Use a Hand Plane

Hand planes are essential woodworking tools that allow you to smooth, flatten, and shape wood surfaces with precision. This versatile instrument has been a staple in woodworking for centuries, but it requires some finesse to use correctly. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor discuss various types of hand planes and how to use them.

Types of Hand Planes

Hand planes come in various sizes and styles, each designed for specific woodworking tasks.

Bench Planes

Bench planes are the workhorses of the hand plane family. They are used to flatten and smooth broad wood surfaces and narrow edges. Here are a few types of bench planes:

• Jack plane: A medium-sized, all-purpose plane that is typically the first tool used on rough lumber to smooth out major imperfections.
• Jointer plane: A long plane designed for straightening edges and flattening large surfaces.
• Smoothing plane: A shorter plane used for final smoothing, leaving a glassy finish on the wood.

Specialty Planes

Specialty planes are designed for specific tasks, such as shoulder work and detailing. These planes often have irons (blades) that come flush with the edges of the tool, allowing for precise work in tight spaces:

• Shoulder plane: Used for trimming and fitting shoulders and tenons. Ideal for accurate joinery tasks.
• Rabbet plane: Designed for cutting rabbets (rebates) and cleaning up dadoes. Perfect for cabinetry and furniture making.
• Molding plane: Designed for creating decorative moldings and complex profiles, often used in detailed woodwork and trim.

Block Planes

Block planes are compact, versatile tools for smoothing edges, small surfaces, and end grains. Silva explains that these one-handed planes are perfect for tasks like chamfering edges or quickly flattening small areas, like those around doors and windows.

How To Use a Hand Plane Effectively

Using a hand plane effectively requires technique and adjustment. Follow these steps:

1. Adjust the depth of cut by rotating the adjusting nut to control the iron’s exposure.
2. Square up the iron to the plane body using the lateral adjustment lever to ensure even cutting.
3. Release the iron cap and extract the plane iron by loosening it.
4. Test the sharpness of the iron by resting it on your thumbnail; if it slides off, it needs sharpening.
5. Sharpen the iron if necessary, following the proper sharpening techniques.
6. Reassemble the plane by securing the iron and iron cap.
7. Set the proper mouth opening according to the wood and type of cut.
8. Test the plane on a piece of scrap wood to ensure proper adjustment.
9. Make fine adjustments as needed to achieve the desired cut.

Sharpening the Plane 

A sharp plane iron leads to clean, efficient cuts. In the video, Silva explains his simple method for testing sharpness, emphasizing the importance of keeping the correct angle during sharpening.

To sharpen the iron:

1. Apply machine oil to the coarse side of a sharpening stone.
2. Set the iron against the oiled stone with its beveled end facing down.
3. Tilt the iron until its bevel is flush with the stone and maintain this angle.
4. Rub the iron across the stone in a circular motion, keeping the angle constant.
5. Flip the iron and remove any burr from the back surface by rubbing on the stone.
6. Repeat the process on the smooth side of the stone to refine the edge.
7. Finish by making a few passes with the iron slightly raised to polish the edge.

Advanced Planing Techniques

These tips can take your planing skills to the next level.

Planing with the Grain

Always plane in the direction of the up-angling wood grain to prevent tear-out. Inspect the direction of the wood grain on the side of the board before beginning. Planing with the grain minimizes resistance and produces a smoother finish.

Adjusting the Plane’s Throat

You can adjust the throat (mouth) of the plane to increase or decrease the gap between the plane iron and the bed of the plane. This adjustment helps prevent tearing out the wood grain. Here’s our advice:

• Decrease the gap when planing end grain to create finer shavings and reduce tear-out.
• Increase the gap when planing edge grain or making deep cuts to allow for bigger shavings and faster material removal.

Planing End Grain

Planing end grain can be challenging, but using the right techniques can help prevent tear-out. Here are some methods:

• Plane in from both ends toward the middle: This approach helps avoid splitting the wood fibers at the ends.
• Clamp a sacrificial wood block: Attach a block to the far end of the board to support the fibers and prevent tear-out as the plane exits the cut.

Common Hand Plane Problems and Solutions

Even experienced woodworkers can encounter issues when using hand planes. These are some common problems and their solutions:

• Tear-out: Adjust the throat opening, sharpen the iron, or change the planing direction. Planing with the grain reduces tear-out.
• Chatter marks: Tighten the cap iron or reduce the depth of the cut. The plane’s sole should be flat for smooth operation.
• Uneven cuts: Check for proper blade alignment and flatness of the sole. Re-adjust the iron if necessary for consistent results.
• Difficulty pushing: Sharpen the iron or reduce the depth of cut. Properly sharpened irons cut more efficiently and with less effort.

Advanced Tips for Hand Planes

If you’re looking to level up your skills even more, try these tips:

1. Customizing the iron’s bevel: Experiment with different bevel angles to suit specific types of wood and cuts. A steeper bevel angle can be beneficial for hardwoods, while a shallower angle may work better for softwoods.
2. Using a cambered iron: A slightly curved or cambered iron can produce smoother transitions and reduce plane tracks when smoothing large surfaces.
3. Practicing on scrap wood: Continuously hone your skills by practicing on different types of scrap wood. This helps you get a feel for various woods and planing techniques without risking your valuable materials.

Our Conclusion

Hand planes are invaluable tools for woodworkers, offering precision and control that power tools can’t match. With Silva’s techniques, you can use a hand plane to transform rough lumber into smooth, precise pieces. Embrace the art of hand planing and you’ll find that this timeless tool can achieve results that are unmatched in quality.

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