Learn how to use a hand plane like a professional woodworker for flattening wood and trimming moldings and doors.
Plus, a hand plane can do things power tools like jointers, electric planers, androuterscan’t.
What Is a Hand Plane?
Credit:Getty Images / fStop Images - Jonathan Gelber
Types of Hand Planes
Most types of hand planes are slight variations of the same basic design.
Safety Considerations
The blade of a properly sharpened hand plane is razor-sharp.
Never place your hands on the underside of a hand plane for any reason.
For smaller hand planes that require one-handed operation, keep your free hand behind the hand plane.
For many planing projects, the blade shouldn’t protrude more than 1/32 of an inch.
The blade often needs to protrude only about the width of a hair.
Once the blade is evenly set, lock it in place using the hand screw.
Plane with the Grain
When planing the wood, do so with the grain to minimize issues.
Planing against the grain can result in splintering and snagging.
This protects the workpiece from tear-out by reinforcing the edge.
If done correctly, the shavings start rising from the top of the tool.
Moving slowly and softly will likely cause the blade to snag.
Once you reach the end of the run, return to the beginning to shave another layer off.
Repeat this process until you have removed the necessary amount of material.
