Hand planes are essential tools in woodworking, and understanding the various types is key to expanding your skills in this craft.
Hand planes are complex tools that are used for a variety of woodworking tasks. There are four main
types of hand planes:
- Bench planes: These are the most common and versatile planes, used for sizing, smoothing, cutting tapers, and rough-surfacing.
- Block planes: These are smaller planes used for trimming small areas and can be adjusted for a super-thin shaving.
- Smoothing planes: These planes are used to flatten and smooth the face of a board, leaving a fine finish.
- Specialty planes: These include shoulder planes for trimming shoulders, router planes for cleaning the bottom of recesses, chisel planes for removing glue and trimming dovetails, and rabbet planes for cutting steps along the edge of wood.
Key Takeaways:
- Hand planes are essential tools in woodworking.
- The four main types of hand planes are bench planes, block planes, smoothing planes, and specialty planes.
- Bench planes are versatile and used for various tasks, while block planes are smaller and ideal for trimming small areas.
- Smoothing planes provide a fine finish by flattening and smoothing the face of a board.
- Specialty planes have specific purposes, such as trimming shoulders, cleaning recesses, removing glue, and cutting steps.
- Other types of hand planes include jointer planes, plow planes, and compass planes.
- Keeping the blade sharp and adjusting the plane properly are important for optimal performance.
Exploring Bench and Block Planes
Bench planes and block planes are two fundamental types of hand planes that every woodworker should be familiar with. These planes are essential for shaping and smoothing wood surfaces, making them indispensable tools in any woodworking project. Let’s take a closer look at these
common hand plane types:
Bench planes: Bench planes are larger planes that are used for a variety of tasks. They are versatile and can handle everything from rough-surfacing to final smoothing. These planes come in different sizes, with the most common being the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5. The No. 3 is a smaller plane used for detail work, while the No. 4 and No. 5 are larger and more suitable for general-purpose work. Bench planes have a flat sole and a wide blade, which allows them to remove material quickly and efficiently.
Block planes: Block planes are smaller and more compact than bench planes. They are designed for one-handed use and are perfect for trimming small areas or working on end grain. Block planes have a low-angle blade, which allows them to cut through wood with ease. These planes are highly adjustable, allowing woodworkers to achieve a super-thin shaving or a deeper cut depending on their needs. Block planes are often favored by beginners due to their ease of use and versatility.
In conclusion, understanding the
different types of hand planes is crucial for any woodworker. Bench planes and block planes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hand plane varieties. By familiarizing yourself with these
common hand plane types, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to choose the right plane for your woodworking projects.
Different Types of Hand Planes
| Type of Hand Plane |
Description |
| Bench planes |
Versatile planes used for sizing, smoothing, cutting tapers, and rough-surfacing. |
| Block planes |
Smaller planes used for trimming small areas, adjustable for a super-thin shaving. |
| Smoothing planes |
Planes used to flatten and smooth the face of a board, leaving a fine finish. |
| Specialty planes |
Shoulder planes, router planes, chisel planes, and rabbet planes designed for specific tasks. |
| Jointer planes |
Planes for straightening and squaring boards. |
| Plow planes |
Planes for cutting grooves. |
| Compass planes |
Planes for cutting convex and concave curves. |
Understanding Smoothing Planes and Specialty Planes
Smoothing planes and specialty planes are important tools for achieving specific woodworking purposes, whether it’s attaining a smooth finish or performing intricate tasks like trimming or cutting steps. Smoothing planes, also known as finish planes, are designed to flatten and smooth the face of a board, leaving a fine finish. They are typically smaller in size and have a shallow cutting depth, allowing for precision work on delicate surfaces.
Specialty planes, on the other hand, are designed for specific tasks that require more specialized tools. These planes include shoulder planes, router planes, chisel planes, and rabbet planes. Shoulder planes are used for trimming the shoulders of tenons and fine-tuning joints. Router planes are perfect for cleaning the bottom of recesses or grooves, ensuring a precise fit for inlays or hinges. Chisel planes are versatile tools that can remove excess glue or trim dovetails. Rabbet planes are used for cutting steps along the edge of wood, creating rebates or dadoes.
Both traditional and
modern hand planes can be found in the market today.
Traditional hand planes are often made of wood with a steel blade, while
modern hand planes typically have a metal body and blade. The choice between traditional and modern planes depends on personal preference and the specific woodworking requirements.
| Hand Plane Type |
Common Uses |
| Smoothing Plane |
Flattening and smoothing the face of a board |
| Shoulder Plane |
Trimming shoulders of tenons and joints |
| Router Plane |
Cleaning the bottom of recesses or grooves |
| Chisel Plane |
Removing excess glue and trimming dovetails |
| Rabbet Plane |
Cutting steps along the edge of wood |
Understanding the various types of hand planes is crucial for woodworking enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of
traditional hand planes or the durability and precision of modern ones, having the right tools can enhance your woodworking experience and help you achieve exceptional results.
Exploring Additional Types of Hand Planes
In addition to the previously mentioned types, there are other hand planes that serve specific purposes, such as straightening and squaring boards, cutting grooves, and shaping convex and concave curves. These additional types of hand planes include:
- Jointer planes: These planes are designed for straightening and flattening the faces of boards, ensuring they are perfectly smooth and level. They are longer and wider than other hand planes, allowing for efficient removal of material.
- Plow planes: Used for cutting grooves, plow planes are equipped with a depth-adjustable blade that can create grooves of different widths and depths. They are essential for tasks like creating decorative moldings or fitting panels and frames.
- Compass planes: These planes are specially designed for shaping convex and concave curves in wood. They feature a unique adjustable sole that allows for precise shaping and smoothing of curved surfaces. They are often used in furniture making and boat building.
Each of these hand planes has its own unique features and benefits, catering to specific woodworking needs. Whether you’re working on a fine woodworking project or a simple DIY task, having the right hand plane in your toolkit can make all the difference in achieving accurate and professional results.
Understanding the Compass Plane
The compass plane, as shown in the image above, is a versatile hand plane that is used to shape curved surfaces in woodworking. Its adjustable sole allows for precise shaping and smoothing of both convex and concave curves. This type of plane is commonly used in furniture making, boat building, and other woodworking projects that require curved surfaces.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Allows for precise shaping of curved surfaces |
Requires skill and practice to use effectively |
| Can achieve smooth and professional-looking results |
Relatively specialized tool, may not be essential for all woodworking projects |
| Adjustable sole provides flexibility in shaping various curves |
May be more expensive compared to other hand planes |
| Offers control and accuracy when working with curved wood |
Requires periodic maintenance and blade sharpening |
Overall, the compass plane is a valuable tool for any woodworker who frequently works with curved surfaces. Its ability to shape and smooth convex and concave curves makes it an essential addition to any woodworking toolkit.
What Type of Wood is Best for Different Types of Hand Planes?
Different types of hand planes require different woods for optimal performance. For molding planes, dense and hard woods like beech or cherry are best. Rosewood or similar hardwoods work well for smoothing planes, offering stability and endurance. When it comes to making jointer planes, maple or birch are commonly chosen for their strength and durability. Ultimately, selecting the best wood hand planes primarily depends on the specific type of plane and the desired outcome.
| Hand Plane Type |
Common Uses |
| Smoothing Plane |
Flattening and smoothing the face of a board |
| Shoulder Plane |
Trimming shoulders of tenons and joints |
| Router Plane |
Cleaning the bottom of recesses or grooves |
| Chisel Plane |
Removing excess glue and trimming dovetails |
| Rabbet Plane |
Cutting steps along the edge of wood |
Understanding the various types of hand planes is crucial for woodworking enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of
traditional hand planes or the durability and precision of modern ones, having the right tools can enhance your woodworking experience and help you achieve exceptional results.
Exploring Additional Types of Hand Planes
In addition to the previously mentioned types, there are other hand planes that serve specific purposes, such as straightening and squaring boards, cutting grooves, and shaping convex and concave curves. These additional types of hand planes include:
- Jointer planes: These planes are designed for straightening and flattening the faces of boards, ensuring they are perfectly smooth and level. They are longer and wider than other hand planes, allowing for efficient removal of material.
- Plow planes: Used for cutting grooves, plow planes are equipped with a depth-adjustable blade that can create grooves of different widths and depths. They are essential for tasks like creating decorative moldings or fitting panels and frames.
- Compass planes: These planes are specially designed for shaping convex and concave curves in wood. They feature a unique adjustable sole that allows for precise shaping and smoothing of curved surfaces. They are often used in furniture making and boat building.
Each of these hand planes has its own unique features and benefits, catering to specific woodworking needs. Whether you’re working on a fine woodworking project or a simple DIY task, having the right hand plane in your toolkit can make all the difference in achieving accurate and professional results.
Understanding the Compass Plane
The compass plane, as shown in the image above, is a versatile hand plane that is used to shape curved surfaces in woodworking. Its adjustable sole allows for precise shaping and smoothing of both convex and concave curves. This type of plane is commonly used in furniture making, boat building, and other woodworking projects that require curved surfaces.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Allows for precise shaping of curved surfaces |
Requires skill and practice to use effectively |
| Can achieve smooth and professional-looking results |
Relatively specialized tool, may not be essential for all woodworking projects |
| Adjustable sole provides flexibility in shaping various curves |
May be more expensive compared to other hand planes |
| Offers control and accuracy when working with curved wood |
Requires periodic maintenance and blade sharpening |
Overall, the compass plane is a valuable tool for any woodworker who frequently works with curved surfaces. Its ability to shape and smooth convex and concave curves makes it an essential addition to any woodworking toolkit.
Maintaining and Using Hand Planes
To make the most of your hand planes, it’s essential to understand how to maintain them and use them correctly. Proper
hand plane maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity, while understanding the correct techniques for using these tools will help you achieve precise and smooth woodworking results.
One crucial aspect of
hand plane maintenance is
blade sharpening. A sharp blade is essential for clean and effortless cuts. Regularly sharpening the blade will help maintain its sharpness and ensure smooth operation. There are various methods for sharpening hand plane blades, such as using sharpening stones or honing guides. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
In addition to sharpening, adjusting your hand plane correctly is essential for achieving the desired results. By adjusting the blade depth, you can control the thickness and smoothness of the wood shavings produced. It’s important to take your time and make incremental adjustments, testing the plane on scrap wood until you achieve the perfect depth of cut.
When using a hand plane, remember to apply consistent pressure and move the plane in the direction of the wood grain. This technique will prevent tear-out and produce a clean and smooth surface. For rough-surfacing tasks, such as removing stock quickly, you may need to take heavier cuts. However, for finer tasks like smoothing, lighter cuts are more appropriate.
By following these maintenance and usage tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of hand planes. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes time to refine your skills. With patience and dedication, you’ll be able to achieve professional-level woodworking results.
