A try plane is a type of bench plane that plays a crucial role in woodworking, particularly in flattening and straightening the faces of larger boards. It is an essential hand tool for skilled craftsmanship and is commonly used in traditional woodworking practices. The try plane is typically longer than other hand planes, ranging from 20 to 24 inches in length. Its main purpose is to reduce ridges left by a jack plane and achieve smooth, even surfaces on wider boards.
- A try plane is a type of bench plane used in woodworking to flatten and straighten the faces of larger boards.
- It is longer than other hand planes, typically ranging from 20 to 24 inches in length.
- The try plane is also known as a jointer plane or truing plane.
- It is primarily used on wider surfaces, such as the faces of boards, to reduce ridges and achieve smooth, even surfaces.
- The length and setup of a try plane can be adjusted to prioritize different functions, such as material removal, straightening, or preparing for finishing.
Understanding the different types of hand planes in woodworking
In woodworking, there are several types of hand planes available, each serving a specific purpose, and the try plane is one of the most essential ones. A try plane, also known as a jointer plane or truing plane, is a type of bench plane that is specifically designed to flatten and straighten the faces of larger boards. It is typically 20 to 24 inches long, making it the longest hand plane commonly used in woodworking.
The try plane has a curved iron with a slightly less convex edge compared to a jack plane. It is set for a finer cut and is primarily used on wider surfaces, such as the faces of boards. This plane is ideal for reducing the ridges left by a jack plane and achieving smooth, even surfaces on larger pieces of wood.
It is important to note that the try plane should not be confused with the jointer plane. While both planes are used for similar purposes, the jointer plane is specifically designed for planing straight edges and creating edge-to-edge glue joints between boards. It has a straight iron and is intended for narrower surfaces. The try plane and the jointer plane are distinct tools with their own unique characteristics and applications in woodworking.
When working with a try plane, it is crucial to adjust its length and setup to prioritize different functions. This allows woodworkers to focus on specific tasks, such as material removal, straightening, or preparing the wood for finishing. Proper adjustments ensure optimal performance and desired results in woodworking projects.
| Type |
Main Purpose |
Blade Edge |
Length |
| Try Plane |
Flattening and straightening the faces of larger boards |
Curved with a slightly less convex edge |
20 to 24 inches |
| Jointer Plane |
Planing straight edges and creating edge-to-edge glue joints between boards |
Straight |
22 to 24 inches |
Summary
A try plane is an essential tool in woodworking, used primarily for flattening and straightening larger boards. It has a curved iron and differs from the jointer plane, which is specifically designed for planing straight edges and creating edge-to-edge glue joints. Adjustments to the length and setup of a try plane allow woodworkers to prioritize different functions, ensuring optimal performance and desired results in their woodworking projects.
The features and components of a try plane
A try plane typically measures between 20 to 24 inches in length and possesses specific features that make it ideal for flattening and straightening larger boards. Its long length allows for better control and accuracy when working with wide surfaces, such as the faces of boards. The try plane is designed to remove any high spots or imperfections on the wood, creating a smooth and even surface.
One of the key features of a try plane is its curved iron, which has a slightly less convex edge than that of a jack plane. This curved shape allows for a finer cut and helps to prevent the plane from digging into the wood. The try plane also has a longer sole, which provides stability and ensures that the plane stays in contact with the entire length of the board.
Another important component of a try plane is the adjustable throat plate, which controls the amount of shavings that are taken off the wood. By adjusting the throat plate, woodworkers can achieve different cuts and tailor the plane’s performance to their specific needs. The try plane usually features a wooden handle and a knob that allow for a comfortable grip and easy maneuverability.
Table: Components of a Try Plane
| Component |
Description |
| Curved iron |
A slightly less convex edge that ensures a finer cut |
| Long sole |
Provides stability and ensures even contact with the board |
| Adjustable throat plate |
Controls the amount of shavings removed from the wood |
| Wooden handle and knob |
Offers a comfortable grip and easy maneuverability |
The try plane is a versatile tool that can be adjusted and fine-tuned to meet the specific requirements of different woodworking tasks. By adjusting the depth of cut and the lateral position of the blade, woodworkers can prioritize material removal, straightening, or preparing the wood for finishing. These adjustable features make the try plane a valuable asset in the woodworker’s toolbox, allowing for precise and efficient woodworking.
In summary, a try plane is a specialized hand plane that is essential for flattening and straightening larger boards in woodworking. With its specific features and components, including the curved iron, long sole, adjustable throat plate, and ergonomic handle, the try plane provides woodworkers with the necessary tools to achieve smooth and even surfaces. Its versatility and adjustability make it a valuable asset in traditional woodworking practices, allowing craftsmen to create high-quality and visually appealing woodwork pieces.
The function and usage of a try plane in woodworking
The main function of a try plane is to reduce ridges and straighten the faces of larger boards, creating a level surface for further woodworking processes. This essential hand tool is particularly effective in smoothing out rough or uneven surfaces, ensuring the wood is ready for subsequent steps such as joinery or finishing.
When using a try plane, it is important to follow a few key steps for optimal results. Firstly, ensure the blade is properly sharpened and adjusted to the desired depth of cut. This can be achieved by tapping the blade gently with a mallet to advance or retract it in the plane body. Next, firmly hold the try plane with both hands, applying even pressure and maintaining a consistent angle as you move it along the wood surface. Take care not to apply too much downward pressure, as this can cause the plane to dig into the wood.
Working in small sections, make overlapping passes with the try plane, gradually flattening the surface and smoothing out any imperfections. It is recommended to work diagonally across the grain at first, followed by parallel passes with the grain to achieve the desired smoothness. Remember to periodically check the surface with a straightedge or winding sticks to ensure it is perfectly flat.
| Key Tips for Using a Try Plane |
| Ensure the blade is sharp and properly adjusted |
| Maintain consistent pressure and angle |
| Work in small sections, overlapping passes |
| Check surface flatness with a straightedge |
By employing a try plane effectively, you can transform rough-cut lumber into a smooth and even surface, ready for the next stages of your woodworking project. Whether you are preparing boards for joinery, creating flat table tops, or smoothing rough stock, the try plane is an essential tool for any woodworker seeking precision and quality in their craftsmanship.
While the try plane and jointer plane are similar, they serve different functions in woodworking. The try plane is primarily used for flattening wider surfaces, such as the faces of boards, while the jointer plane is designed for planing straight edges and creating edge-to-edge glue joints. Understanding their distinctions is crucial for achieving desired results in woodworking projects.
The try plane, also known as a jointer plane or truing plane, is typically 20 to 24 inches long, making it the longest hand plane commonly used in woodworking. It features a curved iron with a slightly less convex edge than that of a jack plane. The try plane is set for a finer cut and is specifically designed to reduce ridges left by a jack plane and straighten the wood. Its longer length and curve enable it to effectively flatten wider surfaces, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
On the other hand, the jointer plane is intended for narrower surfaces and is specifically used for planing straight edges and creating glue joints between boards. It has a straight iron and is typically shorter in length compared to the try plane. The jointer plane excels at achieving straight, precise edges and ensuring a seamless fit when joining boards together.
Understanding the differences between the try plane and jointer plane is crucial for selecting the appropriate tool for the specific woodworking task at hand. Whether you need to flatten wider surfaces or create straight edges and seamless glue joints, choosing the right plane will contribute to the overall success and quality of your woodworking projects.
| Try Plane |
Jointer Plane |
| Used for flattening wider surfaces |
Used for planing straight edges and creating glue joints |
| 20-24 inches long |
Shorter in length compared to the try plane |
| Curved iron with a slightly less convex edge |
Straight iron |
| Set for a finer cut |
– |
Adjusting a try plane for different woodworking tasks
The length and setup of a try plane can be adjusted to suit specific woodworking tasks, allowing woodworkers to prioritize material removal, straightening, or preparing the surface for finishing. This versatility makes the try plane an essential tool in any woodworker’s arsenal.
To prioritize material removal, a woodworker can set the try plane for a deep cut. This will quickly remove excess wood, leveling the surface and reducing any high spots. By adjusting the plane for a coarser cut, more wood can be removed in each pass, saving time and effort.
On the other hand, if the goal is to straighten the wood and achieve a smooth, even surface, the try plane can be set for a finer cut. This allows for precise shaving of thin layers of wood, gradually bringing the surface into alignment.
Lastly, when preparing the surface for finishing, the try plane can be set to produce a very fine cut. This will remove any remaining imperfections, creating a surface that is ready to be sanded and finished to a high standard.
| Task |
Adjustment |
| Material removal |
Deep cut, coarse setting |
| Straightening |
Finer cut, gradual shaving |
| Preparing for finishing |
Very fine cut, smooth surface |
In summary, the try plane is a versatile hand tool that can be adjusted to suit different woodworking tasks. Whether you need to remove excess material, straighten the wood, or prepare the surface for finishing, the try plane is an essential companion for any woodworker. By understanding how to adjust the plane and utilizing its various settings, woodworking enthusiasts can achieve professional-level results.
How is a Try Plane Different from a Hand Plane or Cabinet Scraper?
A try plane, cabinet scraper, and hand plane are distinct woodworking tools. While a cabinet scraper versus hand plane comes down to personal preference, they differ in function. A try plane is used for flattening and smoothing wood surfaces, a hand plane for shaping and smoothing, and a cabinet scraper for removing uneven surfaces or paint. Each tool has its unique purpose in the world of woodworking.
The role of try planes in traditional woodworking
Try planes hold a significant place in traditional woodworking, as they have been relied upon by skilled craftsmen for centuries to achieve precise and refined results. These
essential woodworking hand tools are valued for their ability to flatten and straighten the faces of larger boards, ensuring a smooth and even surface for further woodworking tasks.
A try plane, also known as a jointer plane or truing plane, is typically longer and larger than other hand planes, measuring around 20 to 24 inches in length. It features a curved iron with a slightly less convex edge than that of a jack plane, allowing for a finer cut. The try plane is primarily used on wider surfaces, such as the faces of boards, to reduce ridges left by a jack plane and straighten the wood.
It is important to note the distinction between a try plane and a jointer plane. While both are used for planing wood, a jointer plane is specifically designed for planing straight edges and creating edge-to-edge glue joints between boards. The jointer plane has a straight iron and is intended for narrower surfaces, whereas the try plane is more suited for wider surfaces.
| Try Plane Features: |
Jointer Plane Features: |
| Curved iron |
Straight iron |
| Longer length (20-24 inches) |
Shorter length (16-22 inches) |
| Used on wider surfaces |
Used on narrower surfaces |
One of the key aspects of using a try plane effectively is its adjustability. Woodworkers can modify the length and setup of the try plane to prioritize different functions based on the specific woodworking task at hand. Whether it’s material removal, straightening, or preparing the wood for finishing, proper adjustments are crucial for achieving desired results.
The centuries-old tradition of using try planes in woodworking not only showcases the craftsmanship and skill of the past but also highlights their continued relevance in modern woodworking practices. These essential hand tools remain a staple in the arsenal of woodworkers, offering precision and control in the pursuit of creating beautiful and functional wooden objects.
In conclusion, try planes are indispensable tools in the world of woodworking, enabling craftsmen to flatten and straighten larger boards with precision and finesse. A try plane, also known as a jointer plane or truing plane, is a type of bench plane that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Measuring between 20 to 24 inches long, the try plane is the longest hand plane commonly used in woodworking. It features a curved iron with a slightly less convex edge than that of a jack plane, allowing for a finer cut. This makes it perfect for reducing ridges left by a jack plane and achieving smooth and even surfaces on wider areas like the faces of boards.
It’s important to note that while the try plane and jointer plane share similarities, they serve different functions. The jointer plane is specifically used for planing straight edges and creating edge-to-edge glue joints between boards. It has a straight iron and is intended for narrower surfaces.
The versatility of a try plane lies in its adjustability. Craftsmen can modify the length and setup of a try plane to prioritize different tasks, such as material removal, straightening, or preparing the wood for finishing touches. This adaptability ensures that the try plane remains an essential tool for achieving professional and high-quality woodworking results.
