Wood Hand Plane - A Workshop Guide

Timeless Tools Tuesday is a series of blogs about tools that have been well represented over time and are still used today. On the first Tuesday of each month, we will be highlighting a new tool. If you have any ideas for timeless tools, please post them in the comments. In this month's edition, we will focus on the wood hand plane.

Woodworking is an art that requires precision, and a good set of tools can make all the difference. Among these tools, wood planes are indispensable for shaping, smoothing, and refining wood surfaces. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or a beginner, understanding the types of wood planes and their uses can enhance your woodworking projects. This blog provides a detailed overview of various wood planes and their applications.

A wood plane is a hand tool or power tool designed to shave off thin layers of wood, creating smooth and even surfaces. Most hand planes consist of a sharp blade, a body (traditionally made of wood or metal), and a handle for control. They are used for tasks like flattening boards, shaping edges, or achieving a polished finish.

Types of Wood Planes and Their Uses

1. Bench Planes

Bench planes are versatile and come in various sizes. They are typically numbered from #1 (smallest) to #8 (largest). Each size serves a specific purpose:

• Jack Plane (low angle): A general-purpose plane used for rough shaping and flattening boards.

• Smooth Plane (#4): Ideal for final smoothing and finishing. It leaves a polished surface with minimal tear-out.

• Jointer Plane (#7 or #8): Used for jointing edges or flattening large surfaces. Its long sole ensures accuracy over longer distances.

2. Block Planes

Block planes are smaller and designed for single-handed use. They are perfect for trimming end grain or performing fine detail work. The blade is set at a lower angle, making them effective for planing across the grain.

Common uses:

• Chamfering edges

• Trimming joints

• Smoothing small surfaces

3. Shoulder Planes

Shoulder planes have a narrow blade that extends across the full width of the tool. They are used for precise trimming in tight spaces, such as cleaning up tenons or fitting joints.

Common uses:

• Refining mortise and tenon joints

• Squaring up edges

4. Rabbet Planes

Rabbet planes, also known as rebate planes, are designed for cutting rabbets (recesses or grooves) into wood. They are essential for joinery work where a clean edge is needed. Some models include an adjustable fence for added accuracy.

Common uses:

• Creating rabbets for cabinet or frame construction

• Shaping grooves for paneling

5. Molding Planes

These traditional planes are used to create decorative profiles or moldings on wood. They come in a variety of shapes, each corresponding to a specific profile. Molding planes are one of the least common planes still used today. A router table with interchangeable bits has been the replacement for the Molding Plane. You will still see these planes being used in some restoration and/or reproduction woodworking.

Common uses:

• Adding decorative edges to furniture or trim

• Crafting custom profiles

6. Plow Planes

Plow planes are used to cut grooves or channels in wood, often for joinery or decorative purposes. They usually have adjustable fences and depth stops.

Common uses:

• Cutting grooves for paneling or drawer bottoms

• Creating dado joints

7. Router Planes

Router planes are designed for cleaning up and leveling recesses, such as those created by chisels. They have an adjustable blade and are excellent for precision work.

Common uses:

• Refining dadoes and grooves

• Cleaning out mortises

8. Scrub Planes

Scrub planes are robust tools used for rapid material removal. They have a heavily curved blade that excels at removing large amounts of wood quickly. These are not usually used parallel to the wood grain and would be used to get the wood in a condition to use a smooth plane.

Common uses:

• Preparing rough boards

• Shaping irregular surfaces

9. Combination Planes

These versatile planes can perform multiple functions, such as cutting grooves, dados, and moldings. They often come with interchangeable blades and accessories.

Common uses:

• General-purpose joinery

• Creating decorative profiles

Tips for Choosing the Right Plane

1. Consider the task: Choose a plane suited to the specific job, whether it’s smoothing, jointing, or shaping.

2. Quality matters: Invest in high-quality tools that maintain sharpness and provide precise results.

3. Maintenance: Keep blades sharp and clean for optimal performance.

Wood planes are indispensable tools that can elevate your woodworking projects. By understanding the types of planes and their uses, you can select the right tools for your craft and achieve professional results. Whether you’re smoothing a tabletop or crafting intricate moldings, a well-chosen plane will help you work with efficiency and precision.

When choosing a hand plane, consider your needs and budget—many well-established brands like Stanley, Lie-Nielsen, and Veritas offer models that will serve you well for years to come. With the right hand planes in your collection, you’ll have the precision and control you need to craft beautiful wood projects, whether you're a hobbyist or a professional. Remember that like any tool, knowing how to properly use and maintain these planes will provide you with years of use.

Happy woodworking!

the Tool Pro