Hand Planes

Hand planes make it easy to sculpt surfaces into a variety of common shapes. These hand tools do not require electricity to function and often need only a single hand for proper usage. Pocket planes travel well from the shop to the job site, ready to shape large surfaces that may not fit on the workbench.

Professionals rely on a variety of Hand Tools throughout the workday. Many of these create dramatic changes in a chosen material, and planes offer no exception. These common tools help straighten and level materials during the early stages of a project. For woodworkers, this means that bench planes often offer some of the first cuts of the day. Many use fastening tools to secure their lumber, then they start evaluating the piece to determine whether it requires additional attention before the project begins.

Regardless of which tool sets you use, a few best practices ensure the highest quality results. Set your depth before you start working with any of the bench planes. This lets you determine exactly how much material to cut away before you begin and ensures your blade remains in place. You may clamp your project using hand vises to keep materials steady during the process, too.

Shoulder planes work the same way. Once you adjust the blade, follow the same process to create a simple shoulder cut. Chisel planes require the same attention and create carve with a chisel shape. They allow for even more versatility in the hand-shaped material. You may use punches or other tools for accurate cuts at any angle only after shaping your surfaces.

Find the planes that help create the cuts you need. These invaluable hand tools ensure that surfaces remain level and that no materials bend out of shape.