Identify, Use, and Maintain Planes
Topic 4 – Identify, Use, and Maintain Planes
Bench Planes
The most common type of bench plane, which can be considered “general purpose” is the jack plane (pictured right). It is available in lengths from 355 mm to 380 mm and is capable of both planning and jointing stock. Another type of bench plane is the jointer, which is used to straighten and “true” an edge of a board. They are available in length of 500 mm to 600 mm. The longer sole helps it to achieve a straight, true surface on the stock edge.
Using Bench Planes
In order to effectively use a bench plane, the following should be observed:
- The blade must be sharp and set properly. The blade should project only slightly from the throat.
- The material should be secured in place before attempting to plane it.
- Plane with the grain.
- Push down on the knob when starting a cut. In mid-cut, apply even pressure on both the handle and knob. Apply pressure on the handle only when completing a cut.
- Periodically use testing tools at intervals to check for straightness using a straight edge such as a steel rule or square. Use as long a tool as possible and check for gaps between the stock and straight edge.
- If it becomes necessary to plane against the grain, use a very sharp cutting edge. The is common in highly figured grain such as curly maple.
Beyond surfacing stock, a plane can also be used to chamfer or bevel the edge of a board. If bevelling both ends and edges, it is advised to cut the edges before the ends to prevent splintering.
Storing and Maintaining Planes
It is important that planes are not stored resting on their blade. Lay the plane on its side or store it on a special block. Planes should also be lightly coated with oil from time to time to prevent rusting of the components.
Sharpening the blades of planes is a three stop method: grinding, honing, and stropping.
While grinding is not always necessary, it may be done if the blade is severely chipped or worn. Honing is done on a sharpening stone, starting with a coarse grit (800X or 1000X). After a fine feathered edge is achieved, move up to a finer grit (4000X or 8000X) until a keen edge is produced. While stropping is optional, it produces the ultimate cutting edge.
Specialty Planes
While bench planes are designed to cut along the face or edge grain, block planes are used to plane the end grain or very small pieces of wood. They are smaller than bench planes and have two distinct features that set them apart:
Review Questions
- What is the name of a general purpose plane?
- What plane has its bevel facing upwards?
- Planing should be done _________ the grain of the wood.
- Identify the types of edges in the following diagram:
- The bevel is __________ (up/down) on the iron of a jack plane.
- The larger the number designation on a sharpening stone means _________ cutting particles are within it.
Topic 5 – Identify and Use Abrading Tools, Abrasives, and Metal Cutting Tools
Files, Rasps, and Surf