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    Video

    All about Block Planes

    Watch Chris Gochnour explain how to tune up this indispensable hand plane.

    By Asa Christiana, Matt Berger Jul 15, 2019
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      A block plane is probably the first hand plane you’ll use when getting started in woodworking. It’s a relatively affordable hand tool and it’s versatile. Plus, its diminutive size makes it easy to use with one hand for all types of woodworking tasks, including smoothing edges, breaking corners, trimming one surface flush to another, cleaning up end grain, and fitting joinery.

      In episode eight of our free video series, Getting Started in Woodworking, we demonstrate some of the more common uses for the block plane, identify its parts, and show you how to tune up a block plane.

      For that, we traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to the workshop of Chris Gochnour, for a detailed video tutorial. Gochnour demonstrates the tune-up process using a Stanley No. 60-1/2 low-angle adjustable-mouth block plane, but his tips and techniques can be applied to just about any plane in your tool box.

      Anatomy of a block plane

      anatomy of a block plane
      Illustration: Christopher Clapp

      The blade on a block plane, commonly referred to as a plane iron, is mounted with the bevel side up to produce a cutting angle of about 37 degrees in a standard plane and 25 degrees in a low-angle plane. Some block planes feature an adjustable mouth, which allows the plane to be tuned for different cuts; Close the mouth and lower the blade for finish cuts or open the mouth and extend the blade for thicker rough cuts.

      Choosing and buying a block plane

      Block planes range in quality and price from hardware-store versions that cost around $35 to high-end brass planes that cost as much as $250. While the higher-priced models are likely to perform better out of the box and include higher-quality machining and parts, low-cost block planes can perform well if tuned up properly using the techniques detailed in this episode.

      Additionally, buying an aftermarket plane iron, such as those made by Hock Tools, can improve the quality of a hardware-store plane considerably. A sharp plane iron is also a critical feature, and we detail one foolproof sharpening technique in episode seven of this series.

      If you have a question about this episode send us an email or post a question in our Q&A forum.

      Related links
      Hand Planing 101
      Block Plane v. Bench Plane
      8 Questions on Hand Planes

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      Videos in the Series

      • Start Woodworking: Basic Woodworking for Beginners

        July 1, 2019

        Welcome to the online series "Getting Started in Woodworking," a multi-step program designed to guide you through the basics of woodworking and furniture making. No matter what drew you to…

      • First Woodworking Shop

        Setting Up Your First Woodworking Shop

        July 1, 2019

        Learn what hand and power tools you need to get started.

      • make a cutting board

        Make a Cutting Board

        July 1, 2019

        A cutting board is a great beginner project because you can learn and practice with a number of basic woodworking tools and techniques.

      • Basic Joinery for Woodworking - Start Woodworking S1:Ep4

        Basic Joinery for Woodworking

        July 8, 2019

        Learn the variety of joinery techniques you can use, from screws to specialized woodworking joints.

      • Sharpening Woodworking Tools – Start Woodworking S1:Ep7

        July 15, 2019

        Woodworking hand tools, most notably hand planes and chisels, are some of the most useful tools in the woodshop. In the time it takes to set up many power tool…

      • block planes

        All about Block Planes

        July 15, 2019

        Watch Chris Gochnour explain how to tune up this indispensable hand plane.

      • How to Mill Rough Lumber – Start Woodworking S1:Ep9

        How to Mill Rough Lumber

        July 15, 2019

        Learn how to four-square a board, an essential skill in woodworking.

      • Oil-and-Wax Finish – Start Woodworking S1:Ep10

        July 15, 2019

        In episode 10 of our series, Getting Started in Woodworking, we complete our first season with a demonstration on how to apply an oil-and-wax wood finish. This finishing recipe is…

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      • #292-NOV/DEC 2021

        • Kerf-bent wall cabinet
        • Online extras from FWW issue #292
        • How to tame curved parts with patterns
      • #291-Sep/Oct 2021

        • Build a modern coffee table
        • Online Extras from FWW Issue #291
        • Editor's Letter: Something old, something new
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        • From the editor: What we make matters
      • #289-May/June 2021

        • Arts & Crafts Coffee Table with Story-Book Charm
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        • Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Block Plane
      • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

        • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
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        • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend

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