The wood plane has been one of the go-to tools for carpenters for thousands of years. The earliest examples we have today were found during archaeological excavations in Pompeii but it is likely that the principle predates that significantly, possibly even back to the Stone Age.
So long as a flat sharp edge could be produced and made to protrude from a flat surface, a labour saving tool is the result. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact point in history of furniture making or woodwork in general that planes were first used but evidence found in smoothed wood goes back as far as ancient Egypt.
Advances in the ability to fashion iron gave rise to the widespread use of the plane in woodworking throughout the millennia but the cast iron base form we are familiar with today was first patented in the 19th century and eventually turned into the familiar Stanley brand, products from which, have a place in many a tool box.
Parts of a plane
Whilst types of plane vary, most have parts in common, these include:
- Iron: the blade or cutting edge that does all the work
- Mouth: this is the gap or aperture that the iron protrudes from
- Tote: the hand rest at the rear of the plane for driving
- Knob: the hand rest at the front of the plane for guiding
- Lever cap: a plate that lies over the iron that levers into place and holds everything firm
- Sole: the base of the plane
- Depth adjustment: a finger dial that increases or decreases the amount of the iron that protrudes from the sole
- Frog: adjusts the angle of the iron
The bench plane
The workhorses of the wood plane world are designed for general woodworking tasks like flattening, dimensioning and smoothing wood surfaces. They are typically categorised by their length and intended use, often following the Stanley/Bailey numbering system.
- Sizes 1 & 2: in today’s powertool dominated world, these very small planes are very rare and are usually only used for very specialised tasks or as collectors items
- Sizes 3 & 4 smoothing planes: about 20-25cm in length, these are mainly used to negate the need for excessive sanding or, in some cases, sanding at all
- Size 5 jack plane: this is the type most people are familiar with, about 35cm long, this one is used for most planing jobs from smoothing rough cut timber to more delicate work
- Size 6 fore plane: slightly longer than the number 5 plane at 45cm, the fore plane is used for quickly removing material and partially straightening rough lumber
- Size 7 & 8 jointer planes: these are the largest at up to nearly a metre long; their extended sole allows them to joint long edges and flatten wide surfaces with extreme accuracy
Other variations
There are many other types of plane for specialised tasks they also often come in multiple sizes.
Block plane
A one handed small (15cm) tool used for planing end grain, chamfering edges, trimming small components (like tenon shoulders or dovetails) and general clean-up work.
Rebate plane
Also known as a rabbet plane in some parts of the world, they are specifically for cutting or refining a step or recess cut along the edge or end of a board. The blade extends to the side of the plane body to ensure a square corner.
Shoulder plane
Has a cutting edge that covers the entire width of the plane allowing it to cut right into a corner. Shoulder planes are primarily used for refining shoulders of tenons, cleaning up rebates and truing up other joinery elements to ensure a perfect fit.
Router Plane
This type will cut a groove or recess of a uniform depth and width. They often have interchangeable central irons with different widths that protrude through the sole and can be adjusted to different depths.
Plough (plow) plane
Used to ploughing a groove at a uniform distance from an edge. It uses interchangeable irons for different groove widths and has an adjustable fence and depth stop for precision.
Bullnose and chisel planes
A bullnose has a very short leading edge or toe to allow you to work in limited space areas and a chisel plane has no leading edge at all, allowing you to take shavings off right up to a perpendicular surface.
Finger planes
Very small and designed to be used for intricate work on items such as wooden toys and musical instruments such as violins and guitars.
Power tools have given rise to a decline in demand for traditional tools but there is still a healthy population of craftsmen across the world that are keeping the old methods alive. The use of wood planes is rich and rewarding, a few key planes can accomplish most tasks, exploring the specialized types opens up new possibilities for precision and efficiency.
Each plane, with its unique design and purpose, represents centuries of woodworking ingenuity, allowing craftsmen to achieve delightful finishes and fits.
