Plane Making & Surfaces

“Then too our teachers used to tell us about the old timers and how they made their own tools, planes among them, and I began to think of the plane as being the cabinetmakers violin; the instrument that sets the tone of the music in an orchestra. For me, now, it’s the tool in the sense that I enjoy planing the wood with a true plane more perhaps than any other aspect of woodworking.”

James Krenov 1975 

In this program, students will be introduced to the craft of making and using wooden hand planes. When properly tuned, these instruments are capable of performing a variety of tasks necessary in furniture making.  

The possibilities of all wooden planes will be explored with the emphasis placed in the making, tuning, and use of a wooden smoother. We begin by preparing the required hand tools used in this course, including the iron assembly provided. Students will be introduced to the set up and safe use of the machines specific to plane making, during which time, they will complete the required millwork to make their wooden smoother.  

Students will then be carefully guided through the process necessary for completion of their planes including the sharpening, tuning and use of scrapers and gouges. Once finished, these planes will be used in a hand planing exercise.  

Provided Tools

• Recommended Tools are available for loan to students while at the school upon request
• 1 1/2" Hock Iron and wood for first plane is included with program fee
  

Recommended Tools

• Plane Adjustment Hammer
• Low Angle Block Plane
• Spokeshave
• Cabinet Scraper
• Card Scraper
• Chisels
• Folding rule
• Small Square
• Protractor
• Water Stones 1000 & 8000
• Mill Bastard File*
• Jewllers File*
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protectors

* Tools are available for purchase at the school

Recommended Text

• The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking by James Krenov

Artisan & Resident Artisan Programs l Graphics & Edges l Plane Making & Surfaces

Joinery & Balance l Drawer Making & Fitting l Veneers & Curves l Hardware & Finish