A jack plane is a general-purpose woodworking bench plane, used for dressing timber down to size in preparation for truing and/or edge jointing. It is usually the first plane used on rough stock, but for rougher work it can be preceded by the scrub plane.

How does a wood plane work?

A hand plane works by shaving off thin layers (shavings, or chips) as it is pushed along or across a piece of wood. This reduces the wood to the required size, levels it, puts a smooth finish on the surface, or cuts a recess that can be used in joint-making (joining pieces of wood together).

How do you set up a jack plane?

3:157:27Hand Plane Set Up - IN SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo set the blade cutting depth using the screw knob on the back I hold the plane right up to one eyeMoreTo set the blade cutting depth using the screw knob on the back I hold the plane right up to one eye aiming it towards a light I close my other eye.

How do you use a bench plane?

1:092:42How to Use a Bench Plane | Woodworking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you start apply more weight to the front of the plane than to the back. Then transfer theMoreWhen you start apply more weight to the front of the plane than to the back. Then transfer the weight as you complete the stroke. Make sure you reduce the weight towards the end otherwise.

How do you square a plane blade?

5:579:45RWW 112 Square Edge Trick - YouTubeYouTube

What is the purpose of a bench plane?

Bench planes are used to flatten and smooth broad wood surfaces and narrow edges. Long bench planes are best suited for smoothing very long surfaces and edges. Specialty planes, such as a shoulder plane or rabbet plane, have plane irons (blades) that come flush with the edges of the tool.

Should you plane with the grain?

You cant plane wood across the grain because it may cause chip out, and may ruin its quality. So, youd want to plane with the direction where grain rises. You can also mark the cathedral pattern, and always start wood planing against the tip of it – either at the bottom or side.

Do I need to sand if I plane?

Sand with 600 to clean up and nubs and then top with shellac. And if your plane leaves a nice enough surface, then a quick sand with the grain, 180-220 grit is all that is needed.

Can you plane wood with a sander?

If youve used a sander before its tempting to think of it as a thickness planer. So when you think of a sander, best to think of it as a finishing tool best used for fine woodworking. Thickness Planers. Whereas sanders are used to alter the finish of wood, a wood planer is used to even out wood to an exact thickness.

Can you smooth with a jack plane?

In the case of smoothing a large workpiece such as a tabletop, the traditional method involves starting with a jack (or jointer) plane in both diagonal directions before going with the grain to remove any high spots. Then, you switch over to a smoothing plane to “further smooth” the surface.

How do you square a plane?

1:225:24How to Plane Narrow Board Edges Square | Paul Sellers - YouTubeYouTube

How do you square a plane iron?

Use the lateral adjustment to get it square. Just a put a little extra pressure on the bad side of the iron when you sharpen up, it will come back to square over time. Or, put in some elbow grease and re-square it on some 80 grit wet-dry paper, working up the grits to hone it out once it is square again.

How do you board the side of the plane?

2:325:24How to Plane Narrow Board Edges Square | Paul Sellers - YouTubeYouTube

What happens if you try to plane end grain in the same way as side grain?

If you plane all the way across the door, from one end to the other, youre bound to chip out the outside edge of the stile. That damage is not easy to repair, so it pays to avoid any risk of it happening. Orient the block so its long grain faces up—theres no need to plane more end grain than you have to!