Choosing and Using Wooden Planes: A Complete Guide

From adjusting to gripping to taking your first shavings, learn all about this historical tool.
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[@RexKrueger]

I forgot to mention: when you store wooden planes, you should knock the wedge free and store the plane with the wedge pretty loose. Just finger-tight is good. The plane might swell or shrink while it's sitting and you don't want it under tension while that's happening. Otherwise, there's nothing special about storing these. Just keep the dust off 'em.

[@dansanders340]

Tool reviews on free tools? If I send a 40$ metallic hand plane will you do a quick review to show it's value. I'm using it out of the box, no sharpening, no flattening, first time user after watching your videos for a year or more, wow it has been awhile, lol. I find I have the ability to do fine work with the cheap plane if I take my time with the adjustments. FUNCTIONAL TOOL, STRAIGHT OUT OF BOX, ONLY 37 DOLLARS, AND A LIFETIME WARENTY. Frankly the handle came a little loose and rattles after a few hours work but I'm sure I can just tighten the screw when I do all the sanding and sharpening, however this does not affect the use as it's still held strong. The issue is probably from a cheap wood mystery asian conifer handle; white wood. But the plan works fine and I'm watching paint dry on a furniture piece. If you would messege me I'd greatly appreciate it, and the Plane I am talking about is the Buck Bros 9"Adjustable Hand Plane. It's got crappy video reviews so a good video would be nice for people like me who saw a real metallic plane in stock at Home Depot for 37 bucks. I also bought Buck Bros cheapest chisels in a 3 pack for 12$. Sharp out of box, high quality steel, learned how to use the plane and chisels without touching them, in fact, with one chisel I thought I'd see if the wet dry paper would make it sharper than it already was, and It still works perfect with a messed up edge. Both Buck Bros tools have proven to me to be perfectly capable of time working, straight from the box. I didn't even have to try putting wd-40 on the plane base. Buck Bros has a 10.0 out of 10 review for woodworking on a budget. I wasted some money on tools like a stanley rasp (not heavy duty, broke during rough use) and found out all I I need to throw simple black stained furniture together is a saw, hammer, and plane. Please messege me as I thinker I'd be a great success story from a viewer. I made functional furniture as cheap as possible, without a bench, with out even sharpening, and for free, with moldy and water damaged wood free from apartment basement. Woods got screw holes and everything that makes junk wood. With under 100$ of tools and you're videos I know where I stand with woodworking, I WONT BUY FURNITURE AND IM TRYING NOT TO SPEND ANY MONEY MAKING IT😂😂😂 Too easy and simple to pass up, I just need to throw together a workbench with wood glue and free 2x4s and I can make any furniture I need free now, next is a bookshelf. The funny thing is now that I've made something on a rigged workshop setup, Id rather put off building a bench, just so I can hurry up and build my furniture. Again message me (if you've read this far I hope you plan too😂), I can send, pics, video call, or anything you'd like I just don't want to see a highly functional 40$ plane be ignored, along with other ideas I've had over the course of being a subscriber. Thanks for your time!!!

[@aarondaniels629]

can't wait for more plane builds!!!

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

I have to say that I noticed you placing your planes blade down. In woodwork classes at school in the 70s if a teacher saw us put a plane blade down we would get a smack round the head. We were tols always rest a plane on its edge. I have always remembered that even though I was not one to get a smack round the head 🙄

[@aarondaniels629]

@@tinytonymaloney7832 resting on side messes with how the plane iron sits (and you then have to readjust it)...also you can cut your hand on it...i am not an expert at all but i always rest plane on the sole and never on the side and I have no issues...whenever i have placed it on the side (when done shooting or just being lazy) the iron meeds lateral adjustment...so..for what my novice oppinions are worth

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

@@aarondaniels629 makes total sense I suppose, but it was draconian at school, any excuse to clout a school kid in them days. I usually lay mine on a piece of card. I keep each one in a plastic tupperware type box with a slight WD 40 sprayed heavy tissue paper and one of those anti-moisture tea bags. Yes I know, I should get out more 😀😀😀

[@Dseated]

Its amazing to see how different parts of the world came up with different designs to tackle the same task.

[@WolfKenneth]

Yea and he only showed UK/USA and European style planes there are Japanese, Chinese and I'm sure Indian too

[@sarahihrig932]

The first half of the kzbin.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

[@ryman9788]

Hi Rex. This is unrelated to this video and you probably won’t see this either but I just won an auction on eBay for 17 auger bits (varying sizes) for my brace that you inspired me to get. I am 16 years old and want to get into hand tool woodworking. You’re videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you

[@johnfisher4910]

Rex - You really outdid yourself on this one! That was very educational. Thanks so much for all the time & effort you put into producing this amazing content!

[@RexKrueger]

You're so welcome!

[@jonasdaverio9369]

The "physics" reason for why the iron comes back when you hit the body is actually not that complicated. You can picture that because of inertia, the iron wants to stay in place, but the body is going forward. So, the relative result is the iron going back, but what you are actually doing is "advancing the body" (which is a weird way of phrasing it). You can think of an analog thing: if a car hits your car from behind, you are going to feel that you are getting thrown back in the car, when what's really happening is your car being accelerated forward. (in that analogy, you are the iron and the car is the body of the plane)

[@WayneStidolph]

Then why does it work to tap the body downward, in the toe, as Rex mentioned?

[@jonasdaverio9369]

@@WayneStidolph Because the iron is oriented at 45°, there is a component of the downward movement which is aligned with the iron (as much as there is a component of the forward movement when you tap on the back of plane that is aligned with the blade). If someone hit you in your car from right behind, you'll be thrown to the right and backward, you don't need to be perfectly aligned

[@larsfrandsen2501]

This is truly an amazing historical lesson. I remember my now 96-year-old cabinet maker father standing EXACTLY like you demonstrated. As a kid, I always wondered why he did that. Now I know!

[@philiptimmins8957]

Superb comprehensive description

[@anthonypilato1470]

At first view I had no idea how informative this video would be. Wow! This video hits the mark. I am in the midst of refurbishing 2 wooden planes for my own use. All of this video is helpful including the proper stance to get the most out of my human effort. Thanks for the help and the great way you explain the process.

[@darrylportelli]

I couldnt find a no 7 or 8 jointer plane locally and new ones like lie Nielsen cost upwards of 400 dollars ... So i went with a wooden jointer . Found one locally for just 15 euros . I cleaned it up with steel wool and mineral spirit and flattened the sole with a no5 and reground the iron and honed it ... It worked on the first try and got the edge of a board REALLY flat ... Wooden planes work amazingly well and you can get them for super cheap compared to the metal versions ... Your video that shows what to look for when buying wooden planes really helps to pick a good one to start with

[@miguelguerreiro5280]

Just bought one because of you, and came here for checking out how to use them

[@cattleNhay]

The first European plane you showed, I found brand new condition at a thrift store for 5 bucks in police state Switzerland...one of best my purchases just wanted to share so y’all can sleep better tonight;)

[@stancividemsek6674]

Can I get a link? 😅

[@bighands69]

I think every country is now almost a police state with the nanny state mentality.

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Great job Rex!

[@hartleymartin]

Funny thing - when your videos were all about metal Bailey Planes I had Mathieson wooden planes the same type as you shewed in this video. I then acquired transitionals and they have been my daily drivers and my No.26 Jack travels to job-sites with me for things like planing down doors. Just as you released these two videos on using wooden planes I acquired my first No.5 Metal Bailey plane. Oh, and I entirely agree with you. The No.6 is really too heavy to be used as a fore-plane on dressing rough-sawn wood. No.5 Jack or a wooden-bodied plane is so much better. My technical college uses No.6 planes and I am pretty sure it is to stop students from stealing tools.

[@RexKrueger]

Ha! I used to carry a 6 to a shop I worked at. Damn thing weighed as much as the toolbox in my other hand.

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

I have a no6 and I have one set place for it a shouting bord.

[@jlmfoy365]

Just goes to show how we all see things differently, I use my no6 for nearly everything. I love it, mind you it never leaves the workshop and I weigh about 230lbs. Regards Jim UK.

[@wyssmaster]

@@jlmfoy365 easy enough to use a no. 6 when you weigh about half its weight

[@jlmfoy365]

@@wyssmaster good point, well made.

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

You know when i learned the trade 30 years ago , it was all machinery for everything . We had only a #4 or #4 1/2 just to practice sharpening on a grinder and practicing planing edges and faces . It was only to prepare the surfaces for finishing 🤓🥸 At that time we got very little info of how it was made back then . I’m so happy now that you talk about it , i’m lerning alot and loving it thank you 😁👍🏼🇨🇦

[@DerMarkus1982]

"Oh my god! Something is ... completely different!" Rex proceeds to go full berserk mode with that plane. I liked that moment. It conveys a crystal clear message about body mechanics and working ergonomics. Aha moment right there! 😃

[@theeddorian]

The "scrub plane" is optimized for making wooden gutters. I've only ever see one piece of wooden gutter, and that was in Merced years ago. The wooden gutter was beautifully molded externally. The gutter itself was about three to four inches deep. The external molding was reflected in the galvanized iron gutter that replaced them. Wooden gutter is still manufactured for "in kind" restoration on historical Victorian houses. Some of that pretty moulding along the base at pediments over porches for instance are really wooden gutters.

[@borjesvensson8661]

And any other big hollows. used one when making a pair of skiis,

[@LeonardoArchi]

Rex I really loved this video. I´ve became like a fan of the channel. I have one of the longer wooden planes that inherited from my grandfather (who I couldn´t get to know). Those little tips you gave me will be used to disassemble and restore it. I hope I could get it to its former glory. Greetings from Argentina

[@tikkitikkitembo148]

How did the restoration go?

[@the_attic_woodworker]

I have a Stanley 4, a Record 5 1/2, a wooden scrub and a wooden long jointer (32") and I really enjoy the mix. Great content as always, Rex, you're the History Channel of woodworking

[@linetiilikainen2755]

When it comes to smoothing planes the krendov style feels much better in the hand then the old coffin style. I have used a ECE block plane as a smoothing plane and that feels awsome. Short chinese style smoothers also feels great.

[@TonKuipers134]

Thx for posting, a very hood overview and practise tips👌

[@pitsnipe5559]

Thanks for the advice on using the joiner plane. I have a 24 inch plane and using it the way you showed made a big difference. My plane set consists of a wood joiner plane, a steel jack plane, a wood smoother, and a steel block. I find that I use my wood smoother for almost everything.

[@rwg727]

Hi Rex! Thanks for all your videos! I really appreciate your clarity when you explain things. Thanks for caring and enthusiasm!

[@adamchilenski]

Fantastic video Rex. Well presented. Love the new graphics.

[@johnsmith-vz3vr]

beautiful episode

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I'm not a big wooden plane user, but I've often wanted to learn more and to buy a few to use on upcoming projects. Thanks for sharing this info! Time to channel my inner Roy Underhill ;)

[@bighands69]

All the greatest furniture was created with Wooden planes when there was more emphasis on hand skills and creativity. And things were built to last.

[@arnoldkotlyarevsky383]

"We are going to do more" Rex, my guy, I can't wait. I dream of making my own set of wooden planes. I am stoked. I would love to see you revisit your router plane....something with a more traditional bit and some of the nicer features! (I dont know if you appreciate the requests for content here, but until you tell me to stop, I will keep being a pest - I annoy because I love). Thanks again for the excellent quality! And dont think I didnt notice the visual effects you put in the vid. The quality is ever improving.

[@Snail1664]

Thank you so much to take time for these history lessons and usage tips for these kind of tools. You feel passionate and your enthusiasm is contagious. I don’t miss any of your video. Great job! (From France)

[@douglasperry1226]

Great video Rex,! Dude nice planes! wow beautiful pieces! 🗜it. 🤘🏼

[@uwemathioschek615]

hello rex,check out the planes by a brand called Rali they are from switzerland and a bit different!i realy like your work!greetings from germany

[@RexKrueger]

Man, those things look WAY too complicated.

[@uwemathioschek615]

@@RexKrueger they only look so.they are esy to adjust!and have interchangeable blades for those who are too lazy to sharpen

[@jonas8718]

I got one as an aprentice, its very easy to use and Makes Good chips

[@pridler85]

Have you planed in some time to upgrade the tool wall behind you? Nothing really wrong with it i just remember that you was talking in the live stream to upgrade it.

[@RexKrueger]

I've changed my mind! I'm going to build a fairly traditional tool-chest instead. The build is tentatively planned for May.

[@NonFerricIrony]

@@RexKrueger I was HOPING that's the direction you would go. So looking forward to the tool chest build...the six board chest seemed like a natural lead-in.

[@mmgross144]

Great presentation, as usual. Now all I need to do is wait for the flea market to open again...damn Covid-19!

[@RexKrueger]

I feel your pain.

[@octavmandru9219]

Tell me about it... They closed for renovation the place and it's not looking great

[@lmzanlucki]

Hi Rex, last December I brought one of these old wooden planes form my mothers house, it belonged to my grandfather. It's beaten up of course and I didn't give it an inspection to see how it is. Your videos are coming in a perfect timing, just what I needed right now. Thanks for your work with this channel, it's getting better everyday.

[@professor62]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: you are a master communicator, Rex! Bravo on yet another masterful educational video-the kind that is fun to watch as well.

[@amezcuaist]

And I`ve said it before and I`ll say it again --Rex`s writing gets better and better .

[@jamesmorton7881]

Thanks for the clear and enjoyable videos. Planes are really cool to use. My bench slab will make a man out of me to get flat.

[@gaard601]

Very nice presentation. You have a gift Rex. Looking forward to more videos.

[@Gringoros]

over the last couple years i acquired a lot of wooden planes here in germany. mostly in the style of the ECE ones. i also got some new metal planes (because used metal planes are quite rare here) and i actually prefer the wooden ones. the iron adjustment is actually easier for me because i'm always having problems with backing out the iron with the metal planes. but i think this is mostly personal preference. thanks for the video rex.

[@moadeeb2002]

Wonderful piece of education man! There were so many questions I had answered, thank you.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

I am lucky enough to have a ECE jointer plane about 30" long. Inherited from my father.

[@davidbrautigam1701]

The grip and stance you started demonstrating at 18:45 might also work on a coffin plane and even a metal plane with the front knob (I think I try it on a board of European larch in the next days)

[@scottswineford6714]

Would appreciate a woodworking for humans scraper plane. I'm finding holding a scraper is getting painful as I age greatly lowering the amount of time I can do much of anything.

[@joek.2132]

Check out the crucible card scraper by the people at lost art press. The Scraper is shaped so you don’t need to bend the tool with your thumbs.

[@VaQm11]

Thanks again Rex!

[@sullyprudhomme]

This is an incredibly good presentation. You should consider this as a TED talk...history, woodwork, perfect! (P.S. Just used a plane for the first time in years for a project and forgot how useful they are.).

[@RexKrueger]

I'm happy to consider it....now to get the TED people to come calling.

[@johnstanton8499]

Excelente advise Thank You

[@colinmartin9797]

Well, I mean... "Generations of craftsmanship" A generation is about 20 years. So almost eight generations. Crap, I'm tenth generation American, my great^9th grandfather was the governer of Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War. To us Americans, 150 years is ancient, lol. I love the Chinese Shanghai wooden planes you demo'd a while ago. Used the jointer to smooth a 3 foot by 8 foot workbench.

[@robohippy]

The fore/jack planes puzzle me. I am still learning. Anyway, they always have wide blades and that makes me wonder how you can push that wide of a blade through wood while taking a heavy/thick shaving. Mostly this would require a LOT more muscle. Thus far, I use them to take the board down to close to flat, with very light passes, and then keep it up till I get long blade width shavings. No need for a smoother after that. Also, before I make one from scratch, another thing that puzzles me. You can not get 12/4 wood to reach equilibrium. The inside is always at higher moisture content than the outside. This creates stress, and wood relieves stress by cracking. I have never seen an old plane made from 12/4 wood that is not cracked, and some are worse than others. I would think that if you drilled about a 1 inch diameter hole through the middle, that would help the wood reach equilibrium. I will eventually make some like that....

[@rickyheck6780]

Thank you for this info!!!

[@jasonl2095]

:: Looks at European Wood planes :: Man, those things look huge! :: Rex puts his hand on one :: Wow, those things are tiny!

[@raminieminen2955]

I like this channel a lot, one of the best in KZbin. But I have one complaint; the "rex figures it out" part is annoying, noise level on it is way too high compared to the rest of the video. Other than that, great channel 👍

[@gregwolf3560]

Hello Rex My name is Greg. I own a plane. I bought it for 15 Danish kroner. (That's about $2.00 American.) It has been with me for years. I have been watching your videos on planers and I am intrigued. I love working with hand tools and producing a quality product. My plane has a No.# 0130 on it but no other names. I believe I am the owner of a Record Block plane - No.#0130 How do I use it as a bull plane? I have seen videos on many of the planers you use. Is the bull plane not very important? Although I have worked on many wood projects, it just comes natural to me. I am not well known. Thank you. Sincerely, Greg Wolf. P.S.: (I am from USA - But I live in Danmark.)

[@Sokx41]

I have wooden plane with a concave bottom and corresponding concave blade that I presume is used for rounding edges, like present-day routers are used.

[@TheNadOby]

This stance, albeit logical, gave me good portion of laugh. Remainded me a lot of Eastern Martial Arts teachers, but with proper explanation why to use this very specific and awkward to the fist glance position. Thanks a lot, as usual. You'r doing great job, Mr. Krueger.

[@UnfortunateDesert]

I also immediately thought of Kung Fu stances and body mechanics of my youth!

[@jdeveau6718]

Quite similar to Judo body mechanics. Maximum efficiency, minimum effort.

[@WolfKenneth]

Wait till you dig into Historical European Martial Arts we have so much tradition and written textbooks as old as XIIITH century 😁

[@twotone3070]

It leads so seamlessly in woodworking to "Wax on, wax off"

[@TheNadOby]

@@WolfKenneth oh, this is lost case, already have couple of manuals on a harddrive.

[@allenwc]

Yup, really excellent. I've not seen that planing position before, but it does make some kind of sense . . . might need to raise my planing height somewhat. I still need a jack plane, so I'll be off next week to the local antique mart and see what I can find. mask on face of course!!

[@clappercl]

Glad to see horned planes getting some love. If you have hand use problems (nerve damage, arthritis, etc.) horned planes are a life saver!

[@Ababa900]

You should try Japanese style planes

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@MrElgrandebarraco]

Hey Rex, thx for your Great Videos. You‘re obviously enjoying collecting and learning about planes and woodworking in general. I really love your videos! 👍🏻 I got myself a bunch of german planes...Somebody have to put a Little effort and Passion in working them up. I wanna send them to you to if you‘re interested!? Can‘t be in better hands in my opinion! Let me know what you think and stay Safe! Greetings from 🇩🇪 Flo

[@dmyers9025]

buy a tool, watch a Rex Krueger video, regret buying said tool.

[@Pocketfarmer1]

The compass plane might also be used by ship wrights for the inside of the hull planks.

[@EvanDunville]

Interesting point about the stance. I always seem to learn something new in your videos. I have a small set of wood bodied planes. Getting them up and running is something that's been on my list for a while.

[@chrisgreen3709]

Rex, thanks for this. I got a jack plane as part of a job lot of tools and, after a bit of restoration, it is working better than my Stanley No.5. I'm loving it!

[@rockdog2584]

I'm finally staring to dig into the 'Rat Hole' I've created out in my garage when I moved here. Just happened to notice...I have a Bailey Transition plane that I don't remember having! It's 18" long. The iron looks to be square (by eye)...but it has a kinda big mouth (3 to 4/32")...with an odd metal plate screwed down at the leading edge of the mouth. It definitely needs restoring, but I think it might work as my first Try/Jointer.

[@bighands69]

You probably got that plane from somebody such as an older relative. Get a flat reference to see if the plane is flat. If it is out of flat look up some videos on plane restoration.

[@AlucardNoir]

You know, for an American woodworker you sure do talk a lot about how great our European tools are. You so know you don't have to butter us up if you want to move here right? There are a lot of countries in the EU alone, I'm sure many would be happy to have you.

[@RexKrueger]

Well, American woodworking is basically an adaptation of English/European woodwork, so I'm really just paying homage to my roots.

[@JeanClaudePeeters]

@@RexKrueger Roots, which in your case (Krueger,Krüger) might be German?

[@bighands69]

@AlucardNoir America is the best country in the world to live in so there would be no reason to leave. Europe is expensive and has a really small outlook.

[@borisv.6503]

​@@bighands69 Tool wise US, GB and Ireland are great because they have garage sales and stuff like that we don't have here in Czech Republic. But livi g wise I think that Scandinavia is way better, even when compared to CZ. You can buy house in countryside way cheaper, Czech Republic is expensive both in housing and food and other commodities. I do think tho that Montana is great, I would love to visit that state. Greets!

[@jerbear7952]

Lol there is always one of you. Probably never even left the USA. ​@bighands69

[@hmpeter]

Great video, thank you! I hope that it will inspire some poeple to use those wonderful tools! :-)

[@alfredneumann4692]

Super Video. I own one of these german planes. Cheerio from Germany.

[@melsmith8768]

Rex .... I like your take on transitional wood planes but you always going from smoothing to scrub or fore plan adaption. Lets go the other way I have a fore plane, replaced the sole added a smaller mouth, but what size mouth should I be looking for? I've check out Stanley for some insight an got no where as to sizing of mouths. Give me a link to continue my search! thanks mel smith (keep the video's coming)

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic video, Rex! Thanks a lot! 😃 I'm thinking about making some wooden planes... A smoother, a scrub/jack plane and a jointer... My question is, where could I find good information about them? (Like size, position of the mouth and so on?) Thanks a lot! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@gebhardt244]

Love them

[@buzzmooney2801]

You mention that many people think of wooden planes as junk or decor: You might be amused by an antique shop find of mine: it was an early- to mid-20th century TOY plane, from a child's toy tool set. In those days, "toy" tool sets often contained functional tools: claw hammers with small steel heads, small saws with teeth cut for PULLING, instead of the standard Anglo/American push saw, and small, wooden-bodied olanes with a simple steel iron. I bought one, just to see what it would do, put an edge on it, and found that it actually does work!

[@willys47cj2]

Hey Rex, had a thought to modify a square side wood plane around 12-16 inches long to use as a shooting plane and move the handle 90 degrees. Thoughts, enjoy your bringing new knowledge to us hobbyists

[@bengtjohansson6364]

Thanks a lot for this and last week's videos! I inherited more than 30 wooden hand planes from my grandfather, and I am about halfway through restoring them. I love using them, and your videos taught me some new really useful knowledge and technique.

[@herrtonapparat6612]

You can t set germany and french in one category when it comes to tools. Greets from the Schwarzwald.....ps i love your channel, thank you very much. Its funny that you compared planing with punching....its totally true. The food work is important.

[@RobotJustice]

The really nice thing to me about wooden planes is the ease of entry. A used iron bought online and a decent piece of firewood will get you a surprisingly competent piece of equipment.

[@SandyMasquith]

Thanks Rex! Great advice. I really appreciate your content.

[@ErikBongers]

Actually you need to tap the wedge after advancing the iron as well. Reason is that the iron+chipbreaker is wider at the bottom of the plane than at the top. And this is by design, to avoid that the iron slowly rises as it is being pushed through the wood. Since the iron is wider at the bottom, it gets locked in place with the upward force during use. But that means that if you tap the iron forward, it becomes looser!

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

He is a clever guy without question. But every time I watch his brilliant videos I just see Fester from the Adamsfamily.

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

That's Uncle Festus.

[@jonnygranville281]

Budget Vin Diesel

[@CamQTR]

Hey Rex! I think I figured out something about using those big Stanley number 8s. I recently stopped using my 8 after I got a 6, for jointing for violin making. Then today, I took a table outside and turned on its side, to straighten out one edge, end grain of 3 jointed boards, about a meter long, about 2 cm wide. Had trouble with my block plain, so I grabbed the number 8 and it worked wonderfully. I think the secret is to have the plane and the work surface low, below your waist, so that your upper body leans over the plane, with both of you arms downward. In this posture, the number 8 was easy to control, I did not loose control of the balance of the tool, which is what happens when I worked with the tool above level of my waist.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

That piece of paper clampped on your tool wall catches my attention all the time. What is it? I use my No. 6 quite a lot. I just flattened my workbench top, and I used a No. 40 a little on really high area, mostly a No. 6 and No. 62. Mixed in a No. 8 sometimes to catch reference far apart, and finished with a few full length passes with a No. 8. If I am going for wooden planes, I would go for Chinese ones. I might make a few when I get better at making things. After all, that is my tradition, and I should not completely abondon it.

[@RexKrueger]

Its a drawing of a saw. My daughter did it.

[@ombelle5284]

I don't know what I love most about you... The historical approach, the low cost aspect, or the skill centered attitude. You're awesome Rex

[@RexKrueger]

The shiny head. That's the most lovable part.

[@kenrusmisel127]

just picked up a 20 inch fore plane with a 2 3/8 Sandusky Steel iron just getting it cleaned up now. Thank you very much for the lesson on what to look for and how to clean it up. Cost me $20.

[@jhowe5571]

Yes, they made quality furniture that lasted 100+ years. But, furniture today is mass produced, as well and is mostly short lived, disposable furniture!

[@bighands69]

It not really that they are mass producing them that is creating the issue. Mercedes and Rolls Royce are mass produced as are Apple phones but they have high quality nature to them. The problem is cheap low quality products that do not last for any period of time and because they are so cheap they get replaced without a thought. I am still using the same gas cooker in my house and it is over 20 years old but because it was well made it still lasts just needs maintenance.

[@nickademuss42]

might want to mention that you don't store or leave a plane blade down on the bench, unless you like sharpening them more :)

[@bighands69]

Not really going to have much impact on the edge of the blade to be honest. It may damage your perfectly finished work bench but you are going to o that with working anyway.

[@douglashopkins8070]

Good video. Wooden planes sure are fun... Another benefit is if you drop one and you get unlucky... you can make a new one out of a piece of scrap wood.

[@Dravde]

Exceptional video! Thanks for putting up the metric sizes.

[@NonFerricIrony]

I first saw Paul Sellers doing that in his video and realized what a classy thing it was to acknowledge people from all over the world are watching these videos.

[@MrConminer]

It's so hard to find metal planes here in Germany atleast on flea markets/garage sales so wooden planes are the way to go...

[@marksampson48]

At 18:20 I watched you formulate that grip four times. That was brilliant, Rex.

[@dikkierovertje]

I also see a lot of Bailey planes with ribbed soles, what are those about?

[@ianshack6679]

Hello, is it true that when acquiring a new wooden plane, you should let it sit in your shop for a while, before adjusting it? Thanks

[@donotchris7849]

You really do understand how to answer a lot of questions in a short amount of time. I struggle to find videos which are as informative as yours, and that answer so many questions. Keep up the great work!

[@rajakorban8838]

Thank you Rex wonderful information, any chance the you discuss the Japanese style of wooden planes, which work on the pull rather than push?

[@mariohenriquez4339]

Thank you so much! You answered a question I had, which planes do I need? Thank you, this was so informative/helpful.

[@W1ldt1m]

Love my wooden planes. They feel better. Most especially when I dimension by hand and am at it for hours.

[@JuanRivera-wm2um]

Informative and educational as always Rex. Thank you. Patreon well spent.

[@nivoset]

As someone from ohio getting into this I am hoping things open safely soon (my immune system is compromised so I gotta be very careful) I want to keep an eye out for garage sales for tools now

[@RexKrueger]

I feel you. I have bad asthma and I hardly leave the house.

[@Mhj96813]

Would it be possible to mount a #4 metal smoother in a wooden frame and use it as a jointer? Basically just making it’s base longer

[@RexKrueger]

I pretty much did that 3 weeks ago.

[@Mhj96813]

@@RexKrueger I was thinking more of a bolt on wooden frame that goes around the smaller plane. Maybe drill and tap the sides of the plane and bolt on the extensions

[@joecoffee968]

What is the difference between a double iron and a regular iron?

[@jackbeeson4127]

Great video Rex! If you want to keep the momentum going on the wooden planes how about a video on finding, restoring and using wooden plow planes and their cousins?

[@HondoTrailside]

Most of those planes are gone. My goon woodworking pal found a Noris smoother in a bin somewhere. Talk about pearls to swine. But that was decades ago. There was a big period around 1980 when there were books on reconditioning tools. I have several of these. But it is a lot faster to make a plane than to recondition one. I think that part of the reason for reconditioning tools was that a lot of the guys who were into that did not have decent shops, often on purpose. I did seminars on plane making around 1980, and I came up with 45 minutes to make a plane if one had the blade, and 90 to make one with a blade made from a file. That does not include all the shaping, or the application of finish, but one can make a plane to do something, and get the first cut in 45 minutes. All the above is why recently we saw all these great companies come out with new planes of the old type. They realized there just weren't enough antiques to supply the explosion in new woodworkers.

[@colinmartin9797]

I finally, FINALLY found a good wood jointer after like two years of looking. Every flea market and antique store wanted like $150-200 for beat to crap examples. I finally found one in a really fancy antique store, where one stall had a few for $150-200 in rough shape, but another stall had a gorgeous one with barely any use, a nearly dead-square/flat sole, no checking, an original iron and breaker, and wedge. The handle wasn't even loose. $35. The iron had some pitting and an ugly hand-done scrub grind, but after fixing that and taking 1/64th off the sole with my power jointer to flatten it, it's so freaking nice to use. I wish I'd have found one sooner.

[@rickmackay7452]

I’m set to get three wooden planes from a family member soon, with these last two videos I think I can actually tune them up and make them work! Thanks Rex!

[@willemkossen]

Great video. I love my wooden planes a lot. I will try the stance you showed. Thanks!

[@johanchristianbax4118]

The planes used in my country are still the wooden planes and are super cheap, costing less than 300pesos (approx $6), the design taken from the chinese plane