Flattening a board using hand planes

Mike flattens a board by hand using a Fore plane, Try Plane, a Smoothing plane and some winding sticks.
I did create a greater hollow in the center of the board than I intended but you should be able to get the general idea.

[@vikramkrishnan6414]

Two videos, ten years, nearly a million views; no annoying music, no clickbait thumbnails, pure info. Absolute legend

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

nearly 10k subscribers for a channel that has only TWO videos shows how valuable these videos really are.

[@Misksound]

i've been working with my planes for a few months now and this lesson has been revelatory. I realize that the boards i have flattened have been almost accidental luck! I can see it's time to develop a little more of a relationship with each piece of stock and not make the mistake of assuming the plane does all the work... i've seen so many "how to flatten a board" videos and this is the most helpful and thorough. thank you Mike!

[@SomeJustice19k]

Same. I jumped into it thinking they plane did all the work and became very frustrated when it wasn't working out.

[@justinsane332]

I've watched so many of these, but I must say I'm impressed with this one. By far the best instructions I've seen so far

[@raol635]

Agree with you 1000%

[@professor62]

Ditto!

[@beantown_billy2405]

Same sentiment from me. I was preciously going with the "plane and hope" technique which has caused a lot of frustration

[@captainpants5118]

Honest to God man this is the single best video I've seen on all of youtube on the subject of flattening a board.

[@boozoochavis7506]

I sure do like Mike - his easy going style and no BS teaching method are so nice in this day and age of all flash and little substance. He knows his stuff and conveys that is a direct manner, he's made me a better woodworker. I wish him luck and appreciate posting these videos, thanks Mike!!

[@danielgeng2306]

Best tutorial of how to flatten a board I’ve seen yet, thanks Mike !

[@atteljas]

I thought I knew how to use a hand plane, but this is just black belt stuff 💪

[@738polarbear]

He is 10th Dan ha ha . Master Siemsen.

[@thelevicole]

This is the best video on how to flatten a board I’ve seen on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@michaelintile7836]

Finally, a KZbin carpenter who knows what he is talking about - what a relief (-:

[@josevelez7539]

Your explanation of how to flatten a board is the simplest I’ve ever listened to and watched. Thank you!!

[@chemcorps272]

Thank you for explaining the different types of planes. Thank you for clearly explaining the entire process. Thank you for clearly showing the entire process. Thank you!

[@rockbandgamer]

There's no better video out there when it comes to hand planing. So much knowledge in this video that you won't find in the books of woodworking.

[@timairborne5813]

Im so happy that the internet is around for these guys to impart their knowledge onto the rest of us. Its a shame to think of all the knowledge weve lost over the years.

[@mikeTHEmanatee]

icouldn't help but imagine how cool it would be if iwas your grandson. ilove my pops and gramps but they're the last ppl on earth you'd see w a tool in their hand, much less a hand planer, doing awesome craftsmanship like this. you sir, do not have enough uploaded content on here. us young pups have much to learn.. but I'm grateful for what you have shared and i will now pass on this precious knowledge to my son when he's old enough. Thank you Mike. Sincerely, your long lost grandson - Mike R.

[@projectchon]

A lot of people on youtube are craftsmen, but only some of them are also teachers. This videos is the most insightful one on youtube, thanks for the upload.

[@floydc3664]

One of the best tutorials I've seen but reinforces my gratitude to Sir Samuel Bentham and Leondard Bailey...

[@mlewis4919]

Thanks Mike. I've watched a lot of videos on board flattening by hand, but yours is the first to go into the mechanics of what's happening during the flattening process. Super!

[@738polarbear]

This man is understated but extremely knowledgable . his building of the viceless Nicholson bench is simple and just plain works.

[@favclassisspy9478]

This explanation clicked with me, really helped me to visualise the whole planing process. Gonna give it a go next time I'm in the shop. Hopefully I can be more efficient and rely less on trial and error

[@GospelBearer]

I enjoyed this documentary on why they invented planing machines.

[@ChristopherWalborn]

I’ve read, watched, and practiced numerous ways with mixed and sometimes frustrating results. This really helped things click into place for me. Thanks so much. Your workbench DVD got me started a while back. So thanks for that as well.

[@treforparry4054]

Great video Mike. I learned a lot. Thanks for posting.

[@michaelostrander3681]

I've watched your video on work holding 2 or 3 times as I was building a new bench and wanted to give my self as many options as possible. I consider that video to be state-of-the-art on the subject. This video is the same. No one has ever explained a try plane to me before, referring to the usual suspects here. The whole process makes a lot of sense. For years I've used a scrub plane (if needed), a jack plane and a smooth plane. I got it done but was very fussy getting a perfectly flat face with a shorter plane. I'm going to take this new method to the shop in the morning and see if this simplifies the job. Thanks again for the great work. I'd personally love to see more.

[@fieroboom]

Oh my gosh. This is hands-down the absolute BEST explanation and demonstration I've seen, and planing a board flat makes so much more sense to me now... I mean it's plane-ly obvious!! 😂🤣 Thank you so much for this demonstration!! 👍👍👍

[@waynekiely4137]

Best KZbin demonstration on board flattening that I've come across. Many thanks.

[@Nertz1000]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@williammarr1931]

Excellent demo. Very clear explanations. Thanks for sharing.

[@strhydercreaghe7937]

Sir, THANK YOU! for actually teaching something. This video has been the most informative that I seen. Keep with the wonderful work.

[@edwardog]

My favourite of all the board flattening videos out there on KZbin. So awesome.

[@darwinschierer8575]

Very useful tutorial. Thank you for making, and for keeping on KZbin for a long while.

[@matthewschmalz852]

THis is the best video I have seen on this subject. Thanks a million!!

[@PaddyMcNubbington]

Great video Mike, a very well explained and systematic approach. I really appreciate it.

[@raol635]

This guy is teaching from his heart. Bravo 👏

[@skippylippy547]

I really liked this video. Thank you Mr. Siemsen for sharing your expertise. I learned a lot.

[@orcasea59]

Excellent! I've never seen it done quite this way or so well explained. Please make more videos!

[@gvanheel6656]

This is so crystal clear, thanks!

[@EvulDali]

Excellent video! A very elegant way to flatten a board. More knowledge then brute force!

[@animeclips7232]

Diligently accomplished work deserves respect.

[@michaellienhoop2387]

You’re a very good teacher. Thank you for this video I’ve learned a lot.

[@viggosimonsen]

Beautiful to see real traditional craftmanship But what a job. You really appreciate how the power tools have saved so much labor, time and indeed enhanced precision

[@sylvainroy5764]

I learnes a lot viewing this excellent video ! Thanks!

[@inthewoodworksco.9041]

Very helpful and explanatory. Thanks for posting this video.

[@artiefufkin3292]

Massive effort there. Enjoyed watching while sitting on my arse drinking beer. Remind me not to bother flattening a board.

[@jamesanding1837]

I couldn't do that. I would have said "This board looks plenty flat to me" then set on the sofa and watched Star Trek reruns. Props to you Mike for doing that demo and having the energy to do it. Great stuff.

[@irishfitz]

You earned the like with the secret agent planing music. Thank you for sharing your craft!

[@jasper12785]

Amazing and outstanding video, this explains everything so well and goes much beyond other videos; thanks so much for sharing, this is priceless information!!

[@738polarbear]

Very clearly explained Mike ..This is real woodworking to my perception.

[@jasonsocquet8555]

This is the best planing instructional video on youtube. Very well done!

[@mikeevans3766]

This is a great video on the subject and I love that Mike demonstrates that the transition planes are still very useful in the shop.

[@pauldixon6654]

Exceptional video mike. Many thanks for sharing and always look forward to watching a grand master at work.

[@robhales5521]

This absolutely the best I have seen this explained. Better by a mile than the other videos I've seen on the same subject. Thanks. Subscribed.

[@truebluekit]

Clarity, thy name is Mike Siemsen. Much respect, sir. You have shed light on this matter like no other has on KZbin. And I've watched them all. Thank you for sharing this. I wish I could attend your school. Take care, and God Bless.

[@tonylenge424]

Excellent video, this is one of the best explanations I have seen. I followed your directions and it worked out great. Thanks

[@L8NiteCoffeeSips]

Well instructed & thoroughly explained 👌🏽

[@johnfisher4910]

Thank you so much, Mike! That was, by far, the best instruction on how to use a hand plane I've come across. Total game changer.

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process Thanks for sharing

[@utubecommentssuck]

Mike, I love how you explicitly address the problem of developing a convex surface, and I like your systematic approach to dealing with it. Very informative, thanks.

[@JR-yr8xm]

Definitely learned some good info. Thank you.

[@MaxSafeheaD]

This was great! Thanks Mike 😁

[@jonnyjames3202]

Thank you for the wonderful lesson!

[@beastlybombers]

Love it. Thank you Mike.

[@osvaldocristo]

Thanks to present me the best technique I have seem in an instructional movie in KZbin. My hat off, Sir!

[@twinkyunouwantmycreamfilli8297]

I didnt think the video could possibly get better than it was in the first half. But then you went to town over some old school funk music. I will always have a funky track playing in the background when i have my plane out now. Great vid. Thank you.

[@johnschillo4452]

This was great instruction. It helps me understand the best way to use my fore plane, try plane and smoother.

[@PilotJames3]

Great tutorial. Thanks. I like how one can get some good exercise while woodworking if using hand tools. Just getting into planing with hand planes and I appreciate the lesson

[@maineiachomestead7550]

This tutorial really resonates with me, Mike. Thank you. I love to see some joinery from you Mike. I have your lost art bench video (I appreciate your humor, btw, you cracked me up) and hope to have a shop to build it in someday then put your lessons to use.

[@robertamardeil7940]

Merveilleuse méthode....Excellente démonstration Merci

[@HeartPumper]

It is indeed a humbling experience to watch such Master at work (even "just flattening" the board). Pure pleasure, every single sentence is educational and informatial. *The best YT visualization of what's going on with planed surfaces & using winding sticks, hands down.* Putting down the planes aside - on their sides. Such small nuances, proving years of experience & excellent work ethics. *Thank You Sir!!.*

[@ralphfink8515]

Mr. Siemsen, thank you! I watched your excellent video a couple of times. Taking notes. Went to my garage and flattened a nightstand top per your method. You raised my skill level. Thank you!

[@rjtjtckt3998]

This video explains this process much better than other people's.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

That will give you a good upper body workout. Great job. Enjoyed it.

[@anthonychavez3742]

I've been looking at several video KZbins on hand planing, but you sir you know what you're talkin about thank you for sharing.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Mike this is woodworking! A lost art for sure in the interest of productivity but good to know there are still real craftsmen out here! Thanks a for a great titorial!

[@puffinlittle]

Greetings, thank you once again for sharing such useful and concise information. pax, PL

[@mutthowls5337]

Great video Mike! I've never planed before and I am about to embark on a journey with an 8' live edge slab of Ash that is twisted and crowned at every knot. This video made perfect sense and has eased some of my tension about taking on this project. Thank you!

[@BobRozaieskiFineWoodworking]

👍🏻Nicely done Mike!

[@GregorKropotkin-qu2hp]

A Masterclass in essential yet basic woodworking skills, it is a real pleasure to watch and the knowledge that this guy really knows what he is talking about and is really teaching the correct, time-tested methods makes it even more worthwhile. New Subscriber here!

[@MichaelRoss-omtaretutare]

Mike, this is a super video. Thanks so much for doing it. I committed to building my workbench combining what I learned from your video on viceless workholding and Paul Sellers workbench made in his back yard with minimal tools. I am very happy with my bench. I can break it down for transport (as Paul shows), it is really solid (7'x34" and almost 3" thick for good holdfast function). My own addition was a deep, removable (so I can get clamps in the center of the bench if needed), tool trough in the middle for tools, and a planing stop like you use. I am not sure I want to omit a good vice on the apron. Since I have two heavy aprons I think I can risk it. I have a large amount of white and red oak logs. I wish someone would show flattening of really dense wood. Nothing I do looks like all the youtube vids done on softwood.

[@xs10tl1]

Excellent video. I felt like I was doing it along with you.

[@alonalgr660]

Great explanations. Thanks

[@markharris5771]

This is one of the most "real world" approaches to flattening a board I've seen. I like the idea of doing the perimeter first and the approach for reducing the crown rather than ride it. I also want a transitional plane. Thank you.

[@kathleenbasieiwcz4636]

First time here and I did subscribe. I learn something new everyday.

[@danaeoneil4013]

Amazing teaching, thankyou very much.

[@stufarnham]

Greay video, Mikke. A lot of the videos on this topic lack detail and make the process appear quick and almost magical. The detail you provided here really instructs on the process allowing one to applly the process in its entirety. Thank you so much! Stu

[@ocoutdoors2355]

best tutorial I've seen

[@learnerlearns]

Excellent instruction from a knowledgeable teacher. It's also why I use a power planer.

[@skippylippy547]

Learner - LOL - it's funny but I went the other way. I got rid of my power planer and use hand planers now. I can get far better results with far better accuracy the hand planer way.

[@738polarbear]

Power planers CANNOT do what he just did,without a real lot of piddling around and building sleds and jigs .

[@738polarbear]

@@skippylippy547 YES OF COURSE YOU DO.

[@skippylippy547]

@@738polarbear ?

[@user-nn7uh7lm6f]

Skippy Lippy if its your hobby - its correct. But in case you have to make a lot of jointing and planing - impossible to do by hand) especially with oak, maple etc hardwood , not pine

[@belthize]

I have this overwhelming urge to fly to Minnesota and buy you a beer. Really excellent video explaining both the why and how of removing twist, then crown. One mental technique I find that works to avoid following a hump is to *try* and plane a hollow across the board. Mentally picture trying to scoop out a bowl. You'll fail but it helps keep pressure on the back of the plane while lifting the front so it's less likely to ride up and over. Again, really great video.

[@harrymason1053]

Very nice job of explaining. Very nice indeed! It reminds me of when I was a kid, my father would explain things this way. When we were done, I had a real good understanding. Then he would leave me to try myself, and to perfect my technique. I know he watched me from afar because he would sometimes ask me questions, to see if I needed a little more instruction or if I just needed more experience.

[@MOSTAFA131160]

very helpful video, thank you

[@beantown_billy2405]

What a great teacher

[@wiscgaloot]

I had a lot of fun back in the late 90's figuring out how to do this, with the help of other Galoots on The Porch. It's nice to know you can square up a board using just hand planes.

[@frenstcht]

Great video! Thanks!

[@slimcrna]

This video was so good, I watched it twice today. I then said to myself "Maybe I'll buy some hand planes." Holy moly those are expensive! Ill have to look for sales, but as they say, buy once, cry once. This looks like an art I will enjoy in the long run.

[@slimcrna]

A year later and I have a 4, 5, and a 7- with a 5 1/2 on order. I still come back for tips on this video. Just flattened a flame billet maple board that was very rough and too figured for my power planer. Looks a treat now!

[@stevenmaduri917]

I’m a little late to this party, but you got the instant follow when you “shaded” the whole board with the crayon. I’m going to use that one for sure!!

[@curtisloud1027]

Thanks Mike!

[@agileanalyst214]

It makes a lot of sense. Thank you

[@markjohnson9495]

For folks thinking it is faster to just run it through a power planer, that's not the case. This method is superior. A planer forces the board against the bottom plate as it feeds through, so any compressed cupping or warp will simply return after the board emerges from the machine. This way shims up warpage so he is taking it out of the board, creating a surface that's flat at rest, not still under any machine tension.

[@jpanic7677]

This is a fantastic video. The technique is a little more subtle and cerebral but definitely an improvement once comprehended than other techniques I've seen.

[@johnjude2685]

I'm thinking my wood shop teacher in Jr. High didn't know this as clearly as you are teaching Sir. Thanks for Teaching me, Sir

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Really helpful thanks so much!