How I Set Up My Hand Planes - Ask Matt #9

[@pekesrepose7363]

thank you. because of this I've sharpened and used a very similar hand planer that was gifted to me 12 years ago. you could say I've just used it successfully and properly for the 1st time. love the work you do. I picked up on the channel 2 years ago when you where milling large logs.

[@daveb7999]

Hi Matt, I'm enjoying watching all of your videos, thanks for taking the time to share what you do. The Ash floor that you milled, installed and finished is amazing!

[@mcremona]

Thank you Dave! I appreciate the comment!

[@BillHantzopoulos]

Good video. Being a beginner when it comes to sharpening you give a lot of good and helpful info here. Thanks.

[@mcremona]

Bill Hantzopoulos Thank you Bill!

[@CMRWoodworks]

I needed a refresher on planes. Your video was useful. Thanks for making this what seems like so long ago!

[@mcremona]

Feels like so long ago. Hope you’re doing well, Chris!

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Thanks Matt! I just bought some of those Hock plane blades for an old Bailey #5 and #7. I just need to slightly open the throat to compensate for the thicker blade and chip breaker.

[@mcremona]

Awesome! The upgraded blades make a big difference. You'll love them! Thanks Chris!

[@tomalcolm]

Great video Matt. I like that you are honest about your limited use of planes. There's nothing worse than someone pretending to be the referential expert on a topic when they're not. That being said, I have great respect for your craftsmanship and integrity. And I still learned a few things. Keep up the good work.

[@mcremona]

tomalcolm Thank you!!!

[@55dpc]

I have used wood tools on my small lathe. They seem to work good together! Thax for showing me how to sharpen these tools.

[@j.d.anderson6710]

I'm by no means a master wood worker, but I've been a framer/house building carpenter for 15 plus years. I'm pretty handy with most power tools and wood working in general. I've really became interested in word work using only... Well maybe mostly hand tools (non electric). I've watch sooo many "how to" videos about hand planes.... sharpening, restoring, setting up & using them. I'm sure I could improve in all the above areas, and probably some I haven't listed. With that being said, I'm not stupid either... I have learned to get the plane iron sharp, I understand the principals of how to set up & use a plane. I've tried several planes, Stanley, Craftsman, some " no name" brands. I bought a new Kolbalt plain at the big box store. It wasn't the greatest quality, but I got it sharp, I got the soul flat ect... No matter what plane I've gotten, or how sharp I get it, or how many different things I try with the set up, my results are the same... I can never get good results. Some times I've managed to half ass barley ok results, but never good or even decent results... Any advice?

[@rodreece4428]

Hey Matt, enjoy all your productions. I am a retired Industrial Arts teacher (34 years). Always stressed to my students to turn the plane on its side when setting on the bench. This protects the micro edge from any irregularities on the bench top. We always stored them in an upright position but had a small block under the back to hold the plane iron above the surface of the storage shelf or container.

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

Great job Matthew Cremona. For many hand plane beginner and hybrid woodworkers this is a solid basic information. You kept things clear, in a logical progression, and simple to understand. I don't know of many, if any, who could have done a better job my friend.

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much, Michael!!

[@johnconklin9039]

Great info Matt. Adjust my few planes and learning to use them correctly is def. on my to-do list.

[@mcremona]

John Conklin Thank you John!

[@ZacHiggins]

Great video Matt! Nice job getting the tight angles. You really could see all the small details that are often just mentioned without really showing it... and those are the details that you have to see to understand the technique! Keep up the good work!

[@dumonr71]

Any suggestions on what/where to look for a decent set of planes? Also where did you get your stones?

[@gregteagle8002]

Thanks Matt. Very helpful as always. Congrats on your new venture.

[@mcremona]

Greg Teagle Thank you Greg!

[@billfromelma]

This was very good info. I might have to spring for one of those 4k grit stones. After watching your sharping video I bought the diamond plate to rough hone and flatten the stones. I had one of those DMT honey comb looking things but it wore out. The plate works great. Please don't forget about the how to color , and fill cracks in wood with epoxy.

[@mcremona]

billfromelma Thank you. Glad to hear that plate is working out for you. I'm just about done with the doors so I'll be starting on editing that video soon.

[@KrisSays]

Hey Matt! I'm really happy to have come across your channel! I don't have a jointer and would be interested in what electric planer(s) you would recommend... I would rather buy once & cry once rather than getting something sub-par and need to buy several times. Thanks again! Have a stellar week!

[@r.s.grantwoodworking7691]

Great video Matt. It worked well on that whacky grained white oak. I imagine it could slice through cherry and other softer woods even better.

[@mcremona]

R. S. Grant Woodworking Thank you Robert! Yes, I didn't choose a very good piece for demonstration. The grain changed direction 4 times in that board lol

[@frankingram3382]

Matt I enjoyed this video but I still have a question. When you were starting to plane you turned the roller at the back to run the blade in and out but which way do you turn the nob for in and out? Is this the same on all planes?

[@KSFWG]

Always informative and great camera work. Thanks for the video.

[@mcremona]

KSFWG Thank you!

[@tamaselkan8902]

Great demo Matt as always and very professional looking closeups as well!

[@mcremona]

Tamás Elkán Thank you Tamás!

[@brokenwave6125]

I just used a hand plane for the first time today so this was perfect timing to watch

[@stevecollins9450]

Very informative, Matt, I learned several tricks from it!

[@mcremona]

Awesome! Thanks, Steve!

[@tooljunkie555]

good stuff! that was a little reminder for me to sharpen my planes. question: it really doesnt matter what the angle is? just as long as the tip of the blade or bevel is touching?( like u showed in the video) but what if its coming straight from the box and needs to be shined up? same process but i would start it off with the 800? thanks matt! " til the next episode"

[@mcremona]

Joe Walters Thanks Joe! The way I'm showing it here is by creating a micro bevel on the edge. So the cutting angle is only going to differ from the primary grind by a degree or so. Pretty much the same process as out of the box, yes start at a lower grit. Thanks for the questions!

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona ok kool thanks man..inhave a couple that definitely need sharpening after finding out what SHARP is ..haha and thanks for the answers!:)

[@mcremona]

Sharp power!

[@tooljunkie555]

Matthew Cremona yes!!! " im loving it" it makes life sooo much easier and accurate too.haha

[@beebop187]

Didn't see it in the comments where did you get that jig for sharpening?

[@jwsweetieheart]

Haha, your video seemed adorable and modest. I'm still struggling to set up my tool, but it seems my tool may be different -- its more flat and doesn't have the angle your tool has. Wonder if it is a different kind. What tool do you recommend for trimming down the sides of a wood door? I need to take off about 3/16" on each side.

[@scotthaun8582]

nice close up shots to show detail! very informative!

[@mcremona]

Scott Haun Thank you Scott!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Thanks for the info. I didn't put a micro bevel on my plane iron and It sucked

[@mcremona]

***** I bet. That's a lot of polishing.

[@dakotarich024]

Great video Matt. Thanks for doing it. Makes more sense to me now

[@mcremona]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nordyfamily]

Keep up the great work!

[@BenBrandt22]

Thanks for the video, Matt. As a hand plane novice this was really instructive.

[@Geeksmithing]

+Ben Brandt ditto

[@mcremona]

Thanks guys!

[@mcyhanick]

I don't own any hand planes and I need to pick up some. What would I want to look for and what sizes would be best to start collecting? My goal is to use them similar to the way you do, to do touch up work on machine milled lumber. I want to start milling my own logs from the woods.

[@mcremona]

Matthew Cyhanick I use my #4 all the time. It's the most used plane in my collection. I've heard good things about the woodriver planes if you're looking to buy new. Are you thinking of going with a chainsaw mill?

[@mcyhanick]

Matthew Cremona thanks for tip. I'll check those planes out. Yes I am thinking about a chainsaw mill. They look interesting. I like that you can cut slabs in the woods if needed.

[@mcremona]

Matthew Cyhanick They're a lot of fun. You'll love it!

[@Paul_Weedon]

Thanks Matt. I have a few things to try out now. Appreciate you going through the setup process. Next topic, scrapers 😄

[@mcremona]

KnotTheWood ? I was hoping someone would make that suggestion :) Thank you!

[@dutchwdwkr]

Great video! Thank you for doing this!!

[@jonatham35]

Great video! Reminds me I need to go out and sharpen mine. lol. Curious if you had any tips on setting up a jointer? I had someone sharpen my jointer blades, but they said they only went up to 200 grit. Way low, I know. I have a old 4in jointer just taking up space till I can get it working. I feel like most of the youtube videos on the subject are not much help. Thanks in advance for any help!

[@mcremona]

Jonathan Mutchler Thank you! Have you seen the video that Marc did about it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYCaZWmZqrekjJY

[@jonatham35]

Thanks! I'll check that out.

[@johnvanderhoof1248]

Matt, good vid. Just wondering, you mentioned Rob Cosman's camber method. He is also a proponent of David Charlesworth's ruler trick for sharpening plane blades. Have you tried it? I have and it brings the sharpening to the next higher level. Cheers

[@diycentral]

Nice closeup. Was that a macro lens? Finally purchased a Bailey No.8c to complete the collect (I think). The rest are in storage though and I have a feeling are completely rusted. Lots of work ahead of me.

[@mcremona]

diycentral Thanks! Yes I use my 100mm f2.8 L Marco for those fun close ups. It's the one you commented about having the lens cap on it for a dust cap :) Hopefully they're not too rusted so you can get back to making shavings!

[@diycentral]

Matthew Cremona You beat me there. Don't have the L version of that lens. Actually it wasn't even out yet when I got mine. I'm getting jealous again.

[@simplediyr]

Do you camber your irons at all?

[@KN-ek4wi]

Is it possible to use sewing machines oil instead of stone oil?

[@ultimate1933]

I have a hand plane like yours but mine is from Lowe's, it's a Kobalt model. On mine, the top screw comes loose when I use it. Is that from it being a $30 tool or is that normal? And after a couple of passes, the blade will go back into the hand plane.

[@jimbob6406]

Thank you for making this video, I was just about to ask if you could do a video on your hand plane set up.

[@mcremona]

Jim Bob This was the most requested one yet. Thanks!

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

Nice job Matt, I recently picked up a set of Shapton stones. I have a bunch of planes and chisels from my Grandfather I need to rehab. May get started on the chisels this weekend. Scott

[@mcremona]

Thank you Scott! Have fun fixing those tools up. It will be worth it :)

[@WestCoastMods]

Nice demonstration...love the Macro shots. Are you you using a Canon 100mm Macro Lens?

[@mcremona]

WestCoastMods Thanks! Yes I am

[@WestCoastMods]

Matthew Cremona Nice...its a very nice lens for Macro shooting...also good for portraits. product shots, ect. I have the same lens along with several other "L" lenses.

[@mcremona]

WestCoastMods Yeah I love it. The camera stuff is from my past life as a hobby photographer :)

[@Zombieoutrunner]

Very helpful Mat. Thank you

[@habitats9002]

Really informative -- was never good at using planes. Good camera shots too; like the "live feed" feel.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@jtapp83]

Matt, glad I found your videos. I am in the middle of getting a small shop going, in my home in Montana. My last purchase is going to be a table saw. The ones that are for true woodworking shops are just too big for my area. Can I get the same results from a portable jobsite saw? I am planning on building a a small bench to catch the runout. Thanks

[@mcremona]

jtapp83 The portable saws can work, depending on how good of one you get. Probably the biggest issue with them is the fence. If you can find one with a good fence, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to get the same results.

[@MrCmonReally]

Thanks for a great video Matt! Just curious what diamond stone grit you're using to true up your water stones?

[@mcremona]

Alan Smith Thank you Alan! It's a coarse grit diamond plate.

[@charlescarter6175]

I haven't seen all your videos at this point, but I'd like to see a how to on choosing sharpening equipment. Very nice doors on the Secretary Desk.

[@j.d.ransom6721]

Great information Matt. Thanks.

[@mcremona]

Thank you J.D.!

[@shaileshpatel9365]

hey matt I learn lot of thing from your video thank you very much matt.

[@passionwoodworking9223]

Great tips Matt! Planes are a great way to make woodworkers confetti! lol

[@mcremona]

Passion Woodworking haha! Thanks! I can't help myself sometimes!

[@dmmflys]

Saw your Riobi drill press in the background would you do a review on it?

[@MRrwmac]

Good overview for making shavings with a Plane! Are you considering one on sharpening lathe cutters? "Thanks as always" for sharing!

[@mcremona]

MRrwmac Thank you Mac! I am now :)

[@cl58-woodproject56]

Matt, which kind of wood do you use for demo? Because in my first intention, I believe your blade is not sharp but perhaps the wood is real hard!

[@Barrysworkshop]

Nice video as always. I particularly like your close-ups. I used to obsess about getting the angle the same each time I sharpened, but after watching this and other videos, I'm learning to let go... :)

[@mcremona]

Barry's Workshop Thank you! Glad you've let go :)

[@l3ender15]

Thanks for the links! How would you rate the 8000 stone vs the 6000? It's such a steep increase in price

[@l3ender15]

Also, I found this you could link to: www.amazon.com/dp/B000248XEY

[@mcremona]

l3ender15 Oh awesome! They started selling them again. Thank you

[@mcremona]

l3ender15 The sharpness is better however it's a marginal increase. I think if you were to stop at 6000 you'd be good.

[@l3ender15]

Matthew Cremona Last question: why the coarse diamond plate (instead of fine or extra fine)? Thanks for the help...your videos have really encouraged me to do sharpening the right way. I think most people (like myself) don't know how to do it properly so they're frustrated when using the chisels/planes/whatever. Though to be fair, to build up a good set of sharpening accessories--in addition to good hand tools--is quite an investment, which is why people (like myself) don't spring for it right away.

[@l3ender15]

Matthew Cremona Oh, and go ahead and update the video description with an affiliate link to the 800/4000 stone. When I buy it I want to support you

[@AugustoCampos_pt]

Hi Matt, Thanks for the video, Q: Do you polish the blade, using any Leather with "Green Polishing Wax / Buffing Soap Compound" ?

[@mcremona]

Augusto Campos You could stop the blade. That would only improve it. Honestly, I didn't have the strop the last time I sharpened my planes and they seem to work alright without it. Thanks!

[@dennisjung3860]

hi matt i will start my vocational training as a Carpenter this year. could you please give me some beginner tips for woodworking?

[@mfwoodshop]

I didn't know about camber thanks for the info

[@mcremona]

Glad it was helpful, thanks Mike!

[@myvoodooisstrong]

Matthew, I am also in the MSP area. DO you offer classes?

[@DFwoodturner]

Thanks, Matt!

[@mcremona]

Dane Fuller No problem, Dane! Still shaving away with your new plane?

[@DFwoodturner]

It has a real job to do this afternoon!

[@mcremona]

+Jose Manuel Mayagoitia I'm in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

[@peterlamborn]

Matt, what is a good jack plane for under $100.? One word, koubu!

[@qigong1001]

Hello Matt...why not use diamonds for the whole process? Why the waterstones? Why not just go straight to diamonds and forget about flattening? I'm tired of using sandpaper and need to buy either water stones or diamonds. i want to simplify my plane blade sharpening. Cost is an issue for me, however.

[@1873Winchester]

Diamond hones are perfectly fine, paul sellers uses a 3 stone system, I use a tiny noname diamond hone when I started, but not the easiest to learn freehanding on.... I then went for arkansas oilstones myself after reading many good things about them, one soft 8x2 and one hard black from Dan's Whetstone, that was cheaper than 3 diamond plates and I only need two oil stones, and the hard black should never need flattening in my lifetime. David W on youtube has some informative videos on oilstones. He really likes Washitas but they are hard to find (no longer mined + lots of fakes). I used to have a waterstone too for sharpening knives and razors many years ago, but got real tired of the neverending mess and constant flattening. I really dislike waterstones today, and I don't have any water in my shop.

[@jayross6588]

Thats interesting, I would have thought you used them quite often

[@12camm]

I used to have a shop teacher in high school wood shop who would give you proper hell if you set your plane on the bench with the sole down. I learned early that when I put my plane down it was always on its side.

[@hombremario5057]

Harry was the one who told me to google Woody Hyezmar. And yes, the woodworking book is still available.

[@josemanuelmayagoitia1177]

Where are you from Matt?

[@saigmundur]

I like that you like to eyeball things. Too often things get out hand in terms of perfection. It's about getting work done, not getting everything set up perfectly. No one is able to see the difference anyway. Just my two cents from a (semi)professional. Cheers from Denmark!

[@jimray1111]

Do you have any advise or suggestions for setting up a KZbin channel? Camera's, video length, resolution and such?

[@mcremona]

jim ray Probably the best advice is to just start. You'll find you style and rhythm as you go. Any modern camera will work and will shoot in HD. I know plenty of people use their phones too.

[@jimray1111]

Thanks Matt. Thats probably the best and least expensive advise you could've given....its right within my budget :).

[@JohnLoganMcKee03]

Nice visuals.

[@mcremona]

John McKee Thank you John!

[@michaelstanley6466]

nice macro video. thanks

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@2testtest2]

You sure don't use your planes much if it is a year since you last sharpened it. I too have an A2 iron in my No. 4. In making a single drawer I probably sharpened that one 3 or four times, in adition to sharpening my No. 5 a few times (this one has a standard Stanley blade, which I find works just fine too). I really love my planes though, and I like them sharp. Also I don't have a power planer or jointer, and I really dislike power sanders, so my planes does practically all the milling and finishing.

[@locohombre79]

Hey Matt, I was wondering if my suggestion a couple weeks ago that if all of us gave you 10 bucks a year you could just do this for a living had anything to do with your decision to do so? Anyways I've put my money where my mouth is and just signed up on patreon, I wish you the very best of luck with your exciting new adventure and look forward to more great content Cheers, Martin

[@mcremona]

locohombre79 Yes it did. It made it clear to me that there are people out there willing to support this thing. So double thank you to you.

[@locohombre79]

Cool, I really really hope it works out for you.

[@donpollard9460]

We can't complane about this video, mat!

[@intjonmiller]

Really enjoying your videos and your style. So here's an Ask Matt: how did you get your wife to smile while helping you haul and cut lumber for your workbench? :-D

[@mcremona]

Jon Miller Thank you. I told her it was only going to take 15 minutes :)

[@dpmeyer4867]

cool

[@ridervectors314]

I'm always suspicious of practices like micro bevels and sanding my work just because it's "that time".. why do you use a micro bevel? Have you ever used a plane without one? What kind of benefits are allegedly gained? Personally, I use a single grit to work my edges and I have never had an issue with 1000. Most people will automatically decide that 1000 is too low but I have no idea why, it works really well and I rarely have to sharpen. I just recently hand planed a burled log smooth to get chainsaw trenches out and have to imagine such a fine blade wouldn't be easy or fun to keep tuned up under those circumstances.

[@mcremona]

Jeremy Rider The micro bevel is great because then you don't have to spend time polishing the entire bevel. You can just focus on working on the actual cutting edge. I like to go to the higher grits because I'm able to get a more consistently sharp edge. It's really noticeable for me on the chisels. I can feel how sharp they are based on their cutting performance. For heavy work like that, this wouldn't work so well. It would be better used after a plane set for roughing did it's job. Thanks for the questions!

[@bomaite1]

I don't like those blade guides. They make scratches and grooves in the stone. I like to pick up my stone and hold it in one hand hear my chest, looking down on the side of it. Then I take the blade or whatever I am sharpening and hold it against the stone. It is easy to see the angle and adjust it if necessary. I make small circles and move the blade to different parts of the stone so I get more even wear. It is quick and easy and I feel like I have more control. Dependence on those gadgets just takes up a sea of time, costs money, and does not do a better job.

[@738polarbear]

I sharpen my blades up to 1000 and easily take 0.1mm which is 1/250 more than ample for woodworking .i find that people go overboard with 16k and 30k or whatever.I could take less but of what REAL practical use REALLY is that?I also think that you should really distinguish for people who do not know the difference between bedrock and Bailey planes. regarding the frog.Otherwise it was a reasonable presentation.

[@Blue.4t2]

⭐🙂👍

[@reforzar]

So... Just the tip? I'm surprised you microbevel your stuff.

[@TheMarcball]

first ! i learned a lot, bzw...

[@DemasShopforEverything]

This is what happens when I oversleep lol

[@mcremona]

Celmar haha! Thanks!

[@mcremona]

***** Better cut that out

[@Tom5555]

Not too clear what you are adjusting at times. Just a tip for next time

[@caseykittel]

Why change the angle of the cutting blade? Seems bad to change the angle. Seems like it would cause the plane to cut poorly. I need to be convinced why you wouldn't keep the same angle that you started with.

[@tjweim5785]

Aw rats, Still trying to figure out bevel up or down! LOL

[@mcremona]

TJ weim Another argument for another day with another person lol!

[@ashik4523]

Your very handsome

[@joemumma6776]

Do you like men?

[@cloroxbleach8311]

ewwwww. microbevels

[@cloroxbleach8311]

ewwwww. microbevels