How to Make a Poor Man's Rebate Plane | Paul Sellers

Learn how to make a rebate plane to use for your upcoming projects using readily available materials. Paul Sellers goes into the details of making sure the wedge and blade fit accurately and how to use a chisel as the blade.

[@Xshoty2daBodyX]

Paul was the first person I started watching when I began WoodWorking after having Brain Surgery to remove a tumor. Very few people get a chance in life to start a new profession, Managing large amount of monies was no longer an option for me! So, according to my High school Shop teacher, i was desten to be a craftsman, I had a talent working with wood. The very first video I came across was Paul's video series on Building a workbench with minimal tools and workspace. This fit for me as I had no place to work and no tools! That was the beginning of what I have now, a shop with a customer base! The WoodWhisperer, Rob Cosmon .....I've followed them all and not taking anything away from them! I have never seen someone with so much experience have such enjoyment and glee with what they are accomplishing!! I swear, it's like watching a youngster ride a bike for the first time!! I want that in my choice for a lifetime proffession! Thank you Paul Sellers for doing what you do and how you do it!!

[@petermarsh4993]

Steven Kilianski, thank you for sharing some key parts of your life’s journey. What you see in Paul is a no nonsense craftsman with a magnificent ability to keep his audience captivated, even if it is something as humble as making a plane from scraps of wood and a broken chisel. You will not be disappointed. I hope you develop skills to forge your enthusiasm into a successful new career. Best of luck.

[@danoi99]

Bloody good on you mate !

[@redwood_shores]

That sounds like those artificial motivational stories, though you made it sir!

[@marciocarneirosantos]

I perfectly understand your point. Congratulations for finding this path to enjoy life.

[@learnerlearns]

Paul, I love all your videos, but this one in particular made me smile and laugh so much! The sheer joy you expressed near the end... you spoke so quietly as if amazed by your own work, although we know you've done this many times before. There was a childlike sense of glee... Just beautiful. THANK YOU!

[@Bjornarp]

+Learner-Learns second that statement! Love it! I actually found myself smiling to the computerscreen going "Wooooooah" when the shavings started xD

[@1HourMartinizing]

He really exudes passion in what he does, doesn't he?

[@tpobrienjr]

I agree. Thanks for sharing the joy of making a fine tool.

[@frasercormack5354]

Learner-Learns I felt the exact same. I've never seen you in so much joy, Paul. Goes a long way to see you do love woodworking.

[@sayhitocheryl]

What a feelin', eh? When it just sings to ya like that!

[@robertmargraf6858]

Paul, I know this was posted years ago and maybe you won't ever see the comment, but I cannot express the joy I get from making a functional tool like this. Started the project yesterday and by this afternoon was able to fiddle with it enough to try it out- and I was ecstatic. This sort of project is wonderful- and I truly appreciate your "use what you have" approach.

[@thebigchuckster]

I've got some old handmade planes from my grandfather (a ship's carpenter from sweden) ... only now can i understand how they really work and were made. i just love how your videos bring craftsmanship to life.

[@aldunlop4957]

I don't think I will ever watch any other wood working video out there in KZbin that was as fantastic as this. Paul is the Bob Ross and Mr Miagi of woodworking. That video was a complete and utter joy to watch. The smile on his face when he demonstrated how the screw holes where in perfect alignment because that showed how good he was made me grin like a Cheshire cat and then of course the delight on his face when he was showing the plane working at the end was just beautiful. How I wish I'd shown more interest in woodworking when I was at school and how I now wish that I was one of his apprentices. Thanks Paul. Thank you for the "gift".

[@matthewarnold5531]

Yep, exactly what I was thinking, the Bob Ross of woodworking. Fell asleep at one point, not through boredom (not in the least), but because I was so engrossed and relaxed watching it!

[@halifaxmax5039]

@@matthewarnold5531 That's how I describe him to all my friends who are interested in starting but don't know where to begin. I start them with "The 3 Joints" and "Making a Mallet". He calmly shows what can be done with careful technique and a sharp blade. I used to feed our newborn @ 3AM while watching Mr. Sellers. Kid never fussed and wife got some sleep while I watched.

[@ronnycross]

I don't even have most of the tools you need to make this (the razor-sharp chisels or the dovetail saw), but I still watched it all the way through

[@colt1954]

Agree totally

[@meboyotube]

I say that all the we time. The Bob Ross of woodworking. I sometimes watch it on my TV (via KZbin app) and just relax.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

I decided to watch this video with the primary thought, "I have no need to make a rebate plane, I have a table saw with super sharp carbide blades as well as a router table with super sharp router bits and a very accurate fence and height adjustment." As the last few seconds of the video finished my thought was, "what did I do with that old chisel with the broken handle? I could make one just like this!" I am VERY impressed with this project and will add it to my list. You do know that making a list is a form of immortality, you can't die until the list is completed, grin.... Thank you for a great video and the inspiration.

[@belthize]

I've watched a lot of woodworking videos over the years, many of them Paul's. I've watched magic tricks where it's clearly just a camera trick. But watching those full length uniform curls come out of that plane that was fabricated in real time is one of the finest things I've ever seen.

[@738polarbear]

This chap is the most knowledgable and best teacher I have ever seen Only one thing missing .He never told the new woodworkers which way the blade goes in .It is bevel down .

[@chaselee86]

I suppose you can make a bevel-up plane too, lower angle, more like a block plane.

[@davidjohnston1971]

The Bob Ross of woodworking, except he turns happy little trees into tools. Love his videos, skilled master craftsman, and he explains the processes so well.

[@christianwilson6690]

Great video Paul I'm 14 and I was inspired to make one so I've sprint the last 2.5 hours making one out of beech and mahogany

[@antonsworkshopco]

Same im 13

[@antonsworkshopco]

I followed ther totorials and they all failed

[@javanbybee4822]

christian wilson same, I’m 16

[@javanbybee4822]

Antons Workshop oh?

[@dandypants1983]

@@antonsworkshopco it's a poor man who blames his tools.

[@RO8s]

He makes things I am never going to make - I rebate with a router - but what he does do is show me techniques and give me the confidence to try them. He has massively improved my woodworking.

[@IRuinEvrything]

Paul, your videos have slowly been turning me from a mediocre finish carpenter to a woodworker. I'm going to make one of these for one of my chisels tonight.

[@AZ-Patriot]

I wish my grandfather would have lived long enough to be able to enjoy youtube. He and Paul are kindred spirits in as far as the woodworking. Both great men and incredible talents. I miss him dearly and Paul reminds me of him a great deal. Helps to fill a little bit of the hole left in my heart nearly 30 years ago.

[@MohammedAslamtit-bitsoflife]

Hi AZ my situation is no different than you...you have mentioned as I was what i wanted to say.....May your g father and mine their souls rest in piece...amen

[@gregre052]

No kidding. My grandfather was a highland scot. He knew scots were the best and he knew he was the best of the scots.he died when i was 8, and i felt like i was missing something important. Those old wrinkled fingers cut a straight line with a rusty saw? Straight? Wasn't as easy to do as it was to say. Put sailboats in bottles, made a rocking chair. Heck, he made a wooden bike. Wheel rims and all. No electricity in the garage. I was impressed but didn't get a lot of the skill. It's harder to learn decades later. Silly to do a memory lane while watching a how to video. Silly, but worth it and appreciated.

[@Beschaulichkeit]

I really appreciate you saying that you're "transferring the gift". Thank you you for this.

[@miked.author3274]

Felt the need to add a comment: Paul Sellers is a master. The mark of a real master is when you can take what he teaches and apply it in your own workshop. I'm so pleased that, after following his instructions, I could build this rabbet plane and it actually works like a charm. He's amazing.

[@meanders9221]

As a mostly power tool woodworker I was feeling proud of myself for rescuing and putting back in working order a rusty old Stanley No. 78 rabbet plane and using it on a current small project. Now Paul has gone and upped the ante seriously by making a beautifully working version from a 2x4 and an old chisel. That's woodworking -- the learning never ends!

[@lmaoroflcopter]

I'm no woodworker but wow! What a work of artistry and skill. Thank you for sharing how to make such a wonderful creation with us. I could watch this for hours.

[@brandonbeaumia]

Thank you, Paul. It's wonderful seeing work done with so few tools, and the "use what you have" attitude is exactly what this community needs, not someone else to hock $300 planes. I had to smile every time you offered cheaper alternatives, even to the modest set of tools used in this video.

[@kz.irudimen]

Something I absolutely love about Mr Sellers is that he doesn't just tell you you could use a cheaper/simpler tool. He actually shows you how to make one yourself with a piece of construction pine and a chisel ... that's just brilliant. He now has a series where he makes a router plane, because they have shot up in value beyond reason and he knew that some people needed an alternative. What an absolute treasure he is.

[@jodypipowski2376]

I love that you said rebate first! True terminology.

[@seedubyu]

Master...and I mean that sincerely, that rebate plane that you have just lovingly created is totally marvellous. A total joy to behold.

[@Felipera_]

You taught me more than how to make a plane, you taught me that woodworking IS actually possible without power tools! I'm off right now to buy my first set of chisels and start making my own plane.

[@dale1956ties]

I realize this is old but I need to comment anyway. Very well done sir. A true artist makes it look so simple. The enthusiasm is inspiring as well. Thank you for sharing it.

[@dadaboy]

Another gift has been passed. I've already made your shooting board and now I'll be making this plane. Thank you for your wonderful videos!

[@psybormonkey]

It's that feeling of watching a 'true' CRAFTSMAN at work. It doesn't matter what they make it will always look nice and fit for the purpose it is designed for, plus they make it look really easy and simple. I tip my cap to you sir.

[@markharding6582]

I am a hobbyist woodworker and I mostly do turning. I have made turning tools but no other tools. I probably have watched more KZbin videos than I should but THIS one was absolutely astounding. I am definitely going to do this. I can say with certainty I have seen a master at work.

[@pjculbertson55]

The curly shavings coming off that chisel were amazing. As good as any store bought rebate plane I have ever seen.

[@dustonwhite3092]

I just want to say thank you Mr. Sellers. For sharing your wealth of knowledge and showing beginners like myself that a lot can be accomplished with minimal tools.

[@shonuffisthemaster]

Paul has the perfect manor for a teacher, his enthusiasm for his work really shows and his calm encouraging words are perfect motivation. I really love this video, it may sound cheesy but he reminded me allot of Mr. Rodgers in this video. we need more mentors like him!

[@crzynrs100]

Thank you so much for this video lesson! I remember watching my grandfather making one but could not remember how to do it. Almost brought me to tears when I found this. Thank you!

[@woodfather]

Headed out to the shop last night with my laptop, and the desire to complete something. About an hour and a half later I'd made my first shoulder plane, using an old beater chisel that I've had for years and scraps from the latest project. It works an absolute treat, I spent my lunchtime today out there again, but this time just cutting shoulders into every piece of scrap I could find, super fun! Paul, you hit the nail on the head when you said you were sharing a gift with us, you're absolutely correct, I just wanted to say thank you. Cheers, Mario

[@TheFeuergnom]

just bought a whole bunch of old handplanes. was looking for tutorials of bringing them back to life. watched some vids, then came across this gem. down to earth, no bs, calm like a zen-master. what I learned from watching this video is more than in some of the stuff outside combined. as others said: very inspirational!

[@steveforrester2217]

Nothing to be said except fabulous. Thank you for your videos. Not many people on here can inspire others like you can.

[@miked.author3274]

Paul Sellers is a great teacher who can simplify things so that even I can follow him. I watched this video several times and went down in my shop and built this rabbet plane. It works just like it's supposed to. Thanks Paul.

[@jeepman1961]

I watched this when you posted it nearly a year ago. I may be slow, but I finally made one!! Thanks for all you have taught and entertained Paul!!

[@scott3991]

I can't believe you only have 293k subscribers by far the best woodworking channel on here I love these DIY poor man plane vids no fuss nice and simple methods excellent results.👍

[@peterharrison8756]

The man's a total genius, and brilliant to watch and learn from. Humour thrown in.

[@rosscameron6585]

So I was determined to make one. I had some left over jarrah sitting around (beautiful wood - hard & long lasting). I spent a few weeks, on & off, putting this together. I had to alter the design a little. I was very proud of the way it finished up. A quick test proved that it worked fantastically. I had sharpened my chisel just like Paul teaches in his other video. I was so proud that I now had a tool that I had made myself, and could be passed down through the generations, that I decided to put a coating of linseed oil on it to make it look schmicko. Here's a tip. Don't put a coating of linseed oil on it to make it look schmicko. The wedging action relies on a certain amount of friction to hold the wedge & chisel iron in place. The linseed oil just simply stops this from happening. Now I have a beautiful looking, hand-made jarrah rebate plane, that will sit on the shelf behind me - never used. I'm on my way to having my shelves full of various planes, just like Paul has behind him.

[@richardsinger01]

Ross Cameron I feel your pain!

[@Mr_Rick]

Paul... The joy I get watching and learning from you is wonderful and appreciated greatly. I will be making one. Thanks!

[@Drackeye]

Those curls make me all kinds of happy. And now I know how to make an effective shoulder plain. Thank you

[@hamitl1]

The ability and agility demonstrated by Mr Paul Sellers is without limit. Thank You Paul.

[@aleblanc3547]

A work of art by a Master in under 60 minutes. Wow.

[@pejoly2]

Again, I love your videos. Please don't stop. I now have a router plane, a measuring gauge, a dovetail template. Need more wood!

[@t.h.lawrence8222]

The joyful simplicity of his craft and the confidence this man imparts is a gift to guys like me, and hopefully, my sons.

[@5ivestring]

Great as usual. Your touch of humor was fun to watch too. There are lots of other very good instructors here on KZbin, but my first place to go is to see of Paul has a video first. Paul is defiantly the authority when it comes to wood.

[@JeremyUrbanWoodworker]

Must I say Paul is my favorite? Because he is. not only was this useful and beautifully done, but I love how giddy he gets about how well it works. thanks for transferring the gift Paul.

[@zdenkotudor]

I just barely stopped myself from spontaneously breaking out into a clap, seeing the shavings at the end of the video! Woaah!

[@tomshahriari6602]

Wish I had these wonderful videos 30 years ago. Paul, you are a brilliant teacher.

[@DevTMW]

Hi Paul and team, I really shouldn't love this video as much as I do but felt compelled to say thank you. Can't wait to start practising my many mistakes to come. Let my failures be the stepping stones to my success. Peace.

[@woodworkingstuff7165]

I thought I had witnessed one of the most satisfying moments on KZbin to date with that first cut of the plane, but not even a minute later, it changed my life seeing those curly shavings appear.

[@29ginad]

.

[@brothyr]

I think this is the first time I've seen Paul Sellers use a power drill.

[@BeeRich33]

+Adam R LOL I just came out of fullscreen to say the very same.

[@MichaKulczyckiPL]

+Adam R Watch the making of mallot for bandsaw :)

[@blumsicle]

+Michał Kulczycki Haha, I was just going to say the same thing! Truly a rare sight indeed.

[@MichaKulczyckiPL]

+Nunya Dibness Didn't appear scared though. A pro indeed

[@KazimirArdekanian]

Very inspiring. I shall plan to make one. The sound of the plane making those beautiful wood shaving was like music.

[@ted9876]

I appreciate the encouragement you give to woodworkers of all skill levels.

[@mlutescu]

after I saw those curly shavings at the end, I KNEW I had to make one of these myself... Yestarday I got my curly shaves too!

[@SebastianDaniec]

18:05 That look "did you see how good i am?" Love it haha

[@GarethKing1]

Came to comment exactly that

[@parthasarathikarthigayan8367]

If you have shown this processing thousands of years back, people would have considered you as another god, appreciating your patience, concern and passion for making a tool. Great video. Thanks a lot.

[@robertlybarger]

A combination of the 2020 covid-19 lockdown and your videos got me into basic wood working. Thanks for making your lifetime of skills available in this forum. Incidentally, I just completed my first poor man's rebate plane. Worked brilliantly!

[@Getbent97]

Wow, the amount of joy I take from watching Pauls video's is astonishing. I absolutely love these video's, they've absolutely changed the way I look at wood as a material and also at the tools. Before these videos I found working with wood to be a nuisance but now its so therapeutic.

[@MRrwmac]

I gladly accept "the gift" you have given us! The gift of us crafting and now taking pride of making our own hand made tool! Excellent follow along instruction and demonstration. Thank you very much.

[@LaurieSavage]

"This is you taking dominion over stuff you thought you had to buy"! Wonderful.

[@PeterGonzalezAyres1932]

Paul, thanks so much for your demonstration and expertise on making a rebate plane! And all done using hand tools and your step by step demo! Wonderful!

[@AndreaArzensek]

''That shows how good I am'' Yes, you are!

[@warrenbuitendag5286]

That smile alone made this entire video worth watching :)

[@manuelhumbertopenaespinosa9916]

Muy bueno

[@plimoges7372]

This is actually the second time in a couple of years I've watched this almost hour-long video -- not only is it utterly instructive, which it most certainly is; it is so frugal and, above everything else, joyful. Thanks Paul! Cheers!

[@antonsworkshopco]

Thanks this is the first one of these i made that actualy worked thanks again these are so easy to follow along with so easy that im doing this while 13yrs old thanks

[@precariousbyte]

That did not feel like an hour long video. Absolutely magical presentation of a simple yet beautiful plane. Thank you for sharing!

[@qigong1001]

If I could give this video a thousand thumbs up...a rabbet plane for no money! Funds can get so tight lately, and this brings a kind of freedom thats difficult to explain. Thank you !

[@leglaude922]

We can regret the time or we took the time. Merci Monsieur, vous êtes un grand homme.

[@4vinos]

Experience with teaching skills it just does not get any better. Thank you.

[@hankwhitley222]

A sharp chisel is a beautiful thing! Those pig tail shavings made me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside!

[@SuperRedhat123]

What an amazing gift you give us with these videos. When those shavings curled off, my heart was pounding. Just so beautiful to watch. This will be on my tool wall.

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I started my adventures in wood working when I was young with simple projects like shelves, speaker cabinets etc, but was put here to play music instead which I loved. But I am now retired from performing and have gotten more into the wood working arena, have even recently started my own wood working channel. I ran across your channel and have watched most of your videos. Only a few left to go. After watching the first one, I learned so much I started watching them all. You have a unique gift for teaching, and whoever makes your videos does a great job showing the detail you are so good at explaining. Just watched one of your dovetail projects. You take all the fear out of it. Can't wait to get back to my Mt. cabin where my shop is to try my hand at it!! Thank you!!!!

[@karlapiacentini8876]

I agree with Learner-Learns. It was almost as if I made it. Am going to make one so I can feel that sheer joy. Thanx Paul Sellers. A real woodworker. Michaelangelo of WOOD

[@Kirrel]

Love this video, found a real cheap chisel (set of three, 12, 18 and 25mm for €8 ) and tried this build. Took about two evenings, 4 hrs or so in total. Needs a little tweaking tomorrow and then a finishing with linseed oil. Paul, you are a true teacher. Your knowledge and enthousiasm is a great combination.

[@markgoode4109]

an outstanding craftsman and an excellent tutorial. thanks for sharing your skills. best wishes.

[@wickedmessenger1]

I love how you get excited at how well it's turning out as you go along even after all the years you've been woodworking. It's like they say, if you do what you love for a living you won't have to 'work' a day in your life. This makes me want to make my own rebate plane even though I already own several.

[@WelshIron]

I was close to buying a rebate plane for a project I am working on till I saw this, now I can make this and not have to explain to the wife why I spent a fortune on another plane! Cheers Paul

[@billyclarke9673]

The plane is incredible unbelievable thank you for sharing that knowledge with us

[@boudreaumay3040]

Excellent Paul ! I've never seen you so pleased with an outcome. You could make this one over and over and I know I wouldn't get tired of watching this. Really enjoyed from "My Old Kentucky Home" !

[@symonf1966]

Great video Paul. Thank you.

[@elizabethcarvajal-millan2585]

What a beautiful lesson ! Thank you. I am starting to make a piece for some chisels ! You are a gifted man.

[@billbohlen9700]

It's a pleasure to watch you work, Paul, you make it look so easy. Unfortunately, I don't think I could manage to be so accurate.

[@Plataani]

You truly are one of the best. My confirmation for that was the "oops" while sawing the wedge. Every single pro makes mistakes, maybe not that often. But accepting that and carrying on, and even sharing it with thousands of others is truly the mark of professional. Thank you for your outsanding videos and information! Hope I can some day get better shop environment to truly carry on my woodworking. My point being that too much editing and cutting off any mistakes actually makes us less pros quite frustrated. I like to see mistakes, in my own work and everyone else. So that I know how to avoid them, and knowing that every single one is human. Comparing to many woodworking videos, they don't seem to make any mistakes. Eats up alot of motivation to see only perfect humans doing perfect jobs.

[@ForestWoodworks]

Exceedingly good comment. ❤it!

[@debianowns4393]

If i could like this video 10 times i would. So simple and so effective, thanks for sharing yet more of your knowledge and skill.

[@kkall0602]

I don't think master craftsman can describe Paul and his abilities. Thank you Paul!

[@anthonychristensen193]

A gift indeed, you are wonderful teacher and I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you Paul.

[@matthewchapman896]

I've seen all of your videos now and i think this is my favourite. Superb.

[@davidanthonyguy167]

I've woodwork for most of my life, I must say first of all I'm impressed with your teaching skills and most of all your attention to detail, thank you for sharing your thoughts, your experience and your knowledge, hope you continue to share your knowledge, you're the best. God bless

[@kevinfcady]

Excellent plane & video teaching , spot on Paul. can't wait to make one! Thanks Paul

[@tonyispalilus53]

I like it when you look at the camera and do a smug smile whenever you get something exactly on the mark, Paul. I seldom have that moment being the amateur that I am but the feeling is priceless whenever I do. That's why I feel you whenever you do the "thing". I can't help but smile along when you do it. Thank you for the Masterclass.

[@vanstonecypher]

I just want to say, "Thank you." I really appreciate that you show how to make useful "poor man" tools that are really functional. It can be really daunting when starting out to watch someone using several costly tools and simply not have the budget to buy them. That's not to say that the tools aren't worth it (you are using an Auriou rasp after all) but it's nice to see how you can get by and actually get on with making something and improving one's skills.

[@tmhood]

Best Paul Sellers video I've seen; just beautiful to watch, and a stunning result at the end. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@Iamvalcristvalentine]

I just finished using my own "poor man's Rebate pane" to cut rebates in my oak table top to accept the glass. I bought a Stanley 78 just in case I couldn't get the cuts right and ended up leaving the Stanley on the bench in favor of the wood plane for the entire project. The wood plane was less awkward, lighter, and cut every bit as well using a $4 second hand chisel I bought for it. I did attach a sliding depth stop on mine (because I am not convinced of my own consistency). making the plane was a fantastic project that is well withing the reach of novice wood workers and was absolutely more rewarding to me than finishing the table itself. There is something amazing about being free from the dependence of buying every tool you ever use. I have built many jigs in my day but building a entire tool from scratch always seemed like something unattainable without a complete modern workshop with all the trimmings.

[@patrickcasey1150]

Paul, you have transferred so many gifts to me and many others through your teaching. I try to improve my woodworking skills all the time and your guidance is invaluable. My grandfather, who I never met, was a carpenter first and foremost, and your teaching brings me closer to him with every step. His son, my own beloved Dad, always says how proud my grandfather would be that I am following in his footsteps. I have only been able to do that through your free and generous lessons and I will always have special place in my heart for you and what you've provided freely. Thank you many times over for what you have given to us all through these videos. You enrich all our lives.

[@hilalrashidbah]

Best DIY tool video i've watched! Thank you.

[@JohnKirkwoodProFoodHomemade]

Brilliant. Liked.

[@michaellee8198]

Mr Sellers .... Not only are your teaching skills self evident but your manner of presentation draws the viewer into the process. Peerless!! Long may you continue. Thanks from a long time fan.

[@aaltan]

couldnt have been explained any better... many thanks again from me and my wife with who we watched together with great appreciation..

[@Ollaris]

wow! I'm not a woodworker in any means, but the shaving's on the end gave me goosebumps! thank you Mr Sellers!

[@plxdumont4465]

This is pure art....’. Waaaaw

[@vinodyadav-pc6fr]

L

[@tedpanek5028]

@@vinodyadav-pc6fr Asian street meat

[@chainreaction8977]

This man should have a statue in every parliament, absolute legend.

[@daniellambert5197]

Le calme, la maîtrise du geste, la pédagogie. La classe ! Thanks Paul

[@RamChickPig]

Unbelievable work Mr. Sellers. You are a true hero in not just woodworking but life's principles.