Making Your Own Wooden Hand Plane- First Thoughts

UPDATE: The Full Plane Build Video Is Now Available!
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I've been making a few hand planes this week in preparation for an upcoming series we have planned all about getting in to wooden planes. I've trialled a couple of designs and here are my thoughts so far.
To see a video of my smoothing plane in action head over to our Facebook page and scroll down a little.
/ theenglishwoodworker
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[@subaruimp2000]

every time i see your planes flat on work bench I can hear my grand dad ,my old man ,school wood work teacher, wood work lecturer and the joiners I served my time with all shouting LAY IT ON THE SIDE great videos keep up good work and can you show some of your projects thank again

[@dylanneely91]

Yep you always want to risk knocking it out of alignment over risking touching the blade to wood. For folks that read this and are still worried grab a piece of scrap round about the size of your finger to set the plane on so the blade is up off of the work surface, or my personal favorite, set it on top of a curl or pile of shavings.

[@danmorrison9712]

I absolutely love your approach to woodworking and what you've been sharing with your audience. It's refreshing to see your admiration of wooden planes. I can't wait to follow along and add a few wooden planes to my workshop!

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Dan Morrison Thanks Dan, it's been really nice to see the interest in these, I hope you do follow along with the build.

[@aidymc4]

You're video's are superb for us new to woodworking no bull and easy to understand and now going to be shown how to make a plane fantastic thanks

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

aidymc4 No bull seems to be a theme that's developing, thanks for the encouraging words.

[@charlescook4248]

what a delightful series. Practical information with a fantastic English accent. And he does not have a shop filled with very expensive specialty tools that none of the rest of use possess. I cannot wait to watch more...

[@randyowens264]

I really like the idea of making my own hand planes. I have seen a few videos on making them but your explanation of the various types and ways of making them is right on the mark for me. I would enjoy a complete build video(s) showing the process from beginning to end. THANK YOU!

[@daw162]

I'm not an instructor or a beginner, I guess (I do feel like a beginner at times). Cutting old double iron plane type is attainable for anyone with moderate skills, but it does require a little bit more tooling and careful wood selection. I've posted an extremely long series of it (I don't have ads or my channel or sell anything). A new double iron plane with abutments that's fresh and well fitting can cut chatter free and literally stop you in your tracks before it does anything other than cut a nice smooth shaving. The biggest detriment to cutting a plane with abutments and double iron style is that if they are not made right, they clog, and there is not much documentation on making them right. Thus, I posted it, and it's suitable for people who want to take a step up from laminated planes.

[@christopherharrison6724]

Love this I actually own a few wooden planes love them.

[@woodturningjohn]

Wonderful shows, I am just getting into hand planes. Something my grandfather never worked with and he is who showed me how to do wood working years ago. Your videos are just full of helpful information for me, Thanks.

[@petertiffney4561]

sorted richard and great use of your time and skill with handtools i am in your team on this as i find you cannot beat a wood on wood plane 100% more feeling and response straight to your hand great . please keep up the good work

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

peter tiffney Cheers Peter, it's always nice to hear support for the humble wooden plane.

[@GlenfinnanForge]

God, I wish Richard was still making KZbin videos. Such great information and personality.

[@davidadams5744]

I look forward to this series. Your woodworking ethos is infecious and inspirational; your instruction is plain, direct and easy to follow. Great stuff, Richard.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

David Adams Many thanks David, I really appreciate the kind words.

[@michael475ify]

Hi I don't know how I came a cross your channel but I am glued to your vid I think I have watch everything you done. I love your way of woodworking and the thing you build. I will be trying to do some of the thing you have done

[@AndrewArndts]

I would say Yes to these kind of video's. Just a thought here, show us the Jack Plane how to build, then as you progress in the build stop at a point and show the point at which to cut to make the coffin smoother. or how much longer will the pieces of timber/wood will need be to make a Jointer/Try Plane

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Andrew Arndts Thanks Andrew, your thinking is very similar to mine, although by the looks of it I expect we're going to be making them all!

[@locohombre79]

I think there is great value in anything you are kind enough to share, so more like this would be a treat. If I could make a plane half as nice as your "prototype" in a day I'd be over the moon, looking forward to giving that a go! Cheers, Martin.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

locohombre79 Many thanks Martin, I'm certain you'll be capable of making one twice that of mine :)

[@dougbroadhurst8189]

I have tried to make planes and follow the instructions, however: your passion and excitement has rekindled my interest to try and make a better plane and use it adjust it all correctly. I cannot wait to see what your next video will be like. Your channel is absolutely my favorite

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Doug Broadhurst Many thanks for the inspiring comment Doug, I really hope that you'll enjoy following along with the build.

[@jukemove]

Great videos. I'll be watching.

[@sideburnchef4957]

More, more, more! It is so much fun using tools you've made yourself.

[@hullbowyer]

Can't wait for this series! I've tried making planes countless times and they never work very well so I'm looking forward to this one!

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Anthony Cockerill Excellent, I hope it'll help.

[@tomdenny8507]

Absolutely, keep those reports and updates coming. I have always wanted to build my own plane but thought it might be too difficult to build one that would actually work well. You make me think that perhaps it isn't.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Tom Denny Thanks Tom, we'll keep them going. I hope you do decide to build yourself a plane.

[@aldarc]

Yes,yes,yes Your style of presenting is very honest and down to earth! Keep up the good work.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

neil winstanley Thanks Neil, I'll certainly try.

[@jeffreydustin5303]

extremely interesting stuff

[@tommiestrydom973]

Very cool. Thank you. I just got my hands on some old wooden planes in need of restoration. Can't wait for the follow up videos.

[@jrmakawoody]

I am looking forward to the rest of this series. I have got a nice slab of maple on standby for this project. Thank you Richard!

[@trumps54321]

Excellent, I'm exited about building myself a full range of wooden planes.

[@markhynek3341]

Cheers to you Richard. I have been wanting to get into wooden hand planes for quite awhile but there aren't too many available here in Costa Rica. Looking forward to learning from you my friend. You have a wonderful ability to make things easy to understand or as a fellow preacher of mine said, "you bring the cookie jar down to the level of the kids."

[@bradvietjeastronomy2872]

Thanks for an excellent video -- just discovered it today. I'm really falling for wooden planes, and love the idea of building a few. I look forward to learning more!

[@Mr_Rick]

Would love to see a KZbin channel dedicated to making wooden hand planes!! Go for it!

[@johnmine5609]

www.youtube.com/@StavrosGakos/videos

[@DeadEyeTrev]

Excellent! I'd love to see the jointer plane and smoother plane builds, with plenty of detail, so I can build along with you. Can't wait to make my own hand planes!

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

trevor derrick Thanks Trevor, judging by the response I think we're looking at doing them all.

[@danielharrison7141]

I have always fancyed using wooden planes having used steel ones I think I like the complicated one enjoy a challenge. love the idea of getting back to traditional woodworking methods looking forward to your next videos keep em coming 😃

[@cobberpete1]

Well done Richard, I will be looking forward to the up and coming Episodes

[@willemkossen]

Looking forward to building a plane! Cant wait!

[@dietersdawgs]

nicely done.....I love wooden planes and almost use them exclusively now....only iron plane I have now is a small hand plane i barely use.

[@ureasmith3049]

Yes I would like more progress reports like this one. I have a Krenov plane, made by Krenov himself. Love the feel of that plane. Plane making looks fun, I will give it a try. I don't feel it's really necessary since good user planes can be bought very cheap around here. But there's nothing like using a tool you made yourself.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

UreaSmith That plane sounds like a very special plane. Where we are we're flooded with old wooden planes, they're cheaper to buy than firewood! I was quite surprised to find that they can be extremely rare in some countries though.

[@SprotKala]

Looking forward to these videos. Have some oled irons laying around and it would be lovely to give them new lives.

[@ginocentofanti4111]

A resounding yes from me too. Love your style and passion.

[@christophercastor6666]

Great information!

[@harley75us]

I am fairly new to woodworking but have always had a itch to build my own wooden hand plane. The reasons for wanting to build my own plane would fill volumes. Suffice it to say I am in favor of you showing your way to build said plane.. On a lighter note, I am retirering in a year & half. You wouldn't by chance be interested in a Yankee apprentice now would you? (LOL). You keep on producing the excellent content that you do, I'll keep right on watching & learning. I just want to say thank you for all you & Helens hard work. It show's. Thank You, Marty

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

harley75us Hi Marty, the kettle's always on should you wish to pop by... and I mean 'always on'! Many thanks for your encouraging words, we'll try to keep it up :)

[@luispacheco8745]

I have to say love your channel

[@TheMomanslm]

Looking forward to seeing more on this. You got my wheels spinning. Thanks for sharing.

[@000jaypettitt000]

Fab. I think a lot of people will be inspired to give this a go. Looking forward to the next videos.

[@bbatta7266]

I'd like to see the progress. Even though I'm very much a beginner I'm interested in making as many of my own tools as possible.

[@janslos]

Woow, please, very much please continue with these series, I realy love all of your videos and specially the way you present them, emotion dedication etc... Thank you very much for sharing and teaching me, Jan.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

janslos Hi Jan, many thanks for your support, it means an awful lot.

[@oberlater]

Your style is impeccable. i just love watching your videos, and hearing your simple point of views on working wood. Thank you so much for your videos and sharing your skill and knowledge with us. can't wait for your next video.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

***** I appreciate the support, it goes a long way.

[@scottadams2624]

Can't wait to see the rest of this series!

[@davidclark9086]

Yes, I can't wait!

[@ThePillenwerfer]

Great stuff! Looking forward to the series.

[@SAHBfan]

I just stumbled across this channel whilst looking for something else. I'm glad I did, this looks really interesting stuff :-)

[@Drawlen]

Loved this video! Very much interest in making my own plans and seeing what methods work for you.

[@NMranchhand]

Short answer: Outstanding subject. Please, Sir, Can I have some more.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

NMranchhand MORE!

[@oldwood100]

Yes these videos I like all woodworking tools that are home made it a cheaper and better way

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

oldwood100 Thanks, it's also very satisfying using your own tools.

[@cadman1736]

Please sir may we have some more ;-D yes please I would really enjoy more id's like this thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Stephen Roberts Thanks Stephen, it's on the way :)

[@johang1293]

Great stuff, looking forward to the series.

[@AdventuresInDIY]

I can't wait for this series! I have some metal planes I use that belonged to my great grandfather, and would love a hand at making some wooden ones too.

[@rafezetter8003]

Lol Richard - don't mince your words eh? (btw it was good to meet you again at Richards do - I was the guy with the black baseball cap and black jeans doing my best to feel like I belonged there!)

[@mcneile3]

love to see a series on this.

[@arnquist]

Wow really cool plane can't wait to see how you made it and that fast too! Get it on film man!

[@shonuffisthemaster]

verry intrested in this type of video, there are hundreds of videos showing you how to cut dovetails and such but not so many on tool making. would be verry intrested in a series on making moulding planes as well, as these can get prohibitively expensive for a set either new or used.

[@eddiecarlcalhoun]

love your vids...

[@PeterHolt]

Just follow your nose mate, if you think it's worthwhile / important / interesting I believe you'll have an appreciative audience. Great stuff so far, glad you're back.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Peter Holt Cheers Peter, thanks for the support. We'll keep following our nose.

[@DustySplinters]

Bravo, keep this type content coming. You read my mind in regards to a simple plane build for beginners. What would be amazing is to actually make the first temporary plane without the need for a plane. I've seen some done with Plywood or pre-dimensioned stock timber. I also believe a beginner could make 3-4 different plane bodies which will all use the same Iron, single or double. Block, Jack, Smoother and Jointer. A Wooden "Keeper" the same dimension of the Iron could be made to hold the wedge in place while the Iron is used in another body. There is even no need for totes or knobs to start to keep it even more simple. Need to try thins myself too. Have plenty of dry timber so why not? Keep the videos coming even what seems like real simple tips and tasks.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Dusty Splinters Thanks Dusty, some really great ideas there and I'll try to touch on some. I really appreciate your input.

[@ferretlov]

Found your channel ad have been catching up on them, I think I'm hooked! Only wish there was more haha

[@makenchips]

Can't wait to build one but need to know the type of woods to use, and were to get the blade? Really enjoy our video and discussion as you go on. I like as you think though all the points. I think it would be good to have you as a neighbor! Columbus Michigan USA

[@TheJohnnyMiner]

Amazing, really looking forward to the series! Thanks

[@IlyaGromov]

Brilliant! I'm really looking forward to the series!!!

[@danny26barrow]

Quality man wicked why has 22 people put thumbs down. How can u do that man

[@danny26barrow]

Well thanks for the info on that, I never knew it meant that, any way no need to be a prick over it hay, not every one is clever hay

[@perahiash]

YES!

[@michaelthys4000]

I have enjoyed your videos and this topic. I have wondered if you could do a two laminated build instead of the three laminated method.

[@ronstark1927]

good video liked the straight talk and basic but direct approach nice work. oh really liked the music and ladies voice on your old video's put her back on if you can ?

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Ron Stark Cheers Ron, we might bring the music back in the future if the vid calls for it.

[@tlbeadlegmailcom]

Please do these videos!!! I have a nice spare O1 2 in wide blade that I'd love to make a plane body for and your Krenov style plane is inviting but I'd really like to do the classic form lamination version. Looking forward to it !!! Thanks very much for posting.

[@JorgeAraujo]

I can't wait.... I love making planes! I have made a couple Krenov planes but never a "Coffin" Style one... great idea.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Jorge Araujo Hi Jorge, the coffin style seems to be a love hate amongst woodworkers, I'm definitely on the love!

[@MartyBacke]

"It's just a little jointer plane", as Richards pulls out a monster wooden plane ;-) I look forward this series Richard, and I think I'll try my hand at following along at the bench. Plane making that hasn't been addressed much is the molding planes. Have you made any rounds/hollows? I would be very interested in that type of plane too, as they are pricey to buy new and somewhat hard to find used. P.s. don't forget to discuss your preferred source for blades.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Marty Backe Ha, ha, Marty, I've made make shift hollows and rounds and also rebate planes in the past, but makeshift really being emphasised! Once I've dealt with the basic bench planes I think I'm going to think about a simple method of build for these too.

[@horseblinderson4747]

+The English Woodworker I'm planning on making a few planes. My plan on moulding planes is just get whatever moulding I prefer from the box store in pine, fashion a blade in the same profile nothing drastic; it'll only be used once to make a negative that negative will become my sole. Once the sole is done I'll mount and laminate it to the main block may even to French style dovetail houses to put the sides on house some steel into the bed while it's all apart, then also it all together to see how it goes. If it works out OK I'll make some moulding out of some very stable wood and mix some resin and nano fine pumice with Diatomaceous earth coat the first completed one, that becomes my sharpening stone.

[@drewx10]

Really looking forward to hearing about how to build these. Perhaps we could hear where you source the metal parts.

[@marrano10]

I am very much intersted, I would actually build one if you showed us how

[@ziopoe]

Absolutely lookign forward to this series, insta-subbed and happy to have found a nice new woodworking channel. Right now i just have a stanley n°4 and i was thinking to make a woden jointer plane!

[@gorancvijovic2635]

yes!!! please

[@rickdoby6295]

I would be very interested in your thoughts on making planes. I've made a couple of Krenov style planes, a jack plane and a smoother. The smoother was laminated from wine barrel staves. Both work great but the wedges could be better. I look forward to your thoughts on this.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Rick Doby Wooden planes that smell like wine, I can't think of anything better!

[@bbatta6900]

I'd like to see some build video's on these

[@WillEyedOney]

Do the smoother!

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

WillEyedOney Ok!

[@Elderos5]

Richard, I am really enjoying your videos. Not many good videos on hand planes. I do have a request for you. I have a lot of trouble keeping square when I am edge planning. Always ends up one side or the other. Any tips to keep me planning square would be great. Thank You.

[@Terry8238]

Hi great video would it be posable to make a shooting board plane from wood ?

[@markweber8532]

love it all . why not do moulding planes too.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

mark Weber Thanks Mark, that'll probably be the natural progression.

[@tomhousekorea]

Hey, I agonizingly bought a 70 dollar Stanley no. 4, only to find it needs extensive tuning... it almost seems it would be faster and easier to MAKE a wooden smoothing plane using the Stanley blade... what do you think? Mid-range and top-line planes are waaay too expensive for my skill level and channel reach at the moment...

[@TheSalMaris]

Yes. More wood planes please. Thank you.

[@BrainFizz]

I'm a power tool person at heart, but I'd be interested in seeing this through. Might even inspire me to make one, just for fun! :-) Where do I sign?! :-)

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

***** Hi Richard, there's always space in a heart for a wooden plane, even if it's surrounded by power tools! I certainly hope you do build along, with the power tools yours might be done in half an hour!

[@BrainFizz]

Well now I'm subscribed I'll definitely be building along. Maybe a few hand tools in the mix too! ;-)

[@tlbeadlegmailcom]

I'm really looking forward to the next segment on this topic of planes. Do you have a estimate of when it will be posted? Not pushing, just wondering and ( dying of anticipation...hoot! )

[@dremelts]

I just came upon this video and am looking forward to exploring more of your videos. Near the beginning you showed a prototype of a laminated plane with the abutment style wedge design and you said you had some ideas about constructing the wedge so that it fit the abutment angle. Have you worked that out yet and do you have a video of it?

[@paulchi99]

Which metal plane should I buy so I can make the rest of my planes out of wood?

[@nikgrekk2020]

hi. can i ask about chisel . how can i get perfect sharp. and . normal i have japanese can you make video about chisels and explain what its diferent betwen normal and japanee and sharping. thanks

[@jasonsteele9024]

How would you combine the anti-tear out approach that you outlined using a cap iron from your earlier video with a plane such as the ones you show here?

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

Jason Steele Hi Jason, for my prototype planes here I've just made use of a Stanley iron complete with cap iron so the exact same approach can be taken for tear out. Cheers.

[@thequietworkshop3228]

I'm up for a buildalong.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

The Quiet Workshop Great to hear.

[@07roadking43]

What irons/chip breakers do you use ???

[@oldwood100]

What blade did u use in the plane u made

[@MrTraindriver1970]

sure would love to see a whole series on making a set of laminated bench planes, coffin smoother, jack, jointer and maybe a badger plane. One thing though is it possible to turn off the subtitles for an instruction video? I found myself reading the lines too often and not concentrating too much on the video content and found it very distracting. Just an observation not a criticism.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

MrTraindriver1970 Many thanks, a badger plane sounds like a good idea, I'll have to do some thinking. Yes the subtitles can be switched on/ off at your will. There should be an option underneath the video as it plays, look for 'CC'. Some devices seem to automatically play them for some reason. Cheers.

[@MrTraindriver1970]

The English Woodworker thanks Richard for the subtitle info, are these videos going to be purchase items and if so will they be downloadable due to different region players etc? Happy to pay to build a couple of extra planes with some handy and amusing info thrown in.

[@TheEnglishWoodworker]

MrTraindriver1970 Thanks for your question. We'll be provide the plane making video here on You Tube and our blog free of charge. We have a new video series which is a purchase item, this provides over three hours of tuition on hand tool woodworking along with a project plan and cutting list - this is available now through our website. The content can be streamed and downloaded so it's compatible in all regions. www.theenglishwoodworker.com/premium-videos/

[@joeyshofner639]

A kick in the balls? So true. I tried to chisel one and failed. Took me days of frustration before I chucked it into a fire pit.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Tell us how o wise one, I'd like to try my hand at making a plane, a simple one. If it's doable, could one buy a quality iron and have a wooden plane equivalent of a metal one costing hundreds of £££££?

[@linetiilikainen2755]

"Another kick in the balls! Oh no, not again!

[@adkinsmikkelsen4980]

I bought plans from woodprix and I made it very fast.

[@michaelmccauslin3676]

I would sub but I'm allergic to man buns.