Flattening a board using hand planes

[@vikramkrishnan6414]

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

[@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.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@TimothyRourke]

Wonderful insight about using actual shavings under the winding sticks to assess amount of wind, never occurred to me one could literally measure number of passes needed to correct!!! Applies to any planing operation I guess!

[@michaelintile7836]

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

[@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.

[@josevelez7539]

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

[@floydc3664]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@danielgeng2306]

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

[@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!! 👍👍👍

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@thelevicole]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@irishfitz]

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

[@edwardog]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@strhydercreaghe7937]

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

[@animeclips7232]

Diligently accomplished work deserves respect.

[@brett328]

Impressive skill, and I have to say, you gotta be in great shape to do that and continue an intelligent dialogue without huffing and puffing like I would be. And no offense, but at your age, I am amazed.

[@738polarbear]

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

[@osvaldocristo]

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

[@waynekiely4137]

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

[@johnschillo4452]

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

[@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!!

[@matthewschmalz852]

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

[@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!

[@GospelBearer]

I enjoyed this documentary on why they invented planing machines.

[@jasonsocquet8555]

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

[@raol635]

This guy is teaching from his heart. Bravo 👏

[@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

[@thomashverring9484]

You have two videos on your channel-both of them are among the finest in their field! Please make more instructional videos!

[@bigkiv47]

My sentiments exactly.... I have watched so many people try and flatten a board and yet the way they showed always seemed so frigging complicated and I found myself shying away from doing it.... Then I saw this video today (Thankyou youtube algorithm) I mean this principle is so simple and repeatable... I want one of those fore planes

[@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 ?

[@МаксимЗубов-с4д]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@inthewoodworksco.9041]

Very helpful and explanatory. Thanks for posting this video.

[@rjtjtckt3998]

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

[@michaellienhoop2387]

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

[@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!!.*

[@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.

[@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.

[@orcasea59]

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

[@darwinschierer8575]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@738polarbear]

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

[@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

[@pauldixon6654]

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

[@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.

[@maineiacacres]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@EvulDali]

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

[@tonylenge424]

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

[@martinoamello3017]

This is stuff I've been doing for a good while now, but it took me a long time to get half way decent at it. So much of it comes from trial and error and doing your level best to remember what you did and didn't do the last time around. It really helps to have a nice, flat bench top. Mine is no longer flat so it's time to level it again.

[@skippylippy547]

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

[@PaddyMcNubbington]

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

[@ocoutdoors2355]

best tutorial I've seen

[@Nertz1000]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@treforparry4054]

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

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process Thanks for sharing

[@L8NiteCoffeeSips]

Well instructed & thoroughly explained 👌🏽

[@williammarr1931]

Excellent demo. Very clear explanations. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertamardeil7940]

Merveilleuse méthode....Excellente démonstration Merci

[@MaxSafeheaD]

This was great! Thanks Mike 😁

[@jerryhubbard4461]

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

[@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.

[@sylvainroy5764]

I learnes a lot viewing this excellent video ! Thanks!

[@jonnyjames3202]

Thank you for the wonderful lesson!

[@kathleenbasieiwcz4636]

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

[@danaeoneil4013]

Amazing teaching, thankyou very much.

[@alonalgr660]

Great explanations. Thanks

[@beantown_billy2405]

What a great teacher

[@SAHBfan]

3:50 “I was careful to hold the plane straight”. You also have the skill to hold the plane straight. I’ve tried this many times and my biggest problem is the edges not being square. I think there must be some trick or skill to this which takes a very long time to acquire . There are some great tips in here, such as only planing between the marks to remove the bow and using shavings as spacers to judge how much material to use. It is a good video - but my personal experience is that no amount of watching videos is going to make it possible for me to do this - it needs hours (years?) of practice. It is theraputic to watch an expert at work, but when it comes to flattening a board for myself, , I can understand the comments about buying a jointer and a planar!

[@rossmorrow3013]

Hello SAHBfan, Even if you invest in the two machines you’re referring to, you’ll still end up with an uneven board, all the thicknesser will do is to flatten the timber going through with its powerful feeder rollers, but when it comes out the other side, once the pressure of the rollers have ejected the wood, it will most likely still have the same twists; you can make a jig that will help you, but you need to understand what you’re up against. What you see is the only real true way to truly get a flat board.

[@xs10tl1]

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

[@beastlybombers]

Love it. Thank you Mike.

[@Lyndalewinder]

Great video - I've just subscribed!

[@MOSTAFA131160]

very helpful video, thank you

[@puffinlittle]

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

[@diversitylove5460]

Thanks for being such a talented, handsome, and pleasant person. Hugs and love 💕 from a random girl who just wants people happy.

[@curtisloud1027]

Thanks Mike!