The convertible plane: smoother and scrub in ONE.

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New tools in this video (affiliate)|| Metal File: amzn.to/2CM985y (I don't own this one, but it looks good and gets good reviews. DOESN'T NEED A HANDLE)
My favorite file handles: amzn.to/2TPNPpr
Block Plane Iron (if you can't find a used one): amzn.to/2I6V1vh
Woodwork for Humans Tool List: Vaughn Bear Saw: amzn.to/2WoIzLP
Stanley 12-404 Handplane: amzn.to/2TjW5mo
Honing Guide: amzn.to/2TaJEZM
Green buffing compound: amzn.to/2XuUBE2
Cheap metal/plastic hammer for plane adjusting: amzn.to/2XyE7Ln
Spade Bits: amzn.to/2U5kvML
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[@DragonGateDesign]

3 planes to the power tool workers, 5 to the hybrid wood workers and 7 to the the hand tool users. And 1 jack plane to rule them all

[@wenziz87]

1 jack to rule them all, 1 jack to find them, 1 jack to bring them all, and in the workshop bind them? :) i know it’s 4 years on but i love this comment

[@piousminion7822]

You had me at "Hell no. That costs money." :P

[@RexKrueger]

Ha!

[@nothanks7919]

I've learned so much about planes in your videos, I'm kinda ashamed of how little I knew before. I just set up my cheap, 20$ Silverline No.7 plane that I never got to function, and it's just beautiful. I'm in tears.

[@alexisbauve8143]

Until this day I thought I could only shape the blade with a grinder which I don’t have... I just used my file, sand paper and diamond stones and it was pretty quick! Really happy with the result, the scrub plane is an amazing tool! Thank you so much!

[@RexKrueger]

I'm so glad you found success! The scrub really does get it done!

[@andrewhallard537]

This channel is so under rated

[@th34lch3m1st]

I really like this episodes of "woodworking from zero to hero" full of creative tips. Helping people having some rewarding and relaxing times building something with few bucks, It's something that deserve my congrats. Great job man, keep it up.

[@RexKrueger]

I will!

[@chevy6299]

I see what you did there, lol. I also saw the blue in the iron from running that file way to fast. =)

[@rhyskenny6429]

Been making wood planes and using old files to make the irons because of a previous video of yours! After this I think one with a cambered iron is next on the list! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@RexKrueger]

Happy to. Would love to see those homemade planes!

[@rhyskenny6429]

@@RexKrueger I can send you a picture on Instagram :)

[@paulmouradian8968]

Rex you did it again!!! Make these skills, topics and projects accessable and achieveable. Great Guy stay safe and well!

[@JC-lt2rm]

Very useful tip 👍👍 the 8in radius really does a nice job 🤗

[@bevanstuart9013]

Another great video Rex. Thank you. I always learn something new.

[@samb8414]

Hey Rex I love your work and your style keep up the amazing work 😍😍😍😍

[@douglashudson4706]

This was a great video! I'm a *total* beginner and I've had some (what seems to be) good initial success in bringing an old Craftsman 619-3742 I inherited from the in-laws about a year ago back to life as a scrub plane... thanks so much!

[@toddmaurer204]

Rex thanks for your series. You inspired me to low for a decent plane, and I got a Stanley #5 & 1/4 Junior jack plane and tuned it up. Inspired by this particular post and Rex's other 404 posting, I picked up the Harbor Freight version of this plane, their Windsor Design No 33. It is VERY rough, but as a scrub plane it doesn't need to be. Now for maybe $80 (factoring in all the sandpaper) I have a scrub plane and a smoothing plane and am starting to learn how to true up a board without needing to buy a jointer or a planer/thicknesser.

[@paultidswell2981]

Great tip, thanx Rex

[@joewhite4564]

Rex. I appreciate you.

[@magellanicraincloud]

Thank you Rex! I have been wanting to start woodwork for ages but have very limited money and storage space. It is so frustrating to watch woodworking videos that start with how you'll need a router and table saw. So glad I found you and this series! Heck, if I can finagle access to a bandsaw maybe I could make a guitar body!

[@RexKrueger]

You know, bandsaws are great, but you could do a guitar body with all hand tools. You'd just need a turning saw. You can make one.

[@magellanicraincloud]

@@RexKrueger I appreciate the encouragement. I dated a woodworker for a while and the tool-snobbery got impressed on me *hard*, giving me the very strong impression that I couldn't do anything without a big range of kit.

[@martynspeck]

@@RexKrueger Yeah, It's not as though Stradivarius used a band saw.

[@petehalsted1622]

Thank you Rex! I made a 10" radius blade for a #4 with a bad lateral adjustment as a "mid scrub". I am getting better at sharpening freehand, but establishing a new bevel is a different story. But I had watched so many different videos, that the internet had convinced me you can only sharpen something with any kind of pronounced radius by hand. I established a sort of bevel on the grinder freehand (got to make a proper tool rest!) but trying to freehand it into a true cutting edge was getting me nowhere, then I watch you use the jig for the 8" radius in this video and I went back to work, 5 minutes later I have a 10" radius blade that can shave hairs.

[@freedoomed]

I really appreciate these videos. I live in a one bedroom apartment and have no room for huge tools like table saws. My present work shop consists of an ikea bar table in my kitchen where i do my gunsmithing, woodworking, metalworking. what i really need is a stable platform to use my draw knife and the table isn't cutting it.

[@RexKrueger]

You are my target audience. Maybe you can build my $30 bench and add a shaving horse attachment. I'll be doing that later this year.

[@freedoomed]

@@RexKrueger thanks, i may try that

[@censusgary]

Think about getting a couple of woven tie-down straps and using them to hold your work piece to the table (Rex mentions this in another of these videos).

[@scoobshagg]

Simple easy elegant, and sandpaper to. Thanks Rex

[@RexKrueger]

I'm really glad you liked it!

[@johnkelley9877]

Thanks for sharing this.I really do not need a powered grinder that much so watching your method of making a scrub plane blade is very helpful. I subscribed to your channel because you show economic methods for achieving great results.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Silly side note... As a wood-worker, you will probably (if you don't already) come to need/want a power sander... A cheap decent (used half to death?) belt sander ALSO makes for a great "blade grinder" where bevels and flattening are concerned... Some of them even come with multiple speeds or speed controls (cadillacs of their kind... lolz)... Hose clamps are my favorite for seizing the handles to some frame or fixture upside down, and you can stick a wedge or spike of adequate (custom carved) size into the trigger where there isn't a trigger lock. Then you have a moving sandpaper or emory cloth (wet-n-dry stuff) over a reasonably flat surface right there... gentle pressure and angle control enough to just hold steady... zip-zip-zip... and move on to fine-work, stones, honing... strop, etc. ;o)

[@Mechie980]

I know this is an older vid, just wanted you to know I used a cruddy Stanley #110 block plane (Arc ~$2) blade to do EXACTLY as you showed here. The only difference is this blade doesn't have the necessary hole in it, I just matched the 12-404 blade up to it, traced the hole, drilled the hole at either end and dremeled out the waste and BAM. I love the scrub/smoother combo, works great, especially using the hammer adjustment technique you describe in the original 12-404 vid you did, I TOTALLY threw away those terrible adjuster screws. The whole setup took maybe an hour to modify, sharpen and get scrubbing. Thanks a ton for the ideas!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Rex

[@johnburens3395]

Nice video Rex. I did this with and old Stanley no. 4 from the swap meet. It hogs away material fast!

[@petewoodhead52]

Appreciate you. I'm learning so much from you.👍

[@tim8767]

Great video. I'll probably try this at some point.

[@RexKrueger]

You should. It's not hard!

[@bumstudios8817]

Love this channel

[@garagemonkeysan]

Plane and simple. :-) Great video.

[@nightcatarts]

Always good to make sure you round off the corners just a little bit on plane irons too, I find, unless perhaps you're going to use them with a shooting board. Those corners can chew up sandpaper & sharpening/honing stones if you tilt it too far, & can do some quite bad damage to workpieces if your blade isn't entirely square with the sole or slips as you're ripping big chunks of wood off it.

[@SeahawkSailor]

Another great video! Making handles for files might make a great video too! I use copper pipe caps for the Ferrell

[@censusgary]

Ferrule (just in case someone wants to look up that term).

[@user-io9ln1or7c]

Thank you Sir.🎉

[@censusgary]

Looking at your Roman bench, I just realized you could make two or more sets of legs (with different leg lengths) for it, so you could adjust the height just by switching the legs out.

[@scottbrown3444]

I don't know what to call my little plane but it works and someday I'll figure out where I am in Shaun's power structure!

[@brucematthews6417]

First off I'm really enjoying my new sub to your channel and the low key approach to tools and bench to make it more approachable and take some of the mystique out of casual hand woodwork. And now a hint if I may..... The back side of the wetordry sandpaper actually makes for a pretty good fine finish after some 400 grit. Try it! Also while I totally agree that we don't need a mirror finish on a scrub blade a pretty fair "buff" sort of shininess will indicate a less "toothy" edge that lasts longer.

[@RexKrueger]

Those are all EXCELLENT points. Thanks for adding to the project.

[@bloodgain]

Don't you just love Talenti gelato? Delicious ice cream and a free high-grade shop container with every purchase! I'm partial to the Mediterranean Mint Chip myself.

[@RexKrueger]

My wife and I used to have a pint each week. I once counted up the empties and found 44 around the shop. We stopped.

[@gamer2morrow]

Adorable pencil

[@RexKrueger]

I have a 6-year-old.

[@dougstreu3006]

Doug strep I was checking out your earlier video $100 planes. No audio. I just wanted to mention it

[@redrob6331]

For people who are broke or cheap like me, golf balls work for file handles.

[@censusgary]

I’ve tried the golf ball handles, and they work fine. There are videos on KZbin giving more details.

[@yizhuolin3906]

oh hell yeah that thumbnail!

[@delxmax]

Thanks Rex. Nice vid. Have you seen Young Je's channel? Hand crafted planes that are phenomenal!

[@RexKrueger]

The man is a GOD.

[@reprosser]

Great vid. Now I have an excuse to buy up some rusted up/broken cheap planes for parts.

[@RexKrueger]

Like you need an excuse!

[@Kampfkartoffel174]

You're so underrated. Your channel needs way more attention! Have a nice day

[@RexKrueger]

You're very nice to say so. If you'd like to help me grow, share one of my videos on social media. Thanks!

[@Kampfkartoffel174]

@@RexKrueger hey my man, don't know if you see this, but let me tell you, i'm so glad on how your channel is going. when i first started watching you, you had like 20-30k subs at max and now already over 215,000. i knew you would come out big if you keep up sharing your knowledge. again, have a nice day :)

[@stardustjustlikeyou]

There is a company called WoodRiver that sells replacement blades for block planes on Amazon.

[@coolthinghere6853]

@Rex Kruger i think this video is meant to be earlier in the playlist?

[@codyflagg3440]

Hey, I purchased the 34 mm version on the linked page and it is also way too long. What the website calls the "length" is what I would consider the "width" i.e. how wide the cutting bevel is. The slot on my blade will need to be lengthened by about 1/4" for it to sit properly. Would be nice to get some more specific info from Rex on the proper blade to purchase. Another person noted that the 40 mm blade will also not fit properly.

[@ConcussiusClay]

Love your channel. You’re very knowledgeable and skilled. Couldn’t help notice that you look very sleep deprived as well. Not a criticism. Just an observation.

[@Tehcarp]

ConcussiusClay he is a dad with two jobs. You a mere mortal should sleep for him.

[@ConcussiusClay]

Alas even I cannot sleep enough to make up for those legendary under eye circles. Thank you for the observation.

[@Cadwaladr]

Hmm, I didn't know they had an 8" radius. I can't remember exactly, but when I made my scrub plane iron last summer I think I did decide on an 8" radius sort of randomly. It just seemed about right.

[@RexKrueger]

8 is a rough number. Feel free to just wing it.

[@censusgary]

You could use a 9” radius or a 12” radius or a 7” radius. The exact arc isn’t that important.

[@JDeWittDIY]

For a simple file handle, drill a hole in a golf ball and shove the tang of the file into it. A long handle isn't necessary, since you also hold the tip of the file. Look up pocket83 if you're interested in more.

[@RexKrueger]

All the smiths I know do this with their rasps. I was skeptical, but it works great!

[@bmillare]

Is there a video on the wood backing beneath the cutting iron?

[@RexKrueger]

I covered that in my bench-flattening video.

[@Kuro-ik3qn]

Sharpen the other end of the original iron, it's already cambered. Though it's probably not hard enough to keep the cutting edge there and the radius may be too small.

[@RexKrueger]

If you found it was hardened all the way up, this would be a brilliant solution.

[@nightcatarts]

I did that once, since the iron already had a well-rounded backside. It sliced the backs of my fingers up when it decided to dig in once, so really only advisable if you make a little wooden end cap for the edge not in use at the same time.

[@rockdog2584]

After a bit of 'sole' searching a few days ago, I finally found the two bench planes I had on hand (I've since bought a third one). One is a 'No. 4' clone, the other is a No. 5. The No. 5 only says "Lakeside" at the top of the iron. The No. 4 has NO branding whatsoever. After spending a boat-load of time refurbishing all the bits and pieces of the No. 5...I discovered that the body isn't even close to square! NOT gonna work on a shooting board. So...the very FIRST thing I checked on the no-name No. 4 was whether it was square or not! Body's good...but there was a couple of pieces missing (oh, and...the iron had been installed bevel-up!).. Stumbled through a couple of second-hand stores today...and found a Corsair that is No. 5 sized. Didn't have a good square with me to check it...but I bought it anyway. Sure enough...it's just as out-of-square as the Lakeside.... BUT...crucial parts off of it will fit on my No. 4...AND are better looking! Eventually, I will have a working (albeit terribly cheap) smoothing plane (that CAN work as a shooter), and one of the two No. 5s will get turned into a scrub. I want to Thank You Rex! You have re-awakened the wood worker in me!!! I've only been watching your channel for a couple of weeks...but I already have a small hand-full of projects in mind to tackle! That little wooden tote you built?...I'm gonna make one of those for a friend's Birthday. Gonna build a shallow cabinet (32X52X8, maybe) to be my canned-goods pantry...and I want to build my own version of that Roman Workbench (I want to do the legs differently). Again...Thank You.

[@ThePillenwerfer]

Strange you can't get a spare blade in the US as they are easily available in Britain, including from Amazon.

[@etbman7]

Is there a piece of wood over the frog? That seems like an interesting idea to get a flat surface there. I can't find any video where he talks about that, though. Anyone know?

[@RexKrueger]

Its just a little piece of veneer to give the bed a bit more friction. It doesn't make the bed flat, it just helps the iron to stay in place. You could use a little bit of thin cardboard just glued in place.

[@HWoodCreations]

Is there a scrub or fore plane available to simply purchase?

[@doublecheese6299]

I bought one of the Stanley 12-508 Replacement Block Plane Irons from the Amazon link in the description, but couldn't get it to work. Its blade was too long so I had to grind it back about a quarter inch (cheated, used a bench grinder), but then found its slot was too long so the cap iron screw doesn't hit the iron. I got the 40mm version on the linked page. Did I get the wrong one?

[@codyflagg3440]

Hey, I purchased the 34 mm version on the linked page and it is also way too long. What the website calls the "length" is what I would consider the "width" i.e. how wide the cutting bevel is. The slot on my blade will need to be lengthened by about 1/4" for it to sit properly. Would be nice to get some more specific info from Rex on the proper blade to purchase.

[@renardgrise]

I too am having problems sourcing a blad to work with...

[@bighands69]

In Classical carpentry a craftsman would have a rough plane and a smooth plane. Normally an older plane would get used for the roughing and that plane would take far more abuse.

[@rtfelix2288]

Hey Rex - this video isn't in the WWforH playlist. Just a heads up!

[@RexKrueger]

Fixed! Thanks.

[@BradsWorkbench]

My scrub plane is way more cambered than that. I’m not sure if it wrong or not because it’s the only one I’ve ever come across. It works well tho.....🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RexKrueger]

No right or wrong here.

[@censusgary]

If it works, it’s right. If it doesn’t work, it’s wrong.

[@doublecheese6299]

Can I just use the 404's original iron instead of trying to track down a block plane iron? Would the iron's additional width be a problem? I'm planning to use my 404 just as a dedicated scrub plane.

[@RexKrueger]

2:12 :)

[@doublecheese6299]

@@RexKrueger Should I just file the same 8" circumference across the width of the 12-404 iron, or should I maybe try to grind the sides to narrow it down to the same width as a block plane iron?

[@JDeWittDIY]

@@doublecheese6299 Start by making it full width and see how it works. If it's taking too much of a bit (you can't push the plane), then you could narrow it.

[@doublecheese6299]

@@JDeWittDIY Good idea, thanks!

[@commenter4799]

I just put a 25 degree bevel on a hatchet with a fine file... Talk about taking forever, lol. I also flattened my bench (which was way worse than yours because of issues I had ripping big boards) with a fine plane... I must be glutton for punishment.

[@redrob6331]

Would it be possible to make a plane with minimal tooling? For the sake of argument, say you already had a blade. BTW, the blades of those big box saws that have become dull are good for cutting out plane blades, are they not?

[@RexKrueger]

I'm working on the minimal tool plane build thing, but the Stanley 404 is really cheap and it works. As to saw blades, no. They are too thin. But, they CAN make scrapers.

[@ernststravoblofeld]

Look up Japanese planes. You can make one with nothing but a chisel if you already have a blade.

[@censusgary]

If you don’t have a Sharpie (TM), you can use a pencil or a crayon instead, or even scratch your marks with a nail or the like. Obvious, I guess, but since the point of this series is not to buy more than you have to, I thought I’d mention it.

[@tommaso_t]

The thumbnail is unsettling

[@larrybohlken147]

Now the $150 workbench

[@HondoTrailside]

If you have the basic tools that are required to make a plane by the resaw method, it only takes 45 minutes to make one. I really prefer wooden scrub planes they, are so friction free and light that they move as though skating on ice. I would never have a plane I had to switch back and forth. Wooden smoothers are OK also, if you have the extra couple of bucks and the 45 minutes.

[@jefftapper4799]

I spy a little bluing on that iron...

[@RexKrueger]

Yup! I filed it off. That iron has led a hard life!

[@scannon90]

I have a spare blade that is fairly wide, would you advise I grind it at a steeper angle to ensure that it has the proper bite of a scrub plane? thanks

[@RexKrueger]

It just needs the correct radius. Everything else can stay the same, even with a wider blade. Good luck!

[@scannon90]

Thanks for the quick reply.

[@traumerinfreierwildbahn1136]

Buy another tool? Well,....hell no that costs money! ^^ dude im laughing so hard, im on my limit to not pee myself

[@jamesharris7868]

ha ha told you another blade was on the cards you said you were to busy.good idea though works

[@RexKrueger]

What can I say? I figured it out!

[@jamesharris7868]

@@RexKrueger works really well think its going to make a good job of that bench

[@kevinschipper6190]

*Rex denies wanting to buy another hand plane* Oh SURE you don't want to spend money...

[@RexKrueger]

Well, I want to save others money. Personally, I want ALL the planes!

[@joseislanio8910]

Gotta pretend I didn't see that blue in the ground area of the iron

[@JoeGP]

aren't plane irons supposed to be hardened ? if so you ain't rounding that over with a normal file

[@bighands69]

It makes it a slow process unless it is some super hardened surface but I would find that unlikely due to the fact it needs to be sharpened.

[@jim-zb2kb]

6:49 The iron looked blue,a little bit of cheating? 😂👍

[@RexKrueger]

nah, that iron just lived a hard life before I got it.

[@censusgary]

Some people enlarge the plane’s “mouth” when converting an inexpensive plane to a scrub plane. Do you do that, Rex?

[@RexKrueger]

The mouth on this plane is HUGE. No widening necessary.

[@silmarils94]

you'll ruin your file...I'll go with course sandpaper ( files are expensive )