Tool Talk #3 Japanese Hand Planes

Free Woodworking Plans: samuraicarpenter.com/free-6-pl...
Join My Makers Mob Woodworking School: www.joinmakersmob.com/samurai/
An informative introduction to Japanese Hand Planes. Learn about their construction and features as well as what tasks they are best suited for. I have also included some of my North American iron body planes in this talk.
My Website: samuraicarpenter.com
Online stores for Japanese Planes:
www.japantool-iida.com/
www.hidatool.com/woodworking/p...
Sashimono Woodworking:
• Video
Lie Neilsen Low Angle Plane:
www.lie-nielsen.com/product/h...
See my Japanese plane in action:
• Woodworking, Japanese ...

[@dannyprovost8622]

The "tool talk" I have been waiting for! Thank you Mr. Carpenter.

[@tooljunkie555]

just finished watching that Japan documentary video all of that stuff is mind-blowing not sure about the editing but the woodwork itself is mind-blowing. and those micro planes are ridiculously small but all serve a different purpose thats awesome too

[@LaBeefy101]

Thanks for dropping some knowledge, Samurai!

[@trevorburford-reade8685]

Excellent tutorial series. Great stuff.

[@michaelpukmel9175]

Thanks, great talk. Would love to hear more about woodworking tools.

[@scannon90]

Thanks, you talked me out of getting one, but I am happy that you are enjoying yours.

[@TheXandoor]

Thanks for the tip, using paper on the bed of the Dai. Can't believe I could not think of that.

[@mukymik6414]

Fascinating and informative, brilliant.

[@ahikernamedgq]

Thanks for sharing this! You have a wonderful tool collection.

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

Jesse Taylor yes he does. I make similar videos on my channel. Check them out if u have time

[@h0tcoc0a]

I know this was an introduction, so for those interested, here's some more information: The relief parts will differ depending on the purpose. He talks about this around the @3:14 mark. E.g. a Japanese jointer plane will have contact points at the back to create a reference "flat" surface. If you're in the Bay Area - there's a great shop called Hida that sells these. Just like the Samurai says, they're expensive. If you also travel to Japan - there's a general goods store called "Tokyu Hands". Each shop carries the general collection of Japanese household goods (think Target stores), but each store also has a "featured" section. The one in Shibuya carries lumber and a bunch of Japanese woodworking tools. These were much more affordable and have been very serviceable. Thanks for the info Samurai! It's incredibly hard to find instructive information on Japanese woodworking and their tools!

[@GoncaloLuis89]

Awesome! Thank you. Do a video on making a block for a Japanese plane!

[@anthonydtobias]

I just bought the lie-nielsen rabbet block plane..... right from them directly here in Maine!!! I thought of your video here when I bought it.. thank you

[@ClaytonwFirth]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bobputman5947]

thank you for so much knowledge, great video

[@johnwiles4661]

brilliant video, was thinking about a pull plane. now I'm a little more informed. thanks.

[@Stevelemontrudy]

Your tools are so classy. I just have a hodgepodge of cheap shit I could afford, but that's better than nothing at all.

[@Cephalon_Shade]

I recommend checking out Paul Sellers here on youtube.

[@RobinCoomans]

Yes! A wealth of knowledge and experience!

[@mynameisHOPKIRK]

Enjoyed that, thanks man.

[@okiwatashi]

Nice video, I love my jack rabbet, I use two blades one dead straight and one with rounded off corners

[@Aubreykun]

Very informative youtube channel! I'm learning a lot from you and others in my research and learning about Japanese carpentry. I have one thing that I found you got incorrect and it bears mentioning: You are supposed to use a wooden mallet to adjust planes. It's one of the few things that the Japanese carpenters use a wooden mallet for, but it's very important - a metal hammer will most likely dent up the dai or put dings in the blade, reducing the longevity of the tool.

[@SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK]

Those thin shaving competitions are craaaazy. Thanks for sharing on the Japanese stuff though....cry interesting.

[@alimaleki217]

"I don't think my skills are there..." please, we've seen your amazing work!

[@MattDiresta]

man those are some awesome planes!! would love to get my hands on those and use them ! much love! DiResta Out

[@tommallais2328]

wow thx man!

[@dragonmaid1360]

Thank you. My husband is going to buy me a plane for my birthday and of course i wanted a japanese one. But i can see that have to rethink that. Ill do some research because in australia our wood is harder.

[@nameunknown17]

It would be awesome if you took time setting up a Japanese plane out of the box as there isn't much I've found online. Keep up the good work

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

Send me a new plane and I will happily make a video on setting it up ;)

[@Zoie3x8]

"if you're not subscribed, get your head checked" i died. 😝

[@amezcuaist]

With tiny brass planes used in violin making they tend to cramp your hand so I soldered a piece of copper pipe around the sides with a copper bend to fit in my palm. That worked perfectly . The appearance had to take second place . One bit of this video jars a little. North American Planes ----Basically European or British is the right name to give them . North Americans use European planes .What do South Americans use ?

[@jdbeekeeper]

Hi i was wondering which size Japanese plane would you say would be a good one to start learn with in the way of getting to know how to sharpen and to take care to the sole of the plane body. Thanks Justin

[@marcosalvarado2854]

I was wondering what books do you recommend or point me to the right way so i can learn how to sharpen the blades ? thank you

[@borthewolf3376]

Thanks for another great video. Not having any knowledge nor experience with Japanese planes, I always thought these hand planes had a stick through them, used as a pull handle? It made me curious to see them inaction, how to grab them and how to position your body. And also how to set them up. Perhaps you can be persuaded to spend some time and show us?

[@truebluekit]

Actually, those wooden bodied planes with sticks in the middle are Chinese planes. I remember my dad used to use them, but I was really young back then, so I don't remember much. They were used on the push though, unlike Japanese planes.

[@SethMesser]

really enjoying this series, jesse; thanks much. i've had my eye on that rabbeting block plane for some time. hope to pick it up this year. would LOVE to get into the japanese planes too, but you confirmed what i was a little afraid of.. the amount of work necessary in upkeep/tuning/etc over western/northamerican planes. anyway, thanks again for all the info.

[@truebluekit]

I'm a noob woodworker, and I only very briefly entertained the thought of getting Japanese handplanes. Heck, I'm still learning how to use my crappy Stanley #4 and #5. I have that rabbeting block plane. It just feels so right in the hand, I tell ya. It's good and all, but I think to best make long rabbets for boxes, the Veritas is the one to get. My wallet's all dried now, so it'll be some time before I get it. Who knows, though, by then the Lie Nielse bloody plow plane might actually have been released.

[@silvermediastudio]

$340USD from Lee Valley.

[@jairpaguanquiza2790]

pleasse traducción en español Te escribo desde Colombia me encanta tus vídeos eres un maestro

[@johnguest742]

Have you repaired a Japanese chisel or iron that has been honed up to the dished out area of the tool? If so could you please show us how?

[@Everfalling]

what do you look for when searching for japanese planes on ebay? are there any "cheap" plane blades that you should stay away from or are they all good?

[@kenwilson7213]

If you like japanese wood planes but only for softwoods then see the bevel up, high angle wood planes by Gordon in Australia, I saw one cut red-gum end grain you could see through...

[@wolverinePX33]

I am new to woodworking and would like to get into Japanese hand planes. Is there a specific one you recommend for beginners?

[@tri-forceblades3123]

Hey, suggestion....... instead of using tape to correct wear over time or the overtuning it, cut an appropriate thickness of a shaving with your Kanna and glue it in place of the tape. Basically you are adding wood back to your pride and joy.

[@christophermclewee796]

would you recommend japanese/taiwanese planes from lee valley for a beginner?

[@mahirfredericks4013]

thanks bro... i needed this coz i hand plained a door and it didnt turn out so straight

[@przybyla420]

One advantage to Japanese planes compared to metal planes i don’t hear very often is that you can fit a bunch of planes bodies in a box and tote them, they’re lighter, less fragile and stack up well, being rectangular.

[@bighands69]

Western tools are just superior and were developed during the age of enlightenment.

[@przybyla420]

👎

[@missionron]

I know the Samorai really likes his Kanna.. I wish he would make a Krenov style plane, like they do at Inside Passage school. I guarantee his opinion and preference could easily change. They are easy to make, dint take a ton of time. Using Hock blades.

[@jenniferwhite6089]

oh you should of said the number 1 thing you like the best is hearing your self talk love you channel any ways how the watching the boys going any ways and you boys will be out of school before you make the bunk beds for them lol

[@cronos_78none47]

do you use sometimes some wax on the sole of the kanna´s ?

[@simplediyr]

Been looking for a nice Japanese plane to buy but haven't found one yet. The ones I find on eBay are usually horrible. Gotta keep looking I guess!

[@augustosilva33]

deveria ter falado do sistema de travamento das laminas das plainas japonesas..é uma coisa que ainda nao dominei.sempre se deslocam depois que aperto

[@Withplaneandsaw]

what japanese style pull saw would you recommend that would be good from quick cuts in framing to finishwork in one saw/

[@przybyla420]

A ryoba

[@SJKanowsky]

How do you know what a good brand is? I bought two but I no idea what wether they're are good quality. Everything of course is in Japanese, so I don't know if they're good. Also, how do I know what the purpose of the plane? In other words what's the equivalent of a number 4 or a number 8?

[@Bigwormith]

What's your opinion on what is the best spokeshave?

[@williambutler3695]

Now that we've seen your plane blades, can we see the fancy ones?

[@MrAsundstrom]

Recommend a good one for a beginner?

[@indrakurniawan5754]

Do traditional Japanese carpenters use winding sticks to flatten boards? What is their equivalent tool for western winding sticks? I tried googling it, no answer so far.

[@TheStPtricksDay]

You missed a beautiful opportunity to name this "Plane and simple."

[@imamsadikin2156]

Kushigata/shakuri kanna out the body diy please...

[@H_Oscarsson]

Is there a difference between noerth american and european planes? I just thought there where western style (Europe, North America and so on) planes and japanese style planes...

[@hyunjunlee89]

When you are leveling the plane block, what do you use it against to make it level? Like flat stone or what? Where can I get it?

[@przybyla420]

A lot of people use granite or marble countertop cutoffs, often available for a few bucks from a place that installs them. Heavy, durable, smooth and flat. Not the most portable, but other than that they are great.

[@BrownianMotionPicture]

North american style planes? Is there such thing? Bailey style planes.

[@zxbigmikexz]

That video on Sashimono is how I ended up finding you.

[@soonersciencenerd383]

I bought a Japanese hand plane, and what grit should I use to sharpen it? any other tips? good video!

[@silvermediastudio]

Work up to 12,000.

[@davidcourt4749]

@thesamuraicarpenter I know you're fresh to the metric system so I thought I'd help you out a little. It is far more useful to refer to measurements in mm (millimetres) for accuracy up until you reach maybe 10 meters or more, unless you're dealing with clients, they get cm from schooling days. 1cm is such a rough measurement, it's just as easy to throw out 10mill. great to see the conversion though! here on NZ we use both. Fundamentally metric with a bit of rough imperial conversion where required.

[@bighands69]

Imperial is just superior as a system.

[@shanegrangrad8559]

How do you sharpen your hand saws

[@dariocarafa3788]

I have heard this myth a couple a times on KZbin that the harder a steel is it won't take as keen an edge as a softer steel. I've been a professional knife sharpener for years and that is absolutely not true. in fact, typically the harder a steel, on the Rockwell scale, the keener and edge can get because it's hard enough to hold an extremely thin apex; you just have to know how to do it. typically with harder steels you can't use ceramics, Arkansas, or composites you have to use diamond because of the different carbides that form when hardening and tempering.

[@przybyla420]

That is backwards. Everyone knows the harder metal is the higher a shine it will take, that is, the smoother you can make it, that is, the more perfect geometry you can put on the cutting edge (sharpening). At a certain point, of course, it becomes too brittle and the time you spend honing out chips, combined with the difficulty sharpening because of hardness, negates any gains. This tipping point depends on many factors such as timbers being worked, how careful/OCD you are, how fancy your sharpening equipment is, do you do very precise work or rough construction, etc.

[@przybyla420]

The caveat to this is that “plain” low alloy high carbon steels - like many antique cutters - are believed by many to take a keener edge than modern tool steels, but the difference is slight as long as it is a fairly run of the mill tool steel such as O1 (if it is high speed steel, forget it: noticeably coarser edge). The tool steels that have vanadium or other alloy constituents that create a finer grain structure, and not much else, probably take just as keen an edge as most of the old, pre-tool steel, “plain high carbon steel” tools.

[@simitarknut2201]

How would the blade from one of these Japanese planes hold up against Balsa wood? Claude

[@przybyla420]

Use white steel with very a very low bevel. I don’t think anything with cut end grain balsa without tearout, but I could be wrong. Rob Cosman has a video about low bevels for chiseling softwood end grain (seems like he says 17 degrees, but I could be wrong, and balsa is much much softer than pine of course).

[@christt3740]

Should have stood 6 inches right. Lighting and all. Thanks for a great way to look at things.

[@ianmorgan889]

Hi, am building up a collection of Japanese tools which are slowly replacing my western ones ( just chisels and saws, so far) could you recommend a reasonably priced but good quality maker of Japanese planes? I don't want crappy, Western-made knock-offs, only genuine Japanese tools will do. Thanks very much, watching your videos has been a significant factor in my desire to learn more about and adopt Japanese woodworking techniques which I find breath-taking-the spiritual side you speak of is very real and I am looking forward to immersing myself in it more as I make my tiny steps of progress in that direction!

[@bighands69]

Western tools are just superior and from the western period of high furniture making.

[@GregorKropotkin-qu2hp]

@@bighands69 It depends on the application- you would know that if you had a clue about carpentry, what a ridiculous statement!

[@HiroProtagonistak]

You have the skill to make the blocks for the Japanese planes now if you only had a friend that made knives in your area that could make you some plane blades. You could sell them for less than the Japanese version and still make a grip of cash and I could have a Canadian Samurai Plane.

[@MrPalapikus]

Need link for small plane :D Fire it up!

[@whatnameisnotused3]

I maybe wrong, but I was under the Impression that you don't hit the plane blade at all but, like you take it out, by hitting the back, you put it in by hitting the front of the block. Do you have any info on this?

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

You hit the blade. I have watched several Japanese master craftsmen and they all hit the blade. I have never seen anyone hit the front of the block but if it works then it works. You would have to be careful not to hit the edge of the block because it would deform the wood and screw up bottom of the block.

[@PiDev]

You have it backwards. You remove the blade by hitting the back of the block, you install the blade by hitting the back of the blade.

[@whatnameisnotused3]

Pious Devil slow down read again and then comment.😉

[@jacobwells100]

I know you say cheap Japanese planes are no good and I believe you 100%, I agree good tools cost money but a lot of the hand planes i've found are around £30-£40 so are these gonna be no good? Could you recommend a good quality Japanese plane brand for around £100-120, your Japanese saw video was so useful.

[@jacobwells100]

Will this plane be any good? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Japanese-Wood-Block-Plane-KANNA-Tadanari-60mm-Double-Edge-Carpenter-s-Tool/282466600956?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3Daecf0a7a442a49bfad1a90c0921f3c34%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D221675005890

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

Japanese planes sounds like a "ridiculous" commitment of time just to learn how to use one. And I think all of us or most of us that watch you get the drool factor of a great tool website. I know my tool addiction could be on a "Tool Horder's" reality TV show.

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

Turns out I'd been subscribed to Begin Japanology for some time and had in fact seen that episode. Great video man.

[@tumazformosa960]

i wonder how they made old style primitive tools look classy to the world.

[@dancoy1658]

3499th... good for you first second and third guys. Dang!

[@WattWood]

is the chinese one a mujingfang ?

[@forestlampcraft472]

cool chisels

[@ared18t]

they line is nearly perfect😨

[@ericluba6287]

all the chisels and planes out there have me really confused on sharpening and setting them up and using them right any recommendations

[@nameunknown17]

Well what fun would that be for me??? No I know they're pricey. So when u get another one you should get on it! Take care

[@50guitar]

I wish Canadian and European craftsman would either refer to measurements in ALL imperial measure or ALL metric system. Drives me nuts when you guys go back and forth....... ;)

[@pablo321123]

lol, blame the US.

[@lithuanianscot7172]

Seen a Bamboo keyboard and mouse. Okay "Meestir Awfulsome" lets see you do that.

[@stankolodin5586]

I think jet planes are cooler than propellor planes.

[@JohnT2001]

2nd comment

[@wrightdu83]

Second. ;)

[@Thom4123]

Tool porn I love it

[@sethstanbury6126]

First!

[@Olebull93]

Tool Talk, everything your dad didnt tell you.

[@shannongibson325]

I've heard good feedback about the Woodprix plans.

[@testwick1]

Mierda, no entiendo nada ...... !!!!!!

[@tayyabsafdar7069]

Why does your video say, "Stavros Gakos viewers watch this channel also" he is a plane maker and you are just advertising. So no comparison. Or this is from the KZbin.

[@patrickgreen9189]

Japanese planes look like art? they look like a scrap piece of 2x4...

[@caseythimm5522]

Agreed

[@toffiecrisp123]

try one and i promise you will change you mind

[@patrickgreen9189]

how is trying one going to change how they look? i understand that they can be good quality planes, or total garbage. just like any other tool out there. you get what you pay for.

[@Rand25449]

My $15 Japanese plane is my favorite tool. The Japanese make great stuff.

[@738polarbear]

You are right on .If you want to see art go and look at Marcou planes.

[@Erowens98]

If you take woodwork seriously enough to afford a 400$ plane, chances are you have plenty of ability to make the damn thing yourself...

[@brokeasdope]

Birki gts $400 for a quality plane isn't actually that much. and you are for sure not building a quality plane without another quality plane

[@Erowens98]

brokeasdope it doesn't take a 400$ plane to make something like this though. Yes 400$ planes are nice, but once tuned a 100$ plane is more than good enough.

[@bob_frazier]

So I can buy a German made Stihl chainsaw with hundreds of moving parts that mows down trees for about the same price as a nice Japanese hand plane with no moving parts? That's not stupid expensive, that's just plain stupid.

[@truebluekit]

If you try to use the handplane to cut down trees, then yes, that is stupid. Apples to apples, and all that stuff.

[@bob_frazier]

Oh for Christ sake, it's just an analogy. Evidently it escapes some people that they both cut wood and are both expensive tools. It was even somewhat tongue in cheek. Pissy, aren't we? Apples to Apples? Of course not! Hell, if you think Japanese planes costing "$400-$1,000" are a good deal, by all means, go buy yourself a whole set.

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

Some people pay thousands and millions to have a painting that hangs on their wall. Something that serves no practical purpose other than to evoke feeling. Some people value that feeling and experience and others do not.

[@bob_frazier]

Absolutely! Like the two chainsaws hanging in my garage. Frick n art they are.

[@truebluekit]

Poor analogy.

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

They look like a 2x4 with a blade.. iron planes are more like art..

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I want to know more about chinese, not japanese, woodworking tools