How to Use a Bench Plane

Bench planes are an old-fashioned tool.

A bench plane is a manual tool used to smooth the surface of a piece of wood. It is also known as a hand plane and is a common alternative to sandpaper and various mechanical tools. You can also use a bench plane to create edges on a piece of wood. No matter what type of project you want to complete with your bench plane, the basic steps to use the tool are the same.

Things You'll Need

• Work bench
• Vise or clamps

Instructions

1. Secure the piece of wood to the work bench with a vise, or with clamps. Stand next to the bench so the piece of wood is perpendicular to your body.

2. Hold the handle with your dominant hand, placing your index finger along the metal piece at the top of the plane. Hold the knob at the front of the plane with your other hand.

3. Position your feet 1 to 2 feet apart, parallel to the work bench. Put your weight on your back foot and place the bench plane on the end of the piece of wood.

4. Press the plane forward, along the piece of wood, as you shift your weight forward to your front foot. Press the knob down slightly with the hand holding it. As you reach the end of the piece of wood, release the pressure on the knob and lift up the plane.

5. Lift the plane when you get to the end of the piece of wood. Rock back onto your back foot and repeat the stroke, rocking onto your front foot. Lifting the plane between strokes will prolong the life of the blade. Continue until the surface of the wood meets your satisfaction.

References

• Wood Treks: How to Use a Hand Plane
• Sawdust and Shavings: Uses of a Bench Plane