What is a Block Plane?

Series Summary

The block plane is a great hand tool that has continued to be indispensable for woodworking projects. The block plane is perfect for planing down end grain and for shaving off layers of wood going in the direction of the grain as well. This hand tool allows the carpenter to make small adjustments in the size of the wood, in order to fit the wood together perfectly. If you would like to learn how to use a block plane you can learn for free from one of our experts.

In this free how to video series, learn how to use a block plane from expert Jon Olson. Jon will teach you basic principles for using a block plane. He will demonstrate how to plane end grain, how to extend an end grain plane, how to square board edges, and how to adjust a block plane. Learn also how to maintain and store a block plane.

Video Transcript

"Hi, this is Jon on behalf of Expert Village. In this video clip I'll be answering question what is a block plane. The block plane is a small wood working hand plane and it would typically have the iron bedded at a lower angle than some of the other planes. Now when installed the bevel on the blade is actually facing up. The block plane is designed to cut in grain and can typically be used with one hand. You can also do a block plane for rounding or squaring edges. Most typically the block plane is used for cleaning up components by removing real small amounts of wood so that it will fit snuggly into where the components are going. "