Hand Planes

Discover how to shop for and tune up woodworking hand planes. From block planes to bench planes and specialty planes, you'll learn how to get the most out of these classic woodworking tools.

The multi-talented low-angle block plane

I’m confused about the differences between a standard block plane and a low-angle block plane. Can you sort them out for me?

Which hand planes should a power-tool woodworker buy first?

If you had to recommend three, which hand planes should I start with?

Should I store my hand plane on its side or sole?

Some folks lay planes on their sides to protect the blades’ cutting edges, while others insist you should set them on their soles. Who’s right?

What is an infill plane?

How do I avoid tear-out when planing figured wood?

My low-angle block plane keeps pulling up chunks of grain on quilted maple rather than cutting cleanly, even with a sharp blade. How can I avoid this tear-out?