How Do You Plane Wood By Hand?
A plane is a hand tool used to smooth, shape and straighten wood. Its blade, or “iron,” can shave off the thinnest sliver of wood from a plank, frame, board or door. Needing no power source other than muscle, a wood plane is portable and quiet to use. Planes come in a range of sizes, from the 24-inch jointer, which is good for doors, floorboards and long straight edges, to the 5-1/2-inch smooth plane, used to trim the smallest areas of wood. Take the iron, or blade, out of the plane to hone it. The blade needs to be honed before each use. Lay a sheet of medium-grit sandpaper on a level surface, such as a marble tile. Rub the cutting edge of the blade over the sandpaper with a circular motion, holding the blade at a 25- to 30-degree angle and pressing down firmly. Gently test the back of the cutting edge with your finger: it should feel rough to the touch. Flip the blade over and rub the back of the blade over the the sandpaper until the roughened metal feels smooth again. Repeat the pr
