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WHY
use handplanes
in A modern
WORLD?
It’s very interesting to look at the place
the handplane occupies in the history
of woodworking. One of the most
important changes that occurred in this
history was the progression from the
carpenter - whose main tools were the
axe, adze and saw - to the joiner, cabinet
maker and other craftsmen, all of whom
needed components produced to precise
dimensions and a smooth finish. It was
the handplane alone that made this
development possible.
Prior to the machine era this important
preparatory work was done by hand
with bench planes. The introduction of
machinery and power tools dramatically
reduced both the labour component and
the time requirement. These benefits
are unquestionably essential in today’s
commercial workshops, so it is therefore
inevitable that the bench plane would
become far less important. Despite this,
the simple truth remains that a plane
works better and more efficiently than a
machine in many situations.
For example, no machine with rotating
blades can match the clarity and polish
produced on a surface cut with a well
tuned and sharp handplane. Surface
ripples left by some thicknessing
machines are best removed with a bench
plane. When fitting a joint such as a
mortise and tenon, no tool is more useful
than a shoulder plane. The difference
between a well fitted drawer and a loose
one is often a little more than a thin plane
shaving. A plane allows you to do this,
one shaving at a time. What machine
can do that? Similarly, the fitting of a door
and cabinet is most easily and accurately
done with a bench plane. Cleaning up
after having glued up a joint with dovetails
or finger joints is quickly and neatly done
with a block or bench plane.
There are numerous other situations
in which a handplane is the most
appropriate tool. Possibly the most
important reason for learning to use one
is that the skills you acquire can transform
the standard of your craftsmanship. It is
not a difficult tool to use, like swimming or
riding a bike, it’s never forgotten. Many of
the older generation of craftsmen - those
who spent their early years working only
with hand tools - find these skills of great
benefit when using machinery.
Frank Klaus, the highly regarded
European craftsman, now based in
America, states that once mastered, the
handplane becomes the most important
tool in your workshop. James Krenov,
regarded by many as the most influential
craftsman in fine woodworking in the last
30 years, likens the plane to the violin
in an orchestra, the instrument that sets
the tone of a piece. If that’s not enough,
planes, properly used, can make your
woodworking more enjoyable. Certainly,
your workshop becomes a quieter and
cleaner place.
In short, there is no substitute for a well
sharpened and finely tuned handplane.
Peter Geddes is a Brisbane-based
woodworker. He teaches classes in
handplane usage entitled ‘Making Friends
With Your Handplane ‘ at Carba- Tec ®
in Brisbane.
Want some tips on how
to improve your
handplaning technique?
Go to the Develop and Discover section of our website:
www.carbatec.com.au
To read Peter’s woodworking profile go to
www.carbatec.com.au/peter-geddes