Handplanes for Beginners | Popular Woodworking

Once you understand the anatomy of a handplane, you’ll be well on your way to using it with success.

[View the full-size exploded view of a handplane here]

Handplanes are the king of woodworking tools in that they are the most versatile tool in a shop. They do so many varied jobs, that the more you know how to use planes, the more planes you own. The converse is true. If you own just one, there is a good chance you do not know how to use it.

Use the code BASIC25 to save 25% off your first month or full year of PopWood+, which now includes access to the latest issue of the magazine, exclusively for members. 

If you do not know how to use a plane, you are not alone. In fact, when history judges those of us who teach and write about woodworking, it will be harsh. We bear responsibility for the loss of knowledge of handplanes. For thousands of years these tools have…