Handplane Essentials

by Christopher Schwarz

Handplane Essentials is Now Available in Paperback There is no woodworking tool that's more satisfying, quick and precise to use as a handplane. Planes can process timber in its rough state, bring boards up to a glimmering smoothness, cut rabbets, dados, grooves and other joints, and trim wood with a precision that has yet to be matched by power tools. Yet many woodworkers both beginners and professionals are intimidated by choosing the right tool, sharpening its cutter and putting it to use. And that's why Christopher Schwarz, the editor of Woodworking Magazine , wrote this book. Handplane Essentials contains everything you need to choose the right tool for your budget and project, take it out of the box, sharpen it and use it successfully. The chapters in this book have been compiled from more than 10 years of the author's writing on the subject of handplanes in magazines, trade journals and blogs. Here's what you'll find inside the 312 pages: The Basics Learn what the different handplanes are used for. Decode their crazy numbering system so you can focus instead on what each tool does. And figure out what specific planes you need in your shop. Sharpening Learning to hone your cutters to a keen edge is the secret to getting your planes to work. Handplane Essentials shows you how to get this done no matter what sort of sharpening system you use now. Techniques Learn how to flatten individual boards, panels and even enormous tabletops with just a few bench planes. Learn to use specialty planes to cut grooves, rabbets and other joints. History Philosophy If you understand historical practice, you'll be a better handplane user even if you choose to reject the traditional methods. Learn to pick a wellmade old tool based on how it is made. Reviews Find out who makes the best highquality tool, whether it's a 50 plane from India or a 5,000 plane custommade by a machinist in Scotland. The author has tried them all.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference

314 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2013

Reviews

[Tom Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains easy to read information which has helped me setting up and using my handplanes infinitely. It is let down by the amount of "padding" mainly reviews of super exotic $10,000 hand planes that realistically I'm not ever going to see let alone have to buy. More time could be spent on the set up and use of wooden planes (just afew mentions) or the making and sharpening of moulding planes. Still the chapters on bench planes and scrapers were ideal, and it was genuinely a good read- look forward to reading more by the same author!

[Ethan Chitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wished I could give this 4-1/2 stars (for quite a few needed edits), but content-wise this was fantastic. It was a good blend of practical information as well. It also makes a handy reference to keep in the shop.

[Adam Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books by Schwarz, and an excellent resource for all things hand planes. As someone who recently became obsessed with planes and hand plane restoration, I keep this book close by as a reference.

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always from Christopher Schwartz.

[Chrisf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! For anyone who wants a book of good writing and good tips on planes and planing.