If you’re looking for a tool that will help you create smooth edges and straight surfaces, then hand planes are perfect for you. Especially for beginners, there are some essential factors that you need to consider before buying any hand planes such as cost, durability, and accuracy. The cost will depend on your budget, but always bear in mind that a high-quality hand plane can last for years if well maintained. When it comes to durability, you should consider the type of material used in making the hand plane, whether it’s wood or metal. Lastly, you need to ensure that the hand plane you choose is accurate enough to give you straight and smooth surfaces.
Are you a beginner woodworker looking to create beautiful smooth edges on your woodwork projects? Do hand planes sound like the perfect tools for you? If yes, then you might be wondering what factors you need to consider before buying a hand plane. In this article, we’ll look at the essential factors that you should consider before investing in any hand planes. We’ll also provide you with some guiding questions to help you choose the perfect hand plane for your next woodwork project.
Are you struggling to get accurate, smooth, and straight wood surfaces by using sandpapers or belt sanders? Have you been searching for the right tool that can make the work easier and enjoyable? Then, you need to try out hand planes. In this article, we’ll provide you with some crucial factors you need to consider before buying hand planes as a beginner woodworker. So, keep on reading and discover the right hand plane for your woodwork projects.
10 Best Hand Planes For Beginners
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1
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The product is ideal for quick and efficient edge planing and trimming of wood, suitable for both professional woodworkers and beginners.
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2
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Ideal for woodworking tasks such as chamfering and smoothing wood surfaces with its small block plane design.
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3
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The product is ideal for smoothing and flattening wood surfaces, creating straight edges, and removing material from rough lumber.
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4
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The product is ideal for smoothing and flattening wood surfaces with precision and comfort.
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5
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This product is ideal for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals who need to quickly plane and trim edges and corners.
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6
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The product is ideal for smoothing rough wood surfaces and achieving straight, even cuts.
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7
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The product is ideal for smoothing and flattening surfaces, and reducing the thickness of woodworking materials.
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8
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It is ideal for smoothing and leveling wood surfaces in preparation for finishing or building projects.
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9
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The product is ideal for smoothing and leveling uneven or rough surfaces, such as wood, for a more precise finish.
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10
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Ideal for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces in woodworking projects using a traditional Japanese hand plane technique.
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1. Hozoe Woodworking Chamfer & Corner Plane
The Wooden Planer is a versatile tool that can help you soften the exposed edges of your work by chamfering them. You can easily remove sharp edges of wood products that can damage the appearance of the product and hurt you by using this tool. It comes with four types of heads, 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4" radius, or 45° chamfer, which you can replace as needed. The cutting depth can be adjusted according to the rotary button, from shallow to deep, and the double-sided horizontal bubble makes it easy to observe adjustable level. This tool is made of metal and ABS with good compressive strength and high-speed steel blades, which are sharp, wear-resistant, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
To use the Wooden Planer, it is recommended to sharpen, grind, and polish the blade during use. Do not increase the planing depth too much and do not stop during the angle planing to ensure that the surface of the wood after you plan the edge will be smoother. The tool is easy to disassemble and assemble, comfortable to hold, and simple to operate. It has a size of 6.1 X 2 X 0.8 inches, making it easy to carry and use at any time, and it does not take up too much space.
The Wooden Planer can be used for wooden furniture crafts and handmade DIY wooden works. It is suitable for woodworking beginners and professionals and can also be used as a men's holiday gift.
The product offers 180-day returns, and the manufacturer provides 24-hour online customer service to ensure that your questions can be solved quickly, providing you with excellent service and a pleasant shopping experience.
- Made of metal and ABS with good compressive strength
- High-speed steel blades are sharp, wear-resistant, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant
- Four types of heads, 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4" radius, or 45° chamfer, which you can replace as needed
- Double-sided horizontal bubble makes it easy to observe adjustable level
- Easy to disassemble and assemble, comfortable to hold, and simple to operate
- Suitable for woodworking beginners and professionals
- Can be used as a men's holiday gift
- Product offers 180-day returns
- 24-hour online customer service provided
2. Kakuri Mini Kanna Wood Planer: Smooth & Chamfer
The Japanese Wooden Pull Plane Kanna is an excellent manual planer used for surface finishing of wood. It is perfect for creating smooth chamfers by polishing the wood with this hand tool. Unlike other planes, it can be used by pulling instead of pushing, making it easier to apply force evenly. This results in accurate and efficient straight carpentry work, making it ideal for professional carpenters and home DIY woodworkers alike.
This mini-size wood planer is easy to handle and ideal for chamfering the corner of the wood. It can also be used for angled shave, and its one-hand operation makes it useful for precision work. The portable size of the planer makes it convenient for carrying around.
The Japanese Wooden Pull Plane Kanna is a top-quality Japanese tool, made with only Japanese high-grade materials. The plane blade is razor-sharp and durable, and it is possible to restore the sharpness by sharpening the blade with a whetstone. The wooden body is heavy-duty and has excellent wear resistance, ensuring it will last for years to come. All KAKURI brand products are manufactured in Japan and handcrafted by Japanese craftsmen.
The product comes with KAKURI Official English instruction, which is included. The length of the blade is adjustable by hitting it with a hammer. Fine adjustment of the blade is necessary when using a Japanese plane.
Product Specifications: Made in Japan / Body: Oak wood (Core) / Blade: Japanese high carbon steel / Size: 5.9 x 2.1 x 1.6 inches.
- Easy to use and handle.
- Ideal for creating smooth chamfers and angled shaves.
- Made with only high-grade Japanese materials.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Comes with KAKURI Official English instruction.
- – Requires fine adjustment of the blade when using a Japanese plane.
3. Woodriver #5-1/2 Jack Plane
The WoodRiver plane is a high-quality woodworking tool that measures 2-7/8 inches in width and 14-15/16 inches in length, with a 2-3/8-inch blade. The design is based on Stanley Tool's renowned Bedrocks line and is made with fine-grained ductile iron castings and fully machined frogs. The soles and sides of the plane are machined flat and square, which means that the tool requires minimal tuning before use.
WoodRiver takes pride in being manufactured by Woodcraft, America's top supplier of saws, planes, power tools, hand tools, wood stain and paint, routers, sanding tools, wood kits, dust collection, and more. Woodcraft's award-winning family of brands includes WoodRiver, Highpoint, Woodcraft, and Woodcraft Magazine, as well as an extensive selection of woodworking books, videos, and plans.
If you're looking for a reliable and high-quality woodworking plane, the WoodRiver is an excellent choice. With its durable construction and precision machining, this tool will help you achieve the results you want in your woodworking projects.
- Made of fine-grained ductile iron castings and fully machined frogs
- Minimal tune-up required prior to use
- Precision machining for flat and square soles and sides
- Manufactured by Woodcraft, America's leading supplier of woodworking tools
4. Taytools Hand Plane: The Perfect Smoothing Solution
The product is a high-quality woodworking hand plane that is designed to last for a long time. It features a body and frog that are constructed from nearly indestructible ductile cast iron. The tote and knob are made from premium grade oiled and hand-rubbed Sapele, which is a durable and beautiful wood species.
The iron of the hand plane is 0.120 inches thick and 2 inches wide, and is made from tool steel that is hardened and tempered to 55-60. This ensures that the blade is strong and durable, and can be used for a wide range of woodworking tasks.
The sole of the hand plane is precision ground to within the British Standard of 0.003 inches over the entire length. This level of precision ensures that the hand plane is easy to use and produces consistent results.
The overall length of the hand plane is 14-1/4 inches, and it is 2-1/2 inches wide. The hand plane weighs 5.45 pounds, which is a good weight for a hand plane of this size. Overall, this is an excellent hand plane that is built to last and produce high-quality results.
- Constructed from nearly indestructible ductile cast iron
- Blade made from tool steel that is hardened and tempered to 55-60
- Precision ground sole ensures consistent results
- Durable and beautiful Sapele wood used for the tote and knob
- – May be heavier than some users prefer
5. Edge & Corner Planer With 7 Cutters
The More Efficient Chamfer Plane is an essential tool for quickly and accurately eliminating edges while working with wood. Its design allows for easy and quick addition of other drill bits, making your work more efficient. The cutting depth is adjustable, making it suitable for trimming and chamfering all types of wood based on the working requirements. The plane is easy to operate and adjust, equipped with horizontal and vertical bubbles for easy observation and leveling. Its compact size makes it portable and comfortable to hold. The high-strength carbon steel blades come in 7 types of cutter heads, ensuring efficient and sharp performance. The black retaining edge ensures your safety, even in sharp situations, and makes it safe and efficient for even a novice to operate. The chamfer plane is also easy to disassemble and assemble, with a simple combination that makes it easy to install.
- Adjustable cutting depth suitable for all types of wood
- Equipped with horizontal and vertical bubbles for easy observation and leveling
- Compact and portable design for comfortable use
- Seven types of cutter heads made of high-strength carbon steel blades for efficient and sharp performance
- Black retaining edge ensures safety in sharp situations
- Easy to disassemble and assemble with a simple combination that makes it easy to install
6. Stanley Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)
The hand planer for woodworking features an iron made from extra-thick 1/8-inch (3.18 mm) A2 steel, ensuring excellent edge retention. The one-piece base and frog of the wood plane virtually eliminate chatter, providing smooth operation. The bench plane also boasts a cherry wood handle and knob for comfortable use. It is equipped with a Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature to make blade adjustment easy and precise. Additionally, the adjustable throat plate allows for customization to suit different types of wood. The replacement blade 12-141 is available for convenient maintenance.
- Extra-thick 1/8-inch (3.18 mm) A2 steel iron for excellent edge retention
- One-piece base and frog virtually eliminate chatter
- Cherry wood handle and knob for comfortable use
- Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature for easy and precise blade adjustment
- Adjustable throat plate for customization to suit different types of wood
- Replacement blade 12-141 available for convenient maintenance
7. Makita 1806b 6-3/4" Planer
The product boasts a powerful 10.9 AMP motor which delivers exceptional performance at an impressive speed of 15,000 RPM. The motor ensures efficient and smooth cutting of materials with ease.
The product is designed to cut a 6-3/4 inch width in a single pass, making it an ideal tool for various cutting applications.
The comfortable handle of the product ensures a secure grip and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. The easy depth setting feature allows for accurate and precise cuts.
The product features a large, sturdy sole plate which enhances stability, ensuring that the tool remains steady during operation.
The front and back grips of the product are perfectly aligned, providing better control and maneuverability of the tool.
- Powerful 10.9 AMP motor delivers exceptional performance at an impressive speed of 15,000 RPM
- Cuts 6-3/4 inch width in a single pass, making it an ideal tool for various cutting applications
- Comfortable handle ensures a secure grip and reduces fatigue during prolonged use
- Easy depth setting feature allows for accurate and precise cuts
- Large, sturdy sole plate enhances stability, ensuring that the tool remains steady during operation
- Perfect alignment of front and back grips provides better control and maneuverability of the tool
8. Makita Kp0800k 3-1/4" Planer, With Tool Case , Blue
The 6.5 AMP motor of this planer delivers exceptional output power that increases stock removal and provides superior finishes. With the ability to plane up to 3-1/4" wide and 3/32" deep in a single pass, this tool is perfect for large projects that require precise cuts. The two-blade cutter head, which operates at 17,000 RPM, delivers a smooth finish and fast stock removal, making it easier and faster to complete any task. The spring-loaded stand elevates the base to protect the blades and workpiece, ensuring that the planer lasts longer and remains in excellent condition. Additionally, the easy blade setting system makes it simple to install blades quickly, saving you time and effort.
Designed with the user in mind, this planer is perfect for both beginners and professionals. Its powerful motor and blade system make it easy to use, while the spring-loaded stand elevates the base for added safety. With its fast stock removal, smooth finish, and easy blade installation, this planer is the ideal choice for anyone looking to complete their projects quickly and efficiently.
- Powerful 6.5 AMP motor for increased stock removal and superior finishes
- Planes up to 3-1/4" wide and 3/32" deep in a single pass
- Two-blade cutter head with 17,000 RPM delivers smooth finish and fast stock removal
- Spring-loaded stand elevates the base to protect the blades and workpiece
- Easy blade setting system for fast blade installation
9. Makita Kp312 12-1/4" Planer
Experience improved performance with the powerful 15 AMP motor that runs at a speed of 12,000 RPM. The depth setting knob is conveniently located for easy adjustment, allowing you to work efficiently. The poly 'V' belt is designed with grooves that efficiently transfer power from the motor to the blades, ensuring smooth operation. The large ejection chute provides a high rate of chip discharge, minimizing the chances of clogging from wet or dry wood chips. Additionally, the front roller makes it easy to move the machine over rough materials, providing a smooth and hassle-free experience for the user.
- Powerful 15 AMP motor for improved performance
- Conveniently located depth setting knob for easy adjustment
- Efficiently transfers power from the motor to the blades
- Large ejection chute for high rate of chip discharge
- Front roller for easy moving over rough materials
10. Kakuri Japanese Round Surface Smoothing Plane
The KAKURI Professional Hand Planer is an ideal tool for smoothing the round surface of wooden objects. This hand plane is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, furniture makers, professional carpenters, and woodworkers. It is designed to finish the surface of the wood to a silky smooth texture, even after roughly cutting the wood with saws or chisels.
The Japanese steel blade is made of high-grade materials and is razor-sharp and long-lasting. It is also possible to sharpen the blade by using a whetstone, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to maintain their tools. The body of the hand planer is made of heavy-duty Japanese natural oak wood, which is comfortable to hold.
The blade length of the KAKURI Professional Hand Planer is adjustable by hitting it with a hammer. It is important to make fine adjustments to the blade when using a Japanese plane. The product comes with an official English instruction manual provided by KAKURI. If you are a beginner and unsure about sharpening the blade, you can use KAKURI's honing guide to help you.
This hand planer is made in Japan with a blade width of 1.6 inches (42 mm) and a cutting width of 1.5 inches. The overall size of the tool is 2.2 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches.
- Ideal tool for smoothing the round surface of wooden objects
- Razor-sharp and long-lasting Japanese steel blade
- Adjustable blade length and fine adjustment for a precise finish
- Official English instruction manual provided by KAKURI
- Made in Japan with high-quality materials
Best Hand Planes For Beginners FAQs
How do you maintain and sharpen hand planes for beginners?
Hand planes are essential tools for woodworkers, and maintaining and sharpening them is crucial for their effectiveness. To maintain and sharpen hand planes for beginners, follow these steps:
1. Clean the blade: Remove any debris or rust from the blade using a wire brush or sandpaper. This will help maintain the blade's sharpness and prevent it from rusting.
2. Sharpen the blade: Use a sharpening stone or honing guide to sharpen the blade. Start with a coarse grit and work your way up to a fine grit for a razor-sharp edge.
3. Adjust the blade: Make sure the blade is properly aligned and adjusted for the type of wood you're working with. This will help ensure the best performance from your hand plane.
4. Lubricate the moving parts: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the hand plane to keep them working smoothly.
5. Store the hand plane properly: Store your hand plane in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.
With these tips, beginners can maintain and sharpen their hand planes for optimal performance and efficiency. Remember to take your time and be patient when sharpening and adjusting your hand plane, as it can take some practice to get it just right.
How do you properly use a hand plane for beginners?
Using a hand plane can be quite challenging for beginners, but with patience and practice, it can be mastered. The first step is to ensure that the hand plane is properly set up. This includes setting the blade depth and ensuring that it is sharp. The next step is to properly grip the hand plane, with one hand placed on the handle and the other on the front knob.
When using the hand plane, it's important to apply even pressure and keep the plane level. Start at one end of the piece of wood and work your way towards the other end, making sure to overlap each pass slightly. Make sure to check the progress frequently and adjust the blade depth as needed.
It's also important to pay attention to the direction of the grain. When planing with the grain, the hand plane should be pushed forward, while planing against the grain, it should be pulled back. It's important to take your time and work slowly to ensure a smooth finish.
In summary, to properly use a hand plane for beginners, ensure that it is properly set up, grip it properly, apply even pressure, keep the plane level, pay attention to the direction of the grain, and work slowly to achieve a smooth finish.
What are some common mistakes beginners make when using hand planes?
Beginners tend to make a few common mistakes when using hand planes. One of the most common mistakes is not setting up the plane properly. Many people do not take the time to properly adjust the blade depth, which can result in the plane not cutting or cutting too deeply. Another mistake is not sharpening the blade before using it. A dull blade will not cut properly and will make the task much more difficult than it needs to be. Another common mistake is not using the proper technique when pushing the plane. Beginners often push too hard or too fast, which can cause the blade to chatter and leave rough marks on the wood. It is also important to keep the blade sharp and clean, as a dull or dirty blade will not cut properly. Lastly, beginners may not pay attention to the direction of the wood grain, which can cause tear-out or splintering. It is important to always plane in the direction of the wood grain to achieve a smooth finish.
What are the different types of hand planes for beginners?
Hand planes are an essential tool for woodworking, especially for beginners who are trying to get started with the craft. There are several types of hand planes that beginners can use, each with its unique purpose and function.
The first type is the bench plane, which is the most versatile and commonly used type of hand plane. It is used for smoothing rough lumber, flattening boards, and removing imperfections. They come in different sizes, depending on the specific task at hand.
The second type is the block plane, which is smaller than the bench plane and is used for smaller jobs such as chamfering edges and shaping small pieces of wood.
The third type is the jack plane, which is similar to the bench plane but is shorter and more compact. It is ideal for rough work such as removing material quickly and flattening large surfaces.
The fourth type is the smoothing plane, which is used for finishing work such as removing any remaining roughness and creating a smooth and polished surface.
In conclusion, the different types of hand planes for beginners are bench plane, block plane, jack plane, and smoothing plane. Each type has its specific function, and beginners should choose the right one based on the task at hand.
What is the best hand plane for a beginner woodworker?
As a beginner woodworker, it's important to have the right tools to ensure that your projects come out looking professional and polished. A hand plane is an essential tool for any woodworker to have in their arsenal. The best hand plane for a beginner woodworker would be a bench plane, specifically a No. 5 jack plane. This plane is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including smoothing rough lumber, jointing edges and flattening surfaces. It's also relatively easy to use and maintain, making it perfect for beginners. When choosing a No. 5 jack plane, it's important to look for one with a good blade and a comfortable grip. Additionally, make sure to keep the blade sharp and properly adjusted to achieve the best results. With a No. 5 jack plane, a beginner woodworker can quickly and easily achieve smooth and even surfaces on their projects.