Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

you can see the high spots getting cut...

the board gets scrubbed...


then I move the scrub plane to cut diagonally...

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

until the whole board gets scrubbed...


then I start planning the other direction, hitting it from no less than 3 angles just to be sure it gets flattened from all directions.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

until the board gets full coverage.

from here I move to the Jack plane or the No.5...

starting as I did with the scrub plane, which is across the grain.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

shavings start very small and very little as it only hits the high spots which is already very small.

when my arm started getting tied, I knew its time to wax the sole of the plane.

then started planning in angles.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

you will see the shavings growing in size as it gets close to level. here it is still small.

then just to show the depths of the cuts, I decided to mark the board with pencil.

after the first pass across the grain...

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

because most of my handplanes are set to cut thin, I decided to pull out my no.7 (jointer plane) which was set to cut more aggressive.

first pass across the grain

second pass diagonally

third pass diagonally opposite the 2nd pass.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

here you can already see full width shavings...

from hereon, I handplane along the grain switching from no.7 to no.5 to a smoother (No.4) and to a No.3 until I am happy with the texture.

unfortunately I wasn't able to get pictures bec someone can and forgot it altogether.... will take pictures Monday...
Hope this helps those who want to try it and those who wonder why it cost a bit to have a good work done...:foryou:

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

Sir Timb this is a real work out. Makes me think twice before joining a wide board hehe.. thanks for the tip, this will surely help.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

I feel you bro as I also don't want to enter this planing zone before.

But I have tried it once or twice and nothing beats the feeling of using a sharp plane iron.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

Very important is keep the iron sharp, else everything will be fruitless.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

Don't get discouraged by what looks hard, but really it isnt all that bad. As the others have said a sharp plane iron makes a world of difference as with waxing the sole of the plane. It really is all in the technique, you dont have to exert too much pressure on the planes, and practice, practice, practice.

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

Don't get discouraged by what looks hard, but really it isnt all that bad. As the others have said a sharp plane iron makes a world of difference as with waxing the sole of the plane. It really is all in the technique, you dont have to exert too much pressure on the planes, and practice, practice, practice.

A good sharp iron bade like Hock ....

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

For now Im using an electric planer but since the masters have spoken Im now encouraged to put a hand plane on my shopping list..:thanks:

Re: How to flatten a board using Handplanes...

A good sharp iron bade like Hock ....

Hock would probably be nice, but I am only using Stanley blades and been happy. though sometimes I do wish I have a Hock blade especially when I am planning knotty wood which causes the blade to chatter.

For now Im using an electric planer but since the masters have spoken Im now encouraged to put a hand plane on my shopping list..

good decision brader, no power planner can get the finesse and results of handplanes. Visit the chatbox occasionally, we often post good deals there.