Handplane Essentials

By Christopher Schwarz

Format: Hardcover

SKU# Z6650

Details

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.

This is a sizable book – 312 pages – and is printed on high-quality paper. The hundreds of photos in the book have been sepia-toned, just like the photos in Woodworking Magazine. The book is hardbound, covered in black cloth with a copper embossing and a heavy full-color dust jacket. And – best of all – the book is produced and printed entirely in the United States. Here's what you'll find inside:

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 well-made old tool based on how it is made.

Reviews
Find out who makes the best high-quality tool, whether it's a $50 plane from India or a $5,000 plane custom-made by a machinist in Scotland. The author has tried them all.

Additional Information

SKU	Z6650
Author/Speaker/Editor	Christopher Schwarz
File/Trim Size	10.875 x 8.25
Format	Hardcover
ISBN 13	9781440302985
Number Of Pages	312

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Customer Reviews

Handplane Essentials - a good read Review by Christopher Thiessen

This book is very easy to read and has a lot of useful information on hand planes. This book started my hand plane obsession:) Makes a good Christmas or birthday gift.

(Posted on 8/1/10)

An Essential Resource Review by Norman Reid

This is the best resource out there on handplanes, bar none. It addresses about every topic one could wish for and is accessible for the beginner and well-seasoned plane user alike. And the really fun thing is, it's a delight to read!

(Posted on 7/7/10)

Hand Plane Essential Review by Daniel Cottrill

This is an excellent book. It is written and organized such that you can learn the essentials and quickly begin using your hand planes more efficiently. Plus has the depth of information necessary to hone and tune your tools and skills. It is uniquely put together and interesting to read.

(Posted on 5/3/10)

Hand Plane Essential Review by Daniel Cottrill

This book is excellent. It is a collection of article like facts on hand planes. Each article is packed with relevant and practical information that can easily be applied and/or understood. It isn written in a way that everyone from a beginner to a seasoned woodworker is able to take away useful information. This is a treasure house of information nicely collected into a bound book. The information is well organized. In addition it is a pleasure to read with helpful and interesting personal insights from the author. I wish that I had read this book before I purchased and picked up my first plane. It would have safe me time and money.

(Posted on 3/20/10)

Hand Plane Essentials Review by Thomas Wilson

Well written and answered the questions I had on different planes.

(Posted on 2/10/10)

WOW Review by Bob

I just received this book. I have owned a Lie-Nielsen plane and have been afraid to use it. I took a sharpening class just after I bought the plane. This book gave me a lot more confidence. I actually took .001 shavings, maybe beginners luck. I am looking forward to learning and using planes and handtools more extensively. Much easier than sanding and machines for the fine fitting.

(Posted on 9/15/09)

Handplane Essentials Review by steve