A Hand Plane Starter Set

Expert Answers

- By Craig Bentzley

Q: I’ve been a woodworker for a few years, primarily making cabinets and furniture. But I’ve only used power tools and would like to try hand planes. Where should I start? Andy Hyde Loveland, CO

A: Having worked wood for a while now, you know the value of smooth surfaces and tight joinery. But as you may have discovered, power tools can only get you so far. It often takes hand tools such as chisels and planes to finesse surfaces and joinery. Hand planes are among woodworking’s most time-honored tools for good reason. A properly sharpened and adjusted plane can precisely flatten and smooth surfaces and refine joinery, removing as little as .002” or so when necessary. You need them.