# Hand Planes ![](https://1044287416-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M3JlcKYAsodrf6BU0RY%2F-M6cFDwPKDF1ViLE8tm9%2F-M6cK1ucVIG2XZeXGtTY%2F71rzE%2Bj15VL._AC_SY355_.jpg?alt=media\&token=b31da4e3-c927-4993-8b47-5c74ff504463) ## Introduction Hand planes consist of a steel sole with a sharp flat blade which can be adjusted to slightly protrude. Used to accurately level or create long rebates by pushing it across the surface of the timber. ## Three Great Reasons To Use a Hand Plane **Laminating Boards:** Planning a flat edge or face on a board after it has already been machined will remove micro machine marks. This will improve the appearance of the lamination lines, making them more faint, or even invisible! **Tapering:** Tapering a piece of timber to a custom dimension can be achieved with a bench plane. Once the desired taper is marked on the timber, it can be cut leaving the critical line left; this can be achieved on a machine such as the bandsaw. Then the hand plane can be used, honing in on the critical line marked for the taper. Leaving an accurate smooth flat finish. **Flattening:** If a frame of a coffee table is glued together for example, the rails should if anything sit higher (0 - 1.5 mm) above the terminating leg. This is because it is easier to plane the long edge of a timber rail rather than the end grain of a timber leg. The hand plane will most efficiently bring the rail height to match the height of the leg, allowing for a top to sit flat and evenly with micro adjustments. ## Materials **Timber:** Dried timber *No Metals or Acrylics can be used with this hand tool.* ## Hand Tool in Operations Video {% embed url="" %}