If the list of links in our “research” menu (to the right, in the sidebar) is any indication, hand planes are certainly among the most popular category of vintage tool for collectors. For anyone just getting into this field though, the many varieties of planes can be a little overwhelming. To demystify the subject, Finewoodworking.com had a great article a few years ago laying out the different types of planes. Bench planes are probably what most people picture when they think of a plane. They’re general purpose planes–made of either iron or wood–that can be used for smoothing, sizing or any preparation work, really. Then there are joinery planes, which before there were tablesaws and routers, woodworkers used for cutting grooves, fitting tenons and trimming end grain. Then there are smoothing planes, which, you guessed it, are for finishing-level work. (Fine Woodworking is particularly taken with the Norris brand.) Lastly, there’s the catch-all category of shaping and finishing planes, used for everything from cutting along curves and shaping molding.
If you’re interested in diving a little deeper on this topic, check out some of the links we’ve included to the right: Websites like Nonesuch Tools, Handplane.com and Oldtoolheaven.com are provide deep dives into some of the many legacy brands out there. Enjoy!
