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jack planes

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JACK PLANES FAQ's
What is Jack Planes?

Jack planes are woodworking tools that are used for dressing timber down to size and preparing it for truing and edge jointing. They are usually the first plane used on rough stock but can also perform some of the work of smoothing and jointer planes on smaller pieces.

The name jack plane dates back to at least the 17th century and was a term used to describe many tools used for rough work. Being a common first name, the term jack came to be used as a disdainful name for the common man, as well as common tools and jobs. The jack plane has also become associated with the related term "jack of all trades" as they can be adjusted to suit different tasks.

Types of Jack Planes

  • Standard jack plane: This is the most common type of jack plane, usually 14 inches long and 2-1/2 inches wide. It has a blade that is slightly cambered to remove more material without leaving marks. It can be used for flattening, smoothing, and jointing boards.
  • Low-angle jack plane: This type of jack plane has a blade that is set at a lower angle than the standard jack plane, usually 12 degrees. This allows for a smoother cut and better performance on the end grain and difficult woods. It can also be used for shooting miters and trimming joints.
  • Scrub plane: This type of jack plane is used for rough work and removing large amounts of wood quickly. It has a short and narrow body, usually 9 inches long and 1-1/2 inches wide. It has a blade that is heavily cambered to create a deep and wide cut. It can be used to reduce the thickness of boards or to remove defects.
  • Fore plane: This type of jack plane is used for preparing boards for final smoothing or jointing. It has a long and wide body, usually 18 inches long and 2-3/8 inches wide. It has a blade that is slightly cambered to remove material efficiently. It can be used to flatten boards or to remove twists and warp.
How to use Jack Planes?

  • Sharpen the plane blade with a whetstone and oil and adjust it so that it extends slightly from the bottom of the plane.
  • Secure the work material on a sturdy table with clamps, so that it does not move under pressure.
  • Hold the plane with both hands, one on the front knob and one on the rear handle. Position the plane at one end of the work material, with the blade parallel to the grain.
  • Push the plane forward with firm and steady pressure, keeping it flat on the work surface. The blade should cut a thin shave of wood as it moves along.
  • Repeat the process until you reach the other end of the work material, then lift the plane and return it to the starting position. Overlap each stroke slightly to ensure a smooth and even surface.
  • Check the work material for flatness and squareness with a straightedge and a square. Adjust the plane blade as needed to remove more or less material.