Hand planes, and the art of hand-planing, as well as the other cutting tools associated with them, are
the ultimate way for the furniture maker to connect and tap into the interrelationship between themselves,
their tools, and their material. Machines are a fundamental part of the furnituremaking process of course,
but precision in hand tools, especially when turned into instruments, will add to, and accomplish,
what machines can simply never do, and allow you to refine and take your skills to a completely
different level!
We will open the doors to PlaneCraft; the choices, differences, preparation, tune-up, and efficient use of these essential and wonderful tools. Beginning by examining the common characteristics of all hand-planes, we will do a deep dive on the literal nuts-and-bolts of Western planes; how they operate, best practices and procedures for tuning them up, and the proper use and care of them. We will then turn our attention to the mysteries of the Japanese plane; while doing the same job, has a very different philosophy, design, and set-up than its Western counterpart. Complete set-up instructions and steps will demystify this tool that at first glance seems to be just an iron in a simple block of wood, but in reality is very sophisticated. We will finally examine Specialty planes; designed to do narrowly focused tasks general planes cannot do. And for icing on the cake, the critically important and often misunderstood hand scraper will be introduced. Fitting like the hand within the glove, this tool coexists with your hand planes to take care of all your surface preparation needs.
Once the tools themselves are understood, we will then move on to methods and techniques for all the common planing tasks; surface planing, edge planing, planing end grain (yes, very doable!). Common problems, and traps to avoid, will be taught and demonstrated as well.
The 5-day workshop will stretch well beyond what is covered in our 2 day PlaneCraft weekend workshop. Including, but not limited to: sharpening plane irons, chisels, hand scrapers, and specific assignments introduced for practice of your new found knowledge, along with the time to work individually with Ross, for guidance and
troubleshooting.
Bring your existing tools, and/or purchase new ones, and transform them and your work in this unique experience.
