smoothing planes

There are many diferent styles of hand planes some made of steel, others made from wood.

Planes for smoothing, these are 8" to 9" long and 1 3/4" to 2" wide.

The short length makes them great for trouble spots, where the grain changes direction and has to be planed in different directions along its length.

These planes can be adjusted (as all planes can be ) to cut a very fine shaving from the wood.

By taking a fine cut reduces the chance of ripping out some of the grain.

If you are in a museum check out some of the real old ones that have a wooden wedge holding the blade in.