The best Smoothing Plane How To Use and Setup

The smoothing plane is the most detailed and fine setting plane. learning how to set it up can teach you everything you need to know to set up any other plane on the workbench. it is a foundation skill for hand tool woodworking. this will trim the most difficult and curly of hardwood and leave a glassy smooth surface. Also, we will be looking at how to setup a smoothing plane and what to look for when you get a smoothing plane.

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[kennethspeed]

YES! Stropping often. When I'm using my chisels, I'll strop them from time to time. I strop plane blades also, but not as often.

[feraligatrs]

Really appreciate your videos, they've been super helpful setting up my first handplanes!

[NikosDIY]

The best video about the best-set best smoothing plane by one of the best hand-tool woodworking channels on YouTube.
(Paul Sellers & James Wright)

[kimmonshandtools]

I totally agree with the statement, “once you get the smoothing plane done right, every other plane in the shop suddenly makes sense.” So true. I’ve only been woodworking seriously for a few months and ive been in serious constant pursuit of a true smoother. I finally hit the jackpot this weekend. It took a very good and solid plane to start with and a fair amount or tweaking and machining on top of that. Now my perspective shifted. It has been a journey getting a dialed in smoothing plane in my shop. Long journey with many disappointments along the way but it finally happened.

[ramingr]

These things are ADDICTIVE!
I have a 3, a 4, a 4 1/2, a 5, a 5 1/2, a 7, a 78, a 45, a couple block planes and a scrub. I still intend to add to the 'collection' (quotes because I work them, not stare at them), so I DO have a problem :)
Thanks James for countless great videos. You have affected me a lot, as numerous other woodworking enthusiasts, I'm sure!
All the best to you and your loved ones

[thathandtoolguy]

I definitely lean towards the No. 3 as my smoother. I don't man handle it like my No. 4, so it allows me to be gentle with the smoothing. It also has such a small iron that lets work that area of tear out or just touch up an area smaller than a playing card.

[whomadethatsaltysoup]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of this topic. I've always used a block plane, but have left my very old Stanley No 4 rusting in the garage for years. I suppose I just had such a hard time with understanding how to set it up and use it correctly.
Your simple tutorial has made it much more accessible, and I'll be out there tomorrow having a go at cleaning it up and getting some skinny shavings.

[sgsax]

I'm taking Spring Break off next week. Will definitely be spending some quality time with my plane. Thanks for all the tips on this topic lately!

[benjamintardieu]

A BIGGG BLUE THUMB from France for a lot of " SMOOTHNESS " 😌 in our rude world ! 😏 Thank you James !!! 😀😀😀😀😁😁😁😁

[athmostafa]

O ya, my beloved stanly n 3 😍 smoothing like silk on wood .
Sometimes I use my scrub plane on wood just to see n 3 😍 in action, last time I mentioned that I own n 3, 4, 6 and finally now bought n 5 🎉🎉💪 and I can't sleep until own n 7 .
Thanks mr James for such wonderful teaching videos .

[ihadabadday]

Great tutorial, always great to here your take on all things hand tool. Hope that wonderful family you've been blessed with are doing well!!! Thanks, Joe

[rick]

GREAT, GREAT, even GREATER watch tomorrow; spent the day out and just too tired to concentrate tonight...cheers...rr Normandy

[dkruitz]

Found out my blade is too far out from the breaker, will have to go and experiment! Thanks!

[neilvernon]

Great information! Other videos do not stress the importance of the mouth opening. Made a huge difference for me. Keep the videos coming.

[dwainlambrigger]

Mr. James Wright, thanks for this excellent video. I have a three and a four and generally use the four. I do have one thought. I see a lot of planes that get set, then they are run across the edge of a board. I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make, but I'd love to seen these newly fettled planes run across the full face grain of a board. Thanks again for your video. You inspire me to keep using the old hand tools!

[rico]

I’m with you!! Love the planing curls!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[Exiledk]

I have a no.3 Clifton (UK), a no.4 Dictum (Germany) and a no.62 from Axminster. These are all quality planes. I also have an older no.4 Stanley that does all the rough work. Works for me.
I won't buy chinese tools.

[MrBAchompBAchomp]

James you make me want to paint all my planes blue!!! Idk why I love the added character and how it Pops, so cool

[hashemal-haddad]

Grateful for your pro teaching.. You are one of a million..
Good luck keep up the good

[heystarfish]

I’m new to hand tools and love your enthusiasm and enjoy seeing you spread your knowledge of woodworking. I would like to see you attack the grain of vertical grain Zebrawood. Thanks James!