Why not to use a Block Plane | Paul Sellers

Thinking of buying a block plane? Watch this first!

I have owned a block plane for all of my woodworking years, that's 56 years to date, but I have to say that this plane is a plane I might pull out from the shelf once or twice a month. The thing to remember is that most of the time it will not do what you think it should do and it has very little value as a first plane.

Add it if you think you might have a need of it but don't buy it because you think it's cute. It's probably the last in the list of planes I would buy.

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[WHITTONZ]

I use mine for making small chamfers. I know that my No.4 will do the job nicely, but there's something quite satisfying in the way it fits into one hand. I feel close to the connection between the tool and the wood, which is a big part of the fun of being an amateur. I enjoy your videos and thank you for the time and effort you put into them.

[happyhonker]

It’s interesting how different woodworkers value tools differently. As a violin-maker I use block planes about 2-3 hrs a day. One of the top 3 essential tools for me.

[andrewschafer]

For woodworking in a shop all day everyday I agree. For a block planes are the way to go on site for several tasks.

[owdman]

I've worked as a joiner for nearly 50 years doing architectural period restoration/replication, sash windows etc. The block plane is about the most used as it is the principle fitting and finishing plane, on site mainly but also in the workshop but not really a bench plane. One handed use for taking off arris's, trimming through-tenons, fine finishing to make things fit, coarse removal for scribing boards etc.

[Rapperdul]

As a carpenter the block plane is one of my favourite tools for taking of edges and when laying herringbone parquet, but i have never used it in my workshop there i use a bigger plane so i guess it just depends on what you are going to use it for

[SkillCult]

Context is king. When a block plane is good...

when you don't have a vice
when you work on small stuff a lot
when you do small woodwork while traveling and want a plane in your basic wood working kit (in order, knife, folding saw, hatchet, shoe maker's rasp, plane, 1/4 inch chisel)
when you don't want to carry a big plane around in a small tool kit and won't have a vice anyway (carpenters on the job often love their block planes)
for awkward, in place trimming and chamfering

But I'm not a full on shop based wood worker and those are the situations I'm more likely to be in, so I find myself grabbing a block plane the majority of the time, off a shelf with planes of every size. I would even recommend a block plane as a first plane for most people that I deal with. They can add from there as they become more domesticated wood workers. Of course Paul has an entirely different context and his recommendation probably makes 100% sense for most people that watch this channel and want to get into woodworking this way. they are pretty useless for making any long true surfaces and joints. For carpenters on the job and people like me who usually start at the firewood pile with a hatchet, making small items, block planes rock. I think I have 6 or 7 of them.

[JerrySmith-ihrd]

I’ve been a carpenter doing mostly trim work for over 40 years. A high end block plane is absolutely essential in that line of work. I transfer my using it to the workshop as well. I keep 2 of them plus a shoulder plane in my tool bucket at all times..

[leemoore]

As a Joiner on site the block plane came in for working on such things as trimming up the formica edging to worktop ends which would blunt my Record no4 quickly .

In the Workshop rarely used

So totally agree with Mr Sellers !

[carpentryandwoodwork]

Plane and simple! for me, a block plane has been part of my tool kit for over 40 years and I wouldn’t be without one!

[LoneRiderz]

People, he's saying it isn't essential. My understanding of the word essential is something that you cannot do without. Obviously everyone has different needs.

[adrienrenaux]

I think block planes we really not made for use on a bench with a vise. I think they were made for carpenters and joiners on the job site. It's handy to have it in the pocket just for doing small trimming jobs without having to go to a bench with a vise

[doctrnic]

I find this to be refreshing and sound advice. Most videos who say you absolutely need a block plane are more or less advertising for tool companies. When I first started getting into wood working, the first videos and blogs I saw, recommended I buy a block plane, a no 4, a jack and a jointer. One website said it either had to be a lie nielsen or a bedrock only. Well I didn't want to spend over $1000.00 for planes when I am a beginner. Part of the reason I wanted hand tools was so I didn't have to buy an expensive electric planer and jointer. When I found Pauls website, my confidence was boosted as I was impressed he did all his work with 1 plane. The planes I use the most now are the number 3, the number 4 and the 5 1/2. I can see me using a block plane if I were fitting cabinets in a home build, but even then, I would stay on the cheap end.

[matsuomasato]

There is one instance where block planes are very useful and that is boat building. Not only are you often working in tight spot and awkward angels, you're also most of the time working on something that is not straight, so a longer plane might simply not be able to work the high spot you need to take down.

[alecgarner]

I often use use my low angle block in a shooting board configuration for miters and squaring small component, works a treat, especially when the mouth is set ultra fine.

[williamlattanziobill]

I use a block plane for chamfers/round overs. They are nice for cleaning up small boxes, and they excel when fitting scribed door casings and trim. Another good use is for fitting shingles and shims.

[TermiteUSA]

I love my two stanley 12-220s, but to be fair it was my favorite first because it was rugged and designed well enough that it would work before I knew how sharpen and adjust it properly.
Thanks to you Paul, it works as well as it did when I inherited as a boy. You know, that other century when people shook hands on a deal and weren't afraid of a good hug.
Cheers

[shadbakht]

I was actually just in the market for a plane. Thank you. This helped.

[Mr_Rick]

My "go to" plane is a Stanley Bailey No 3 smooth. I use it for near everything. I also use my B/U L/A Block quite a bit. It's a utility plane IMO. Chamfering edges, removing some imperfections, touch ups here and there. I also use my Jack and love it but mainly for larger work. Everyone works differently and has their favourites. While it's important to be technically adept at knowing what each plane is good for and how to use it there is also an emotional side of loving a particular plane. Happy wood working!

[Rocketninja]

I must *strongly* disagree. I'm using my block plane right now to hold my phone vertically on my table to watch this video while using a No. 4.

[mikestewart]

I began my working life as a carpenter, so I love my old block plane. Now I'm a nurse, so I'm saving up for a really nice 5 1/2, and thinking of making my 5 a scrub plane.