Hot take: My crew thinks I'm nuts for still using a block plane

They all have their fancy power planers and routers, but I reach for my block plane every time for fitting doors. Last week, we had a sticky basement door that wouldn't close right. The guys were ready to trim it with a circular saw, but I shaved off a hair with the plane and it swung perfect. Power tools can grab and tear out grain, especially on older wood. This little hand tool lets me feel the cut and make tiny adjustments. Sure, it takes a few more minutes, but I haven't messed up a door in years. They call it slow, I call it careful work that doesn't need fixing later. Watching them rehang a door because they took off too much is why I stick to my method.

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3 Comments

seth1966mo ago

Describe your block plane sharpening routine.

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joseph8456mo ago

I sharpen my block plane every other week, more if I'm doing a lot of end grain. A few quick passes on a 1000-grit stone, then a leather strop, keeps it scary sharp. That edge lets it take off whispers of wood, not chips, which is key for fitting things like you said. A dull plane forces you to push harder and you lose that feel for the cut, then you're just as likely to mess up as with a power tool.

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emery7366mo ago

My old shop teacher insisted on a thumb nail test to check for dullness before any sharpening. If the edge slides on your nail, it's time for the stones (it's a quick way to avoid over-sharpening). I do a few passes on a medium grit, then move to a fine stone for a polish. The leather strop with compound is what really gets it hair-shaving sharp, though. That keen edge lets you feel the wood instead of fighting the tool.

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