Early Access Video: Planing Wood for Total Beginners
Added 2020-02-01 12:01:01 +0000 UTCFriends:
Many of my viewers tell me that they struggle with planing technique and that they want to improve their planing skills. So, I decided to get a total beginner into the shop and teach him how to plane wood from scratch.
I grabbed my editor Nate and taught him all about planing. And we caught it all on camera just for you.
Hope you enjoy something new for the start of your weekend!
--Rex
Comments
Gramercy holdfasts are well designed and high quality.
Steve Levine
2020-02-10 01:58:24 +0000 UTCI think next month, we'll do sharpening.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-08 11:21:35 +0000 UTCThis has been great, Rex. I learned a lot from this one video. It has answered a lot of the problems I've been having. The step by step format with a complete beginner is a great format that you guys might want to do again in the future.
Juan Karlo Licudine
2020-02-08 02:30:21 +0000 UTCI'm much the same way when I flatten my planes. Just increasing grits of sand-paper.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-07 12:28:59 +0000 UTCThat's great. After you've used it for a while, could we get a post about that plane? I've never gotten along with the super-long stanleys and I prefer wooden for my long planes. Let us know how you make out!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-07 12:27:57 +0000 UTCYou know, I haven't seen this video (and it's not too often that someone recommends a woodworking video I haven't seen. I'll have to check it out!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-07 12:05:58 +0000 UTCHi Rex, I wonder if you had a chance to see David Charlesworth's video "Precision Planing", if not I would strongly recommend it. (He is the guy with the 'ruller trick', I'm sure you heard about him). It covers what you have shown and a little bit more, by example how to get an edge staight. He follows the lines from Robert Wearing's "Essential Woodworking" when teaching planing. What I find working extremly well is his recommendation about creating a very slight concavity when planning an edge, which means you don't start planing from the front of the board except for the last 2-3 strokes. Also he has a different recommendation regarding how to use you finger as a fence - use the fingernail, to avoid hurting the finger.
Mihai Luţescu
2020-02-07 12:01:00 +0000 UTCWhat it really taught me, Rex, is that you just need increasing grits of dry sandpaper... no water, lapping fluid, diamond/whet stones, or polishing compounds required. I do have a large rubber eraser from Harbor Freight to get the iron filings out of the sandpaper.
Stephanie Ray
2020-02-07 06:16:43 +0000 UTCI wanted to revisit this post. I've been doing the hand tool thing for about three years and thought I was at minimum a solid intermediate user. I picked up a series 9 Stanley Bailey No. 7 C last week and tuned it up. I've done this a lot, but never any planes this long. Turns out, my frog was a little out of wack, must not have tightened it as well as I thought. I used the method for correcting an out of square edge to find where the plane was out and fix it. Now it's humming. I'm so glad you guys made this video, and that I watched it. Stripping everything back to basics is such an important step to trouble shooting!
Nic Beurskens
2020-02-06 12:52:31 +0000 UTCAh yes, grilled cheese benefits. You sir, are a man that understands work perks that are worth it!!
Nic Beurskens
2020-02-06 12:45:49 +0000 UTCIt's nice to hear from someone who really likes the worksharp. I've always thought that if I were teaching a lot of classes, I'd get one. Seems very efficiant.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:24:35 +0000 UTCJust a little camber and you'll be in business.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:23:08 +0000 UTCYour comment has TOTALLY inspired me! I'm putting a sharpening video on the schedule for next month. No one should get frustrated by sharpening. Us woodworking teachers need to do a better job teaching it.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:22:45 +0000 UTCThat's a very good idea, but I have to think about it. As you get more advanced, it gets harder to cover.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:18:16 +0000 UTCWill do!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:17:43 +0000 UTCI do put them in there prior to release, but you make a good point!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:17:30 +0000 UTCWe might do that. I do think a sharpening video is next and probably building him some kind of mallet.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:17:00 +0000 UTCWe're really glad it's so helpful!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:16:06 +0000 UTCI think you'll be happy with a plane of that vintage.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:15:19 +0000 UTCI think Nate will stick with me. I pay him and I make him a grilled cheese when he comes over.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 12:14:31 +0000 UTCI've got just the video for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mWLJFlDB_4
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 11:59:11 +0000 UTCPask is the MAN! I watch his videos all the time!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-06 11:45:53 +0000 UTCHey, Rex great video. I have a plane that was given to me by my kids the only thing I think can be salvaged is the blades I will make a video and send it to you. In the meantime check this vid out great use of shavings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1kaBVUWa_U Pask makes is one of my favourite Aussies along with uncle knackers DIY for knuckleheads
martin turner
2020-02-06 08:29:43 +0000 UTCRex ~ great video and very timely. I'm about to smooth 5ft of maple slab for a counter-top. Wish me luck! Hey ~ have you ever done a video talking just about wood? I'd be interested in watching you talk about wood Types, qualities, etc. My skills are at a point that I want to move beyond big-box lumber and want to have a little knowledge before spending money on "fancy" wood.
LightFoot
2020-02-05 21:47:58 +0000 UTCAs to sharpening, you really wouldn't put a "straight" blade in a small smoothing plane like this. You'd have a slightly cambered one for smoothing and general work and then maybe a very cambered one for scrub work.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-05 11:19:42 +0000 UTCThat's a functional plane once you get it going!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-05 11:17:01 +0000 UTCThat's a great plane to make a scrub out of!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-05 11:16:38 +0000 UTCI enjoyed this. Especially as one awaiting warmer temps to use my vintage Stanley and my modern 12-202 I’m converting to a scrub plane on the planned projects!!
Scott Benjamin
2020-02-05 04:45:39 +0000 UTCI got the Stanley 12-404 No. 4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Cutter form Amazon.
Howard Tuckey
2020-02-05 00:40:43 +0000 UTCDepends on which plane you mean. We used a vintage on in this video.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-04 23:34:12 +0000 UTCThanks Rex, this is exactly what I was thinking about. Now all I need is a plane or 3...
Steve Hawker
2020-02-04 21:50:19 +0000 UTCThat was a totally enjoyable, and informative video! I ordered one of those planes, and I think I'll get a second iron for it so I can have a double duty tool - straight and curved blades. I think that would work, no?
Howard Tuckey
2020-02-04 20:08:51 +0000 UTCOur pleasure!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-04 11:27:48 +0000 UTCI think we will! We did have a good time. Many people have suggested sharpening for the next video. What do you think?
Rex Krueger
2020-02-04 11:27:35 +0000 UTCThis video was helpful even for a semi-beginner like me who feels comfortable planing. It reinforced the stuff I was doing right, and I learned some new tricks for getting the edge square. Plus it was just a very enjoyable video to watch. I love the energy you and Nate have together, you're obviously having a blast. I hope he will return for more beginner technique videos!
Jac
2020-02-04 00:47:01 +0000 UTCWow, I learned alot. Thanks!
Martyn Speck
2020-02-03 19:06:44 +0000 UTC3-in-1. It's just a light machine oil.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-03 02:51:24 +0000 UTCWhat kind of oil do you use for your planes?
Realistic Clover
2020-02-02 22:09:41 +0000 UTCJust scored a pre-war Stanley smoothing plane for 49cdn. I’ll learn first hand now :D
William Allen
2020-02-02 15:02:26 +0000 UTCI made it up after yet another frustrating spin the wrong way
Matthew Leigh
2020-02-02 12:23:28 +0000 UTCYou're very welcome!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:22:57 +0000 UTCThat is very helpful! I need to remember that.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:22:49 +0000 UTCGlad I could help!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:22:33 +0000 UTCDelightful! I honestly think the smoothing plane is the most important, but that's me.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:22:21 +0000 UTCI'll take that under consideration.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:21:43 +0000 UTCMy pleasure!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:20:48 +0000 UTCThanks for giving Nate a sub!
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:20:26 +0000 UTCYou better keep your eye on me. I move fast for a big guy.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:20:12 +0000 UTCI love to watch a little Youtube before I get up. It gets the brain going for the day. My wife, on the other hand, prefers that I not do this.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-02 12:19:48 +0000 UTCThat was a helpful video. Thanks
Robert Bullock
2020-02-02 10:25:36 +0000 UTCRegarding plane adjustment knobs... Righty bitey, lefty lighty
Matthew Leigh
2020-02-02 04:37:43 +0000 UTCVery helpful. Thanks, Rex.
Drew Nelson
2020-02-02 01:16:10 +0000 UTCHeart Heart Heart . . . awesome and somehow perfection. Best intro to planing I've seen yet! 10/10! Now I understand why I need a smoothing plane.
William Allen
2020-02-01 22:05:00 +0000 UTCYou definitely need to get some fashion advice from Nate.
Benjamin Yardley
2020-02-01 21:20:06 +0000 UTCThat was very helpful. I can’t wait to plane my joiners bench. Thanks Rex.
Thrifty Woodworker
2020-02-01 19:29:38 +0000 UTCWent ahead and subscribed to Das Movie Show. Looks like you need to encourage him to post more frequently. The only thing he's done in the past two years is a live stream that appears to be blank. :) Anyway, I think the key takeaway on your video is that having someone that knows what they are doing next to you helps a lot! It's how I picked up woodturning...which I grasped much faster than any other woodworking I've done..which has all been either learned from book or video.
Jason Bailey
2020-02-01 19:07:51 +0000 UTCThe maniacal laughter at the end confirmed my suspicions. You are actually super-villain Lex Luthor. Rex Krueger rhymes with Lex Luthor. Lex Luthor is bald. You are bald. That's all the evidence I need. You're using Patreon to raise money for your wooden mechanical soldier army or something. Got my eye on you buddy!
Kevin Lundquist
2020-02-01 18:30:26 +0000 UTCThanks Rex i knew how to plane already but i just needed something to watch before getting out of bed
Urmamjeff The third
2020-02-01 17:32:34 +0000 UTCRex, I would be careful promoting Nates channel too much. When it takes off, Nate will not have time to do the excellent editing that we like. ;-) Thank you very much for this tutorial! I am going to go practice on some pallet wood.
Jeffrey A Krug
2020-02-01 14:46:49 +0000 UTCJim, I too had a very hard time learning how to sharpen, and it is indeed a critical skill to have. I actually never got a really sharp blade until I purchased a Worksharp 3000 on eBay (there are excellent tutorials on YouTube just search there). What I realized is that besides taking the effort out of rubbing the blade back and forth, the machine kept the blade at a constant angle of attack. I went back to the scary sharp system, and instead of trying to freehand as I had before, I attached a jig firmly, and used a screwdriver to tighten it down instead of just by hand. Then, I was off to the races and just practiced, practiced, and practiced some more. I spent (too) many hours grinding new faces on all my chisels with a 300 grit Diamond stone. I will never do that again, but what kept me going was seeing the super shiny section slowly growing until it filled the whole surface. I've actually gone back to using the WS3000 (with a jig on top, so much easier), but now I really know what can be done to a piece of metal. So satisfying to watch the scratches get smaller and smaller.
Stephanie Ray
2020-02-01 13:53:31 +0000 UTCCool vid, Ive come to the conclusion I made a couple mistake as i am starting planing. So definitely helpful. Also came to the conclusion i need to redo the blade on my #4 to make it smoothing.
Infidel305
2020-02-01 13:52:25 +0000 UTCVery informative , I think having a beginner doing the work is definitely worth considering for basics videos like this as it allows you to address things that wouldn't've come up for you with your years of experience (like gradually shifting the camber back to center in this video). In a way I wish you hadn't already done the sharpening video and could do that one with a beginner as I personally almost gave up on hand-tool woodworking several times over it. I never did get "scary sharp" to work the way it's supposed to, always devolved into a frustrating mess of slurry and peeling up sandpaper, and I would end up with a bevel that was so misshapen that the plane would only cut by putting most of your body weight into it! In the end I gave up and threw money at the problem (diamond stones) and I'm finally getting decent(-ish) edges, but in my experience having taken up hand-tool woodworking in the past year the single biggest barrier to entry for a beginner was definitely getting the iron sharp enough to even begin to do the kinds of things you show here. In my opinion a prequel video where you hand him a "flea-market fresh" iron and then coach him through the process of getting it ready to use (and how to spot and address any mistakes along the way) would be an invaluable resource for beginners!
Jim S
2020-02-01 13:30:37 +0000 UTCI feel the same way as Nic, great video. Are you going to make a little more advance planing video? Maybe something covering edge joining, prevention hollows and humps, stock thickness techniques. There is a ton of this info out there all ready but none with the Rex flare.
Aaron Sprague
2020-02-01 13:24:29 +0000 UTCGreat post. Always nice to get a reminder of what you (I)'ve learned years ago and kinda forgotten... It HAS nearly forty years that I left school and all I did in woodworking were some small projects for myself, it was never my profession. Thanks for this video and keep them coming...
Frans van Ballegooijen
2020-02-01 13:20:23 +0000 UTCHi Rex, thanks for the plane class. :) FYI: when I went to your site, I mistyped your name and visited rexkruger.com instead of rexkrueger.com (I missed the "e" after "u"). It is also an existing domain name but my browser is complaining about many malevolent components on that page. Obviously, somebody wants to make money out of your popularity which is a great honor but, if I were you, I would put a direct link under my videos in order to prevent my viewers. :)
Csongor Halmai
2020-02-01 13:16:41 +0000 UTCNow that Nate knows how to plane, he needs to learn how to proper use a saw and build that joiners bench for himself, as proof that anyone new to woodworking can do it. :)
Sebastian
2020-02-01 13:12:49 +0000 UTCNow that was Fantastic! Thanks for being a lab rat Nate! I really think that this video will help a lot of people. Everything I watched when I was first learning gave me so much information that I got frustrated. It's nice to see you lay the groundwork for just getting started and doing it right without flooding the video with too much technique. I really feel like you covered all of the basics clearly and completely and it leaves you room to give the same attention to gradually more advanced work. Thanks for the consistently great content guys!
Nic Beurskens
2020-02-01 12:31:23 +0000 UTC
![CandidCrushTrample[CCT]](https://nokimo.com/istorage/34805.jpg)
