Block planes and feather boards are two very common woodworking tools and accessories. Chances are you will have to use them every now and then.
What is a Block Plane?
A block plane is a type of hand plane. The blade on this plane is usually set to a lower angle compared to other planes in woodworking. It is typically small enough to be used with only one hand and is actually better suited for cutting end grain.
The name of this wood working tool comes from the planning work done at the ends of boards, which was called “blocking in.” Thus it came to be known as the block plane.
What is a Feather Board?
A feather board is actually a safety device that is used in conjunction with power saws and stationary routers. Its primary purpose is to apply enough pressure on any workpiece. It keeps the wooden piece flat against the fence or work table.
How to Use a Block Plane
1. Mark your wood or workpiece
Use a pencil and a square to make lines on your workpiece. You should indicate the levels that you want to cut down and plane to.
2. Position the workpiece in your workbench vice
Place the board that you marked on your workbench vice. The part where the pencil mark is at should be facing upward.
3. Get some scrap wood and clamp them onto your workpiece
Place the scrap wood at the end of the wood that you are going to plane using a bar clamp. This piece of wood will prevent tear outs of the workpiece when you make your push strokes.
4. Make sure that your block plane is in position
The toe of your block plane should be flat at the end of your workpiece. The iron should be at the starting edge of the wood not part way into the spot where you want to plane.
5. Make your first forward stroke.
6. Make the necessary readjustments.
7. Continue planing and then finish things off planning down to the line.
How to Use a Feather Board
You will usually put a feather board to use with a rip fence. You can purchase a feather board from the store but you can’t fully customize it to your liking.
You can also make your own feather board and adjust the angle of the cut at the end to your needs. You can always cut the kerfs on one side of the flat board you are using – again according to the necessary angle needed for your project.
1. After customizing your feather board or just use the ones that are commercially available, you can attach it to the stock using clamps.
2. Notice that at the end of your feather board the fingers will usually be laid out nearly at a 30 degree angle. This allows you to clamp your board to the stock.
3. The board should be placed against your ripping fence which will push the stock forward (make adjustments as necessary).
TIP: use a second feather board to hold the stock down to the table. Use enough clamps to get it all down. This will help prevent a work piece from kicking back.
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