Block Plane

A block plane is a woodworking hand plane with a blade installed to the base of the block. The blade is installed at an angle and has a beveled tip.

The block plane is used for shaving wood off the surface to make it level and smooth. It is also used for other general-purpose work, such as, chamfers, trimming and fitting molding, fitting drawers, smoothing end joints.

Low-angle or Standard Block Plane

The low-angle block plane has 12-15 degrees bed angle, that is, the blade is set at 12-15 degrees to the horizontal surface.

The blade has a bevel tip honed to 23-25 degrees. The blade is installed with the bevel side facing up. This provides a combined cutting angle of 35-40 degrees.

The standard block plane has a bed angle of 20-22 degrees and the blade has a bevel of 23-25 degrees. This gives a cutting angle of 43-47 degrees.

Mouth Adjustment

The gap (mouth) between the blade and toe plate can be adjusted to suit the task.

For rough work or heavy shaving, the mouth is set to a wider opening. Tighten the mouth for fine shaving.

If the mouth is wider than needed for an application, it may keep digging into the wood below the surface creating break outs.

Planing End Grain vs Along the Grain

Planing end grain (against the grain) is different from planing along the grain of wood. Planing end grain requires more pressure and control.

Block Plane Blade Sizes

The size and the thickness of the blades vary.

The blade size (width) of a typical block plane for DIYers and woodworking may vary from 1 inch to 2.5 inch. The thickness of the blade may vary from 1/8 to 3/16 inch.

For small delicate craft work, use narrower blades as it helps you focus on the precise area.

Block Plane Recommendation

A low-angle block plain is better suited for do-it-yourself woodworking projects.

It is easier for working on end grain, such as squaring and trimming.

Block planes are small and can be used with one hand.