Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
Using a hand plane to flatten a board requires more technique than you might think. Woodworkers end up with boards that are tapered or even curved like a banana because they don't observe proper technique during the plane pass. Here I discuss hand plane techniques for flat boards but focus more on how to maintain control of the plane by using proper footwork...which also makes it easier to plane and less stress on your body.
Using a hand plane to flatten a board requires more technique than you might think. Woodworkers end up with boards that are tapered or even curved like a banana because they don't observe proper technique during the plane pass. Here I discuss hand plane techniques for flat boards but focus more on how to maintain control of the plane by using proper footwork...which also makes it easier to plane and less stress on your body.
