Toolbox Tuesday - Hand Plane

Wooden Hand Plane

Hand planes could be made by hand at the homestead or could be purchased from a variety of companies who made and sold them.  One such company was the New York Tool Co., which was a name used by the Auburn Tool Company of Auburn, New York.  This company made planes from 1864-1893 and had a contract with the Auburn Correctional Institute (prison) and prisoners were the ones who made the planes.

Hand planes are quite simple to use.  Once you select the appropriate type for your job, you sharpen and adjust your blade and set to work.  Place the plane on the edge of your wood and apply pressure to smooth and flatten the wood.  Push the plane back and forth on the surface smoothly and continuously.  Planes were used for shaving down wood surfaces and it was recommended that one plane with the grain to avoid catching knots.