The video “Clever things you can do with an electric hand planer” is by Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton). In this insightful presentation, he reveals the often-overlooked capabilities of the electric hand planer, a tool that can be a game changer for woodworkers. James dives deep into its versatility, showcasing how it can serve not just as a planer, but also as a replacement for larger, more expensive tools like jointers.
Electric hand planers are commonly used to even out studs or joists during construction, flatten floors, and smooth out bench tops.
However, James emphasizes that there are numerous other applications for this underrated tool. For instance, it can be utilized to create straight edges on boards for seamless glue-ups, add chamfers or bevels to edges, and even cut simple joinery such as rabbets.
One of the key benefits of an electric hand planer is its portability. If you’re working in a small shop or need a tool you can take to a job site, this tool can be a revelation. James emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use the electric hand planer safely, as it features a two-piece sole and requires careful handling to avoid accidents.
Before operating the tool, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its components. The back plate is fixed, while the front plate can be adjusted to change the depth of the cut. Some models even come with dust ports for efficient cleanup. Safety is paramount: always keep both hands on the tool, wear safety glasses and hearing protection, and ensure no loose clothing is in the vicinity of the spinning blades.
James provides practical tips on how to operate the electric hand planer effectively. The key is to make sure the tool enters the cut evenly without tipping. This will prevent ‘snipe’—a common issue where the ends of the board are scalloped or have deep bites. To avoid this, he suggests starting each pass with the front of the tool firmly on the workpiece and applying pressure evenly.
When working with edges that may have crowns or hollows, the electric hand planer can help achieve a straighter edge. James recommends taking shallow passes and gradually overlapping them to ensure an even cut. For instance, if a board has a crown at the center, begin by planing the center first and then work your way outwards.
James also addresses how to flatten a board with a cup. He suggests removing material from the high center first and then checking progress with a straight edge. If there are twists in the board, using winding sticks can help identify high corners that need to be planed down to create a flat surface.
While electric hand planers are excellent for flattening and straightening edges, they do have limitations. They can’t bring opposite edges or faces parallel without significant skill and effort. Thus, while they can replace a jointer in certain scenarios, they are not a substitute for a thickness planer.
After successfully flattening one face of the board, James demonstrates running it through a thickness planer to dress the opposite face flat and parallel. This method ensures that both sides of the board are perfectly aligned, allowing for safer and more precise cuts on the table saw.
James wraps up the video by highlighting the various other uses of electric hand planers, encouraging woodworkers to explore this often underutilized tool in their workshops.