This guide was created by Norman Pirollo from WoodSkills. It highlights the essential hand planes every beginner should consider when starting out with hand tool woodworking and furniture making.
Understanding which planes to use—and why—can dramatically improve your results at the bench. Norman’s video breaks down each type, showing how a small, well-chosen collection of hand planes can build your skills and set you up for long-term success.
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The Role of Hand Planes in Woodworking
Hand planes are foundational tools that allow woodworkers to smooth, flatten, trim, and shape wood with control and accuracy. While there are dozens of variations, new woodworkers are best served by focusing on a few versatile types first.
Developing a strong familiarity with a core group of hand planes will lead to faster learning and better results. It’s less about collecting tools and more about learning how to use the right ones well.
1. Apron Plane
The apron plane is a small, nimble tool designed for one-handed use. Its compact size makes it perfect for trimming edges, easing corners, or handling small-scale adjustments at the bench.
Norman recommends this plane as a great starting point due to its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to control and serves a variety of roles, especially in fine-tuning parts during furniture construction.
2. Smoother Plane
The smoother plane—often a No. 4 or No. 4 1/2—is ideal for finishing surfaces. It’s designed to remove fine shavings and leave a polished surface ready for finishing, reducing or even eliminating the need for sanding.
Norman points out that the No. 4 1/2 has a bit more heft, which helps reduce vibration and chatter during use. Beginners will appreciate its effectiveness, especially when working with hardwoods or uneven grain.
3. Jointer Plane
A jointer plane, usually a No. 7 or No. 8, is used to flatten and straighten longer boards. This tool’s length helps bridge the high and low spots on a surface, producing a consistently flat reference face.
Norman favors the No. 7 for its balance between weight and length. It’s an essential addition once you begin jointing edges for glue-ups or leveling wide panels.
4. Block Planes
Block planes come in two common variants: low-angle and standard-angle. The low-angle block plane (typically around 37°) is especially good for trimming end grain and soft materials. The standard-angle block plane (usually 45°) is better for general-purpose work on face grain.
Both are compact and intuitive to use, making them essential tools in any hand tool setup. These planes are especially helpful when fine-tuning joinery or fitting parts on the fly.
5. Specialty Planes
Specialty planes, such as plow planes, fill more specific roles in the shop. Norman highlights plow planes as a great example—they’re ideal for cutting grooves for drawer bottoms, cabinet backs, or panel assemblies.
While not the first plane most beginners will buy, adding a few well-chosen specialty planes over time can greatly expand your capabilities. The key is knowing when a task calls for one and having a quality option on hand when it does.
What to Look for in a Quality Plane
When purchasing your first hand planes, it’s important to look beyond the price tag. Heavier castings, precise machining, and thick irons all contribute to a better user experience.
Norman recommends investing in well-built tools that will last and perform consistently. A good hand plane will feel stable in your hands, hold an edge longer, and require fewer tune-ups—saving you frustration and sharpening time in the long run.
Mastery Over Quantity
Rather than rushing to buy every style of plane, Norman suggests starting with a small, capable set. Learning how to sharpen, adjust, and tune each plane gives you more control over your results and builds confidence at the bench.
Over time, you’ll discover which planes you reach for most often and can expand your toolkit accordingly. This approach leads to better technique and avoids the clutter of underused tools.
Learning Resources from Norman Pirollo
In addition to his YouTube channel, Norman offers books and online courses through his site, WoodSkills. These resources cover topics ranging from shop setup and tool selection to advanced joinery and project design.
Titles like Quiet Woodworking and From High-Tech to Low-Tech share Norman’s journey into hand tool woodworking and offer inspiration for others taking a similar path. His teaching style emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
A Smarter Way to Start with Hand Tools
If you’re beginning your hand tool woodworking journey, selecting the right hand planes can make all the difference. Start small, choose quality, and take time to understand each tool’s role in the shop.
Norman’s approach is grounded in decades of experience and provides a clear path forward for anyone eager to learn. His recommendations will help you avoid common pitfalls and focus your energy on building real skills.
Support Norman by visiting his website: https://www.woodskills.com/