Finally someone showed how to configure the planes, not just "because that's how it's done" but with a very clear explanation of "why it should be done that way"!!! A colossal difference... Guided by the knowledge from this video, I made all the settings in literally three minutes. And you know what? It really works perfectly!!! THX Matt.
I've been around this stuff for 45 years (Dad is still turning pieces at 80). This, by far, is the best information about setting a plane up that I've ever seen. I learned quite a bit. Thanks!
This was a quality presentation that third level woodwork instructors, twice your age and experience, could only dream of giving. Very informative and interesting. 👍👍
@@DavannaJoinery Certainly was useful to me, personally. This reply was more a commentary on the lack of time and professionalism that modern instructors have, in general. Additionally, technology has moved on, and humanity looks over the horizon rather than in their backyard. For better or worse. So lesson plans for hand planers are no doubt seen as archaic.
Yes but it wasn't technically entirely accurate. That yoke slop has nothing to do with thread backlash. There's really two things going on there. Explaining that could lead to more confusion though.
Okay Matt - I'm 63 years old and you're just a kid (well, almost), and you taught me more about the proper setting up of planes in 21 minutes than anyone else in all my years of woodworking. Thank you for the videos and for sharing your knowledge with us all. Very much appreciated.
As many videos I've seen explaining hand planes, this is the only one I've ever seen talking about backlash. I know the thrust wheel in my plane was loose when I switched direction, but I thought it was just because mine are lower quality. Thank you so much for explaining this!
Glad I saw this comment. Was just gonna skim through this video thinking that I know all there is to know about setting up a plane. Now I’ve learned more.
Came here to say the same thing. Matt does a great job explaining thoroughly and concisely. He also points out how common mistakes are made and the simple process to prevent those errors. Obsoletely love and appreciate all his videos!
Matt thanks SO MUCH for the explanation on backlash! I realized the loose movement was that the knob thing was moving up and down but not realized that it needs to push the blade down! Hands down the best video on plane set up. In the world.
The backlash can be improved by the plane manufacturers simply by employing tighter clearances on the mating parts. On the depth adjustment there obviously has to some clearance between the radius on the operating lever where it engages the the thumbscrew. The same can be said about the tapped hole the thumbscrew goes into and the threads in the tapped hole. Also the boss on the lever that rocks the blade and chip breaker. The slot and the boss could be made to tighter clearances. A note here. Tighter tolerances does not necessarily mean that the fit is tighter. There are whole tables of tolerances and fits in the ISO, DIN, SAE and other engineering systems.
No matter how long or how far I go, Matt Estlea is the man to see and listen to, when you want to learn something about woodworking. I will forever be thankful to this precious UA-cam channel and to Matt Estlea!
The first half of the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.
Absolute legend. I was fighting so hard with my plane and taking massive chunks off. Watched this (properly) and got my plane to shaving beautiful, paper thin shavings with no effort whatsoever. Wish I’d taken more heed earlier. Great vids - really enjoy your presenting style and general high production quality. Incredible value for someone like me who has enough knowledge to be dangerous but no where near enough to be competent! Keep up the great work.
Someone showed me a different way to put a camber on a plane blade. It was much harder, and clearly out of my skill range. So, I never did it. Thanks Matt. At my old job, I had been doing it for few years (Five years). That made me a veteran. When I ate lunch, everyone wanted talke to me. I never noticed it, until it was pointed out. People who were ten, or fifteen years older then me asked for advise. Mostly, I think they wanted to hear from someone who had been there, and back. I would say, "Don't worry about guns. Mostly they won't shoot you, but a large caliber going off in small room will ruin your hearing. So carry disposible ear plugs in you front shirt pocket." That's just common sense, but it beats learning it for yourself. That's what your channel is like. Not everyone does this stuff everyday. You help a lot.
Excellent! It's good to see you making tutorials again! I'm 74, and my eyesight is shot, so that trick with the scrap-wood is just what I needed. I gained a lot more, besides, so I'll be less wary of using my planes in future. Keep up the good work. Your presentation skills are superb! And I loved the intro, too :-) P.S. I would have loved a bit more information on the low angle jack-plane, because I have one...
Thank You. I've been wood worker for many years but never used planes because the ones I had never worked so I worked around them. They were given to me and thanks for your video I found that all the blades were in upside down. they now work. Looking for your video " how to sharping your blade."
Talking about the depth of cut at 16:38 was just what I needed to hear - explained in the right way. When you add some of my "trying to get better with hand tools" with a dash of "lifelong impatience" you'll find me ending up cranking on the wheel wondering where my shavings are at. Nice one Matt!
I've been working in a woodshop with very experienced folks for nearly 7 years. I have NEVER heard of "backlash". I got frustrated with my results and even the guy who managed the shop for 30 years didn't have an answer other than to tell me to retract or extend the blade. I love hand work. I love card scrapers and hand planes. There's something cathartic and meditative about being so connected to the wood. I've learned more in the last 20 minutes than I have in the last 7 years, and now that I'm a supervisor, I know more about planes than anyone else in the shop. THANK YOU! Aside as a female woodworker... sure you've heard this more than once ... your eyes ... DUDE! Off to watch the sharpening video as our couple of dozen planes in the shop haven't been sharpened for at least the last 7 years.
This video was just brilliant. Thank you, Matt. I had my bevel upside down, my yoke was incorrectly positioned, and I didn't know a thing about backlash until I watched this. No wonder my planing was junk. Cheers!!
Omg I am 64 years old and have been around woodworking since I was about 30. This presentation had so so much very good information and coming from such a young man is unheard of. Matt I commend you and your dedication and knowledge to your trade. I have just subscribed and so glad I found your channel, thank you
What a game changer. I was taking those tiny shavings thinking the cut wasn’t deep enough and now I learn I was just not being patient and the plane was in fact taking off the high spots! Thank you, hopefully my woodworking improves!
Thank you very much. That's the best explanation of setting up a hand plane I've seen, yet. Just beginning to use a hand plane, and I appreciate you taking the time to explain not only the "how", but the "why".
Hi Matt,I am a retired mechanic who loves diy. Having moved into an old bungalow,my various skills have been put to the test. I have learned so much off utube,plumbing,decorating etc,now turning to woodwork. general stuff is ok,have had floorboards up,replaced brutalised sections (thank you electrictions/ butchers) but planes have always been my greatest fear...Have just bought a no3 plane,(no idea what the numbers mean yet...) but just discovered your videos,and will now be a faithfull follower. My all time best mate was a joiner all his life,his skills are off the scale,but cant even fit a wiper blade to his car...each to his own eh. Thanks for great demo's.
It’s rare that I join in the comments section. I’m new to wood working and am looking to purchase my first plane. Doing as much research as possible before moving forward, and found your video very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I bought my first plane yesterday and have watched 7 other videos on "how to set up a plane" and your video is the best. Admittedly, I was one of those people that thought the blade bevel went up. Thanks for video and in return, I am now subscribed.
Those shavings were insane! This should be entitled the Theory of Planing, which is as important as all the technical know-how. Backlash and getting a feel for what's going on is never explained elsewhere. I appreciate that!
Thank You Matt…I always watched my Dad do the planing and now that he’s gone, I have his WWII Plane that I am cleaning up. Your instructions are super and much needed.
I'm one of the old farts with dodgy eyesight and having followed your video step by step and with the explanations you gave through every part of the process it was out to the workshop armed with the knowledge you imparted and the result was staggering for which i am eternally grateful. THANK YOU.
Excellent lesson for the uninitiated, and nice to see young lads still enjoying using well made hand tools in a world mainly dominated by over sophisticated power tools. This is the sort of thing that used to be taught by your woodwork teacher at school but it seems that we don't have woodwork teachers anymore.
This is by far THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE explanation of hand plane setup and all the implications of poor setup. Excellently done, Matt. I wish this video was around when I first started using a hand plane - would have saved me a lot of head scratching and disassembling/reassembling.
I have seen dozens of plane setup videos and never have I seen one that goes in such great detail regarding backlash. I learned something new....thank you
Thank you, I'm a new woodworker and have a collection of hand planes from my grandfather. This has been the most informative video I've seen yet to help me get my grandfathers tools back to making shavings.
Well I sharpen everything myself and I have been a furniture maker since 1992. I also teach in high-school professionnel degree in furniture making too. All to say lol you are doing great and you are a great teacher too. Its very clear and easy to understand well done. I also like your sence of humour 😂
I just went through eight - 8 videos on how to assemble a standard jack plane and yours was the first the actually mentioned the orientation of the blade, ieL bevel down. The rest, if any hint at all was given, assumed you could see which way it was. Thanks from all the dummies out there.
This is absolutely the best explanation on how to set up a hand plane I've seen. The backlash section is a game changer for me. I knew it existed too but didn't know the yoke had to support the blade at all times. Thanks so much Matt. Cheers.
15:50 I am a ME and started with basic metal working tools. As I progressed to a lathe and really understood backlash i caught myself compensating for it when setting up the temperature on the oven... It gets in your head :)
I want to thank you! I have had a collection of older planes that I have never been able to use, mostly due to inexperience and an inability to set them up properly. I came across your video and followed your easy setup instructions. I was amazed that I washable to make very smooth and incredibly thin shavings. I truly thank you for b the manor in which you break down the process as well as the reasons why. It made it easy to understand and I look forward to using my planes now instead of just letting them collect dust in my cabinet.
Thank you very much for that lucid and highly intelligent video! I have been trying to revive a 20+ year old bench plane, that has been rusting away in a gunny bag for all this while, along with my understanding of the tool... And this video of yours is just what the doctor ordered!!!
Recently I started using an old Record smoothing plane and was not aware of the backlash issue, so I was fighting with the thrust weel ineffectively. Also I did not understand why the thrust wheel was so hard to rotate, so now I now I can use the screw to set the tension... This is the best video on setting up the planes that I have seen, thank you so much!
Thank you! I have had a plane with a sharp blade, and plenty of sharp chisels for a while and I’ve never been able to make the plane do what I wanted. This video finally got my plane calibrated how it should be and now the thing is a joy to use. I need more planes now, it’s so fun! Thanks, Matt!
Your teaching style is the perfect balance of depth and brevity and holds attention like a casual conversation, fantastic. Looking forward to exploring the rest of your channel. Cheers.
Thank you for such great guidance. I now have a Wickes No.4 plane working like a dream. It's so good that I've got obsessed with shavings and have no wood left!
Excellent tutorial. I am one of those that really needs to know “why” to properly learn something. Your explanation of what a plane is actually trying to do has really given me a solid understanding of why the setup needs to be done in this way. Thanks Matt. Great stuff.
You’re really good at this I’m usually a critical git on UA-cam because I feel lots of crap content is destroying the platform Yours isn’t, it’s well thought out, well presented, well scripted Awesome stuff.
Your teaching method is so logical that I watched this video once and was able to remember every aspect of it! It’s now burned into my brain. Nice work! And thank you!
I absolutely LOVE the way you teach. Learning how a thing actually works is key to long-term success, but for some reason many teaching methods go for "follow these steps and this is the result" without addressing the why of those steps. This results in a bunch of students who know how to follow directions, but not troubleshoot or modify their process when a variable is introduced. I've always needed to know the why of a thing to really learn it, thank you for offering the why instead of a checklist of steps. Also, yes, old eyes suck. I didn't think my eyesight was ever that great (nearsighted as all getout) but then my 50s happened and suddenly I'm wearing bifocals and realize why my dad's workshop lighting could cause a grey-out in the neighborhood if he turned it on all at once -- it's because in order to see like a normal human, I now need like twice the light as I used to. The only positive thing about getting older is I finally have the time and money to build a workshop I love that's filled with all the good tools and I have time to build weird little projects and learn new skills while my brain and hands are still in working order. Your videos teach me stuff, make me laugh, inspire me, and have cost me some money...okay, more than some money. Please keep doing what you're doing, you're a huge asset to the woodworking community.
I’m flattening my first workbench top and getting frustrated with the mixed success of my plane. I’m not a pro though I’m not new, but I am self-aware enough to know I needed a refresher. Matt and this video got me back to fine shavings!
Great video. I do a lot of woodworking , but have power versions of everything . I was given a couple of giant wooden carpenters tool box "crates" packed, that were built specifically to hold as many of his tools as possible . These were a friend of mines grandfathers tools and she is in her late 40's. I have 6 or 7 metal hand planes, 6 very narrow wooden planes, 2 big wooden planes.... and another dozen + assorted odd framed hand tools. This video made me understand the clear mechanics and function of planes, where I had given up. A big "Thank You" for this video !!!
Must confess that when a plane is cutting well the satisfaction it brings is rewarding and therapeutic. Keep ‘em coming……..great intro by the way👍You know a razor blade held flat to the base and slid up to corner of plane blade can be useful too. If it meets solid resistance you know the corner is proud of base. Adjust blade penetration until the razor blade doesn’t catch. Check result using the scrap wood tip.
You saved me so much headache. Doing trim work and using a Jorgensen no 4 plane for the first time and this video was exactly what I needed to assemble correctly. Thank you!
I had to re hang a door and then plane to fit. I borrowed a small plane from a friend then got a Buck bros 9 inch planar from home depot. The instruction manual (very loose description) look like they have not been updated since the 1970's are basically useless. Love this video, best description of a plane I have found. Matt I suggest you reach out to Buck Bros, my local home depot had two in stock and both had been returned as the tool is basically impossible to use unless you take it apart, sharpen the blade and follow your instructions
I've watched a bunch of these and while your way of going threw is different (as I would expect) the one thing I never heard or thought of (or wasn't explained in a way that made it click) was the part about dealing with the backlash. Thank you for the aha moment.
wow, the backlash explanation was such a needed addition to this demo! mind blown! this explains so much of some of the issues I have run into with my planes...
Fabulously useful, super clear, totally logical and easy to follow. Been meaning to look for this very specific info for ages. Glad youtube engineered its way to me 😅 I kept lots of planes belonging to my dad, but need to give them a bit of TLC before i can use them for my diy projects. He had taught me to use them when i saw little, but not how to adjust them. Now i know how 😍 Thank you so much!
Brilliantly done. I don't remember any of this being taught when I was in the woodwork classes at school back in the 70's. Entertaining too. You are going on my list of go to people for woodworking for sure.
Possibly,probably THE BEST instructional video I’ve EVER seen! (OK there are a couple of contenders but o totally different topics). So, let’s get this right: Planes in the backdrop -or was it back off.. back lash .. oh, Doh is me!
This is the best set up video for a bench plane!!! Thank you so much! Still learning and this was so concise and the backlash was all new to me as well!
Yes! Love seeing you upload! I like seeing other woodworkers around my age and not letting this trade/hobby die! Learning craftsmanship makes you appreciate things so much more even outside of woodworking! Really can’t find too many things that can keep me calm and lower my anxiety like woodworking! (Ps I know I’m young and have nothing to stress about, but I’ve been diagnosed with severe anxiety so not too many things help me zone out and let things go for a second) Thanks for the uploads Mat, your video production and editing is progressing like crazy!
Great tips and educational! I’ve never come across a video that explains this so well and gives a great understanding of a hand plane. Such useful knowledge and info for a novice hand tool woodworker like me. Cheers!!
thank you have watched twice and I now have several planes that were useless. now flowing ribbons of pine .not the easiest of wood to plane so a big thank you m8
Excellent. So helpful for a first time plane user! I have from this video learned that thr chrap 7 dollar plane i bought at the local big box store is in fact a bevel up plane and will not take off lots of material for this one project as i had hoped. Sigh.
Hi today after watching your video I took my plane apart and reviewed how I put it together thinking about each step at a time as I put it together. I noticed an improvement and eventually clogging so after removing everything again I sharpened blade more but then checked the Plate and noticed a secondary bevel that I don't think should be there so I removed most of the bevel and reassembled the plane and noticed a big improvement but all shavings on one side but just after watching you video again and remembered you said about one side might be slightly higher I will continue planing tomorrow for another little while and see how it goes. My first attempts today we're planing with scrapes on the timber but now there is a big difference thanks to you. You are a great teacher and I'm in my 60s just trying to learn what I was very good at in school because it came natural to me as my favourite subject. If you are doing another video could you please show close ups of the blade and plate and what way they look when fixed together my eyes are not as good now and I'm very eager to learn thank you so much
An excellent, informative and well explained presentation. I was a Polytechnic construction trades tutor for 20 years. I have observed many experienced tutors present many topics and you are as good as any I have known (and a lot better than most). I have learnt a lot from this video and many of your others (my trade is Electrical but woodworking has been a life-long hobby). Thanks for what you are doing so well.
I can finally plane well thanks to the explanation of setting the depth around 16:00 - 18:00 - slowly lowering the blade while planing. Before I thought you just sighted down the sole. Thank you sooo much!!
Fantastic vid, I'm not a carpenter and a such use an electric plane but this explains all the problems i had as a kid, back then you either needed a good book or someone to teach you, i had neither unfortunately.
You did such a great job in this video, it was so helpful to watch and learn from you. I've been watching your videos for many years and you've become an excellent, clear, effective teacher -- on top of being a skilled woodworker. Good jokes, too. Thanks for your great work.
What a coincidence. Today I used my hand plane for the first time and I did exactly what u did with loosening and tightening a blade and didnt even knew about that little gap. I just use logic (there must be something wrong if u finish with loosening). It's like tuning a guitar string, loose all the way than tight till the fine "cut". Thanks, great videos and explanations!
Amazing teaching skills ! I had so much trouble with the backlash having to figure it out by myself, and i whished so much to have watch your video before !
I have been wood working on and off for 50 years. This is the first time I understand backlash on the the plane blade. "Wind it out, back it off, re-snug it forward". Thank you so much. I had always blamed my cheap planes for erratic results. Now retired I can afford decent planes and realised my problems weren't a cheap tool, but a poor user!
Matt. First time coming across your channel. I was looking for a good how to video for hand planer. Your presentation is by far the best explanation I've seen. Thank YOU!
Matt -- an absolutely excellent video, comprehensive, well-explained, well shot. Thank you for this excellent content. I was struggling with my own bench plane and now I know exactly what to do.
Your backlash explanation answered a lot of questions that were rattling around in my brain. That dim light bulb went off and I believe I now understand. Also, regarding old eyes. It's a real thing and it literally happens overnight. One morning you will wake up and the world will be fuzzier. It's just that simple. I hate it, but what are you going to do? It will happen again from time to time, and never for the better. Consider that my lesson for you.
This was super helpful. I had not heard of backlash before. I have experienced this issue but did not realize it was backlash. Thanks for pointing this out. Love your videos
Excellent tutorial. All my questions answered in one go. I suppose as a guitarist I should have understood the backlash thing (it’s the same reason that you tune up to note & never down). Thanks for clear & concise explanation. Subscribed!
The first time I have watched one of your vids. A MASTERCLASS ! I was initially deterred by the speed of your delivery, but soon came to appreciate your clarity. Excellent diction, even mildly amusing. Consider me subscribed !
Finally someone showed how to configure the planes, not just "because that's how it's done" but with a very clear explanation of "why it should be done that way"!!! A colossal difference...
Guided by the knowledge from this video, I made all the settings in literally three minutes. And you know what? It really works perfectly!!! THX Matt.
This is the exact reason I love Matt's vids. Most "setup instructions" just show them doing it, no what or how best to or even why.
Something about your videos...Everything just clicks for me! You are an amazing teacher!
I've been around this stuff for 45 years (Dad is still turning pieces at 80). This, by far, is the best information about setting a plane up that I've ever seen. I learned quite a bit. Thanks!
This was a quality presentation that third level woodwork instructors, twice your age and experience, could only dream of giving. Very informative and interesting. 👍👍
I agree
To be fair, not sure that woodworking instructors are looking to give half-hour lectures on hand planes.
@@frikyouall more like 1/3 of an hour?
@@frikyouallpersonally, I found the video extremely used
@@DavannaJoinery Certainly was useful to me, personally. This reply was more a commentary on the lack of time and professionalism that modern instructors have, in general.
Additionally, technology has moved on, and humanity looks over the horizon rather than in their backyard. For better or worse. So lesson plans for hand planers are no doubt seen as archaic.
Best description of the importance of backlash ever. Thank you.
Yes but it wasn't technically entirely accurate. That yoke slop has nothing to do with thread backlash. There's really two things going on there. Explaining that could lead to more confusion though.
Brilliant video. I'm 70+ and now realise why I've always hated planing and hanging doors to fit ! Never too old to learn, thanks.👍
Okay Matt - I'm 63 years old and you're just a kid (well, almost), and you taught me more about the proper setting up of planes in 21 minutes than anyone else in all my years of woodworking. Thank you for the videos and for sharing your knowledge with us all. Very much appreciated.
As many videos I've seen explaining hand planes, this is the only one I've ever seen talking about backlash. I know the thrust wheel in my plane was loose when I switched direction, but I thought it was just because mine are lower quality. Thank you so much for explaining this!
Glad I saw this comment. Was just gonna skim through this video thinking that I know all there is to know about setting up a plane. Now I’ve learned more.
Came here to say the same thing. Matt does a great job explaining thoroughly and concisely. He also points out how common mistakes are made and the simple process to prevent those errors. Obsoletely love and appreciate all his videos!
Same. Thought mine was just because its old. Never seen anyone explain the backlash before.
This saved me a great deal of frustration. Got my plane spot in after watching this video.
Matt thanks SO MUCH for the explanation on backlash! I realized the loose movement was that the knob thing was moving up and down but not realized that it needs to push the blade down! Hands down the best video on plane set up. In the world.
The backlash can be improved by the plane manufacturers simply by employing tighter clearances on the mating parts. On the depth adjustment there obviously has to some clearance between the radius on the operating lever where it engages the the thumbscrew. The same can be said about the tapped hole the thumbscrew goes into and the threads in the tapped hole. Also the boss on the lever that rocks the blade and chip breaker. The slot and the boss could be made to tighter clearances. A note here. Tighter tolerances does not necessarily mean that the fit is tighter. There are whole tables of tolerances and fits in the ISO, DIN, SAE and other engineering systems.
I never understood this either!! Thanks Matt!
No matter how long or how far I go, Matt Estlea is the man to see and listen to, when you want to learn something about woodworking. I will forever be thankful to this precious UA-cam channel and to Matt Estlea!
By far the BEST handplane set up video i have ever seen.
Ah he completely ignored the frog. But setting the mouth can be fairly involved itself.
Others have said it… but I’ve never seen anyone else mention backlash and have gained so much knowledge from this video!
Thank you. I'm a blade sharpener, not a woodworker. This really helped my get my clients tools in better shape.
The first half of the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.
Absolute legend. I was fighting so hard with my plane and taking massive chunks off. Watched this (properly) and got my plane to shaving beautiful, paper thin shavings with no effort whatsoever. Wish I’d taken more heed earlier. Great vids - really enjoy your presenting style and general high production quality. Incredible value for someone like me who has enough knowledge to be dangerous but no where near enough to be competent! Keep up the great work.
Someone showed me a different way to put a camber on a plane blade. It was much harder, and clearly out of my skill range. So, I never did it. Thanks Matt. At my old job, I had been doing it for few years (Five years). That made me a veteran. When I ate lunch, everyone wanted talke to me. I never noticed it, until it was pointed out. People who were ten, or fifteen years older then me asked for advise. Mostly, I think they wanted to hear from someone who had been there, and back. I would say, "Don't worry about guns. Mostly they won't shoot you, but a large caliber going off in small room will ruin your hearing. So carry disposible ear plugs in you front shirt pocket." That's just common sense, but it beats learning it for yourself. That's what your channel is like. Not everyone does this stuff everyday. You help a lot.
75 YR old has learnt so much from your video on sharpening and assembly of a std plane --thankyou !
Excellent! It's good to see you making tutorials again! I'm 74, and my eyesight is shot, so that trick with the scrap-wood is just what I needed.
I gained a lot more, besides, so I'll be less wary of using my planes in future.
Keep up the good work. Your presentation skills are superb!
And I loved the intro, too :-)
P.S. I would have loved a bit more information on the low angle jack-plane, because I have one...
Thank You. I've been wood worker for many years but never used planes because the ones I had never worked so I worked around them. They were given to me and thanks for your video I found that all the blades were in upside down. they now work. Looking for your video " how to sharping your blade."
Excellent, thank you. It’s rare to find someone who can teach so well at a relatively young age.
Talking about the depth of cut at 16:38 was just what I needed to hear - explained in the right way. When you add some of my "trying to get better with hand tools" with a dash of "lifelong impatience" you'll find me ending up cranking on the wheel wondering where my shavings are at. Nice one Matt!
Fantastic video. Learnt more in 20 minutes the all the instructions I’ve ever had. Thank you 👍👍👍
I've been working in a woodshop with very experienced folks for nearly 7 years. I have NEVER heard of "backlash". I got frustrated with my results and even the guy who managed the shop for 30 years didn't have an answer other than to tell me to retract or extend the blade. I love hand work. I love card scrapers and hand planes. There's something cathartic and meditative about being so connected to the wood.
I've learned more in the last 20 minutes than I have in the last 7 years, and now that I'm a supervisor, I know more about planes than anyone else in the shop. THANK YOU!
Aside as a female woodworker... sure you've heard this more than once ... your eyes ... DUDE!
Off to watch the sharpening video as our couple of dozen planes in the shop haven't been sharpened for at least the last 7 years.
This video was just brilliant. Thank you, Matt. I had my bevel upside down, my yoke was incorrectly positioned, and I didn't know a thing about backlash until I watched this. No wonder my planing was junk. Cheers!!
Omg I am 64 years old and have been around woodworking since I was about 30. This presentation had so so much very good information and coming from such a young man is unheard of. Matt I commend you and your dedication and knowledge to your trade. I have just subscribed and so glad I found your channel, thank you
What a game changer. I was taking those tiny shavings thinking the cut wasn’t deep enough and now I learn I was just not being patient and the plane was in fact taking off the high spots! Thank you, hopefully my woodworking improves!
Wow --I am 75 -been planing 58 yrs -have learnt so much about sharpening I never knew --thankyo for the mountain of info --good teacher--
Your video is the first to truly explain backlash and why it is important for “too thick of shavings” correction. Thank you.
What an absolutely brilliant tutorial. I've always been frustrated with the use of my planes and now I know exactly why. Awesome video.
Thank you very much. That's the best explanation of setting up a hand plane I've seen, yet. Just beginning to use a hand plane, and I appreciate you taking the time to explain not only the "how", but the "why".
Hi Matt,I am a retired mechanic who loves diy. Having moved into an old bungalow,my various skills have been put to the test. I have learned so much off utube,plumbing,decorating etc,now turning to woodwork. general stuff is ok,have had floorboards up,replaced brutalised sections (thank you electrictions/ butchers) but planes have always been my greatest fear...Have just bought a no3 plane,(no idea what the numbers mean yet...) but just discovered your videos,and will now be a faithfull follower. My all time best mate was a joiner all his life,his skills are off the scale,but cant even fit a wiper blade to his car...each to his own eh. Thanks for great demo's.
It’s rare that I join in the comments section. I’m new to wood working and am looking to purchase my first plane. Doing as much research as possible before moving forward, and found your video very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I bought my first plane yesterday and have watched 7 other videos on "how to set up a plane" and your video is the best. Admittedly, I was one of those people that thought the blade bevel went up. Thanks for video and in return, I am now subscribed.
Those shavings were insane! This should be entitled the Theory of Planing, which is as important as all the technical know-how. Backlash and getting a feel for what's going on is never explained elsewhere. I appreciate that!
I bought a hand plane some 40 years ago, made in the USSR, but never bothered to learn how to adjust the blade. Many thanks for this great lesson.
Thank You Matt…I always watched my Dad do the planing and now that he’s gone, I have his WWII Plane that I am cleaning up. Your instructions are super and much needed.
I'm one of the old farts with dodgy eyesight and having followed your video step by step and with the explanations you gave through every part of the process it was out to the workshop armed with the knowledge you imparted and the result was staggering for which i am eternally grateful. THANK YOU.
Excellent lesson for the uninitiated, and nice to see young lads still enjoying using well made hand tools in a world mainly dominated by over sophisticated power tools. This is the sort of thing that used to be taught by your woodwork teacher at school but it seems that we don't have woodwork teachers anymore.
Probably the single most useful video I have seen on this subject. Brilliant. Off to finally get my planes working to their best. Thanks Matt.
As a follow up, I spent yesterday applying this method and now have two perfectly functioning planes with their blades the right way up 😂
This is by far THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE explanation of hand plane setup and all the implications of poor setup. Excellently done, Matt.
I wish this video was around when I first started using a hand plane - would have saved me a lot of head scratching and disassembling/reassembling.
I have seen dozens of plane setup videos and never have I seen one that goes in such great detail regarding backlash. I learned something new....thank you
Thank you, I'm a new woodworker and have a collection of hand planes from my grandfather. This has been the most informative video I've seen yet to help me get my grandfathers tools back to making shavings.
Well I sharpen everything myself and I have been a furniture maker since 1992. I also teach in high-school professionnel degree in furniture making too. All to say lol you are doing great and you are a great teacher too. Its very clear and easy to understand well done. I also like your sence of humour 😂
I just went through eight - 8 videos on how to assemble a standard jack plane and yours was the first the actually mentioned the orientation of the blade, ieL bevel down. The rest, if any hint at all was given, assumed you could see which way it was. Thanks from all the dummies out there.
This is absolutely the best explanation on how to set up a hand plane I've seen. The backlash section is a game changer for me. I knew it existed too but didn't know the yoke had to support the blade at all times. Thanks so much Matt. Cheers.
15:50 I am a ME and started with basic metal working tools. As I progressed to a lathe and really understood backlash i caught myself compensating for it when setting up the temperature on the oven... It gets in your head :)
I want to thank you! I have had a collection of older planes that I have never been able to use, mostly due to inexperience and an inability to set them up properly. I came across your video and followed your easy setup instructions. I was amazed that I washable to make very smooth and incredibly thin shavings. I truly thank you for b the manor in which you break down the process as well as the reasons why. It made it easy to understand and I look forward to using my planes now instead of just letting them collect dust in my cabinet.
Thank you very much for that lucid and highly intelligent video!
I have been trying to revive a 20+ year old bench plane, that has been rusting away in a gunny bag for all this while, along with my understanding of the tool... And this video of yours is just what the doctor ordered!!!
A youngster teaching an old dog some New Tricks
Very well done I really enjoyed this and learned a LOT😆
Recently I started using an old Record smoothing plane and was not aware of the backlash issue, so I was fighting with the thrust weel ineffectively. Also I did not understand why the thrust wheel was so hard to rotate, so now I now I can use the screw to set the tension... This is the best video on setting up the planes that I have seen, thank you so much!
Thank you! I have had a plane with a sharp blade, and plenty of sharp chisels for a while and I’ve never been able to make the plane do what I wanted. This video finally got my plane calibrated how it should be and now the thing is a joy to use. I need more planes now, it’s so fun! Thanks, Matt!
Your teaching style is the perfect balance of depth and brevity and holds attention like a casual conversation, fantastic. Looking forward to exploring the rest of your channel. Cheers.
I just bought my first hand plane and this video is exactly what I needed to understand the tool itself. Thanks, Matt! Gonna spend some time here.
Great video, Matt. No one has ever explained the concept of backlash to me. This was absolutely great. Thank you so much.
Thank you for such great guidance. I now have a Wickes No.4 plane working like a dream. It's so good that I've got obsessed with shavings and have no wood left!
Never heard anyone discuss about retraction no longer supporting the blade. Great advice Matt.
Excellent tutorial. I am one of those that really needs to know “why” to properly learn something. Your explanation of what a plane is actually trying to do has really given me a solid understanding of why the setup needs to be done in this way. Thanks Matt. Great stuff.
You’re really good at this
I’m usually a critical git on UA-cam because I feel lots of crap content is destroying the platform
Yours isn’t, it’s well thought out, well presented, well scripted
Awesome stuff.
Your teaching method is so logical that I watched this video once and was able to remember every aspect of it! It’s now burned into my brain. Nice work! And thank you!
Thanks for the clarity on backlash. Your visual demo made such good sense. I've learned so much watching your videos! Thanks!
I absolutely LOVE the way you teach. Learning how a thing actually works is key to long-term success, but for some reason many teaching methods go for "follow these steps and this is the result" without addressing the why of those steps. This results in a bunch of students who know how to follow directions, but not troubleshoot or modify their process when a variable is introduced.
I've always needed to know the why of a thing to really learn it, thank you for offering the why instead of a checklist of steps.
Also, yes, old eyes suck. I didn't think my eyesight was ever that great (nearsighted as all getout) but then my 50s happened and suddenly I'm wearing bifocals and realize why my dad's workshop lighting could cause a grey-out in the neighborhood if he turned it on all at once -- it's because in order to see like a normal human, I now need like twice the light as I used to.
The only positive thing about getting older is I finally have the time and money to build a workshop I love that's filled with all the good tools and I have time to build weird little projects and learn new skills while my brain and hands are still in working order. Your videos teach me stuff, make me laugh, inspire me, and have cost me some money...okay, more than some money. Please keep doing what you're doing, you're a huge asset to the woodworking community.
I’m flattening my first workbench top and getting frustrated with the mixed success of my plane. I’m not a pro though I’m not new, but I am self-aware enough to know I needed a refresher. Matt and this video got me back to fine shavings!
Great video. I do a lot of woodworking , but have power versions of everything . I was given a couple of giant wooden carpenters tool box "crates" packed, that were built specifically to hold as many of his tools as possible . These were a friend of mines grandfathers tools and she is in her late 40's. I have 6 or 7 metal hand planes, 6 very narrow wooden planes, 2 big wooden planes.... and another dozen + assorted odd framed hand tools. This video made me understand the clear mechanics and function of planes, where I had given up. A big "Thank You" for this video !!!
Must confess that when a plane is cutting well the satisfaction it brings is rewarding and therapeutic. Keep ‘em coming……..great intro by the way👍You know a razor blade held flat to the base and slid up to corner of plane blade can be useful too. If it meets solid resistance you know the corner is proud of base. Adjust blade penetration until the razor blade doesn’t catch. Check result using the scrap wood tip.
You saved me so much headache. Doing trim work and using a Jorgensen no 4 plane for the first time and this video was exactly what I needed to assemble correctly. Thank you!
I had to re hang a door and then plane to fit. I borrowed a small plane from a friend then got a Buck bros 9 inch planar from home depot. The instruction manual (very loose description) look like they have not been updated since the 1970's are basically useless. Love this video, best description of a plane I have found. Matt I suggest you reach out to Buck Bros, my local home depot had two in stock and both had been returned as the tool is basically impossible to use unless you take it apart, sharpen the blade and follow your instructions
First time someone explains backslash, thank you. So obvious and easy once you know about it but someone must explain that to you once.
This was so helpful, I'm a beginner and I've been planing badly today, now I understand some of where I went wrong! You've a real talent for teaching
I've watched a bunch of these and while your way of going threw is different (as I would expect) the one thing I never heard or thought of (or wasn't explained in a way that made it click) was the part about dealing with the backlash. Thank you for the aha moment.
wow, the backlash explanation was such a needed addition to this demo! mind blown! this explains so much of some of the issues I have run into with my planes...
Fabulously useful, super clear, totally logical and easy to follow.
Been meaning to look for this very specific info for ages. Glad youtube engineered its way to me 😅
I kept lots of planes belonging to my dad, but need to give them a bit of TLC before i can use them for my diy projects.
He had taught me to use them when i saw little, but not how to adjust them.
Now i know how 😍
Thank you so much!
Exceptionally well done. I hadn't realized the role of backlash so this came as a genuine learning experience. Thank you.
Brilliantly done. I don't remember any of this being taught when I was in the woodwork classes at school back in the 70's. Entertaining too. You are going on my list of go to people for woodworking for sure.
Possibly,probably THE BEST instructional video I’ve EVER seen! (OK there are a couple of contenders but o totally different topics).
So, let’s get this right: Planes in the backdrop -or was it back off.. back lash .. oh, Doh is me!
This is the best set up video for a bench plane!!! Thank you so much! Still learning and this was so concise and the backlash was all new to me as well!
The best plane adjustment explanation I've seen in a long time!! Thanks from Texas, USA
Yes! Love seeing you upload! I like seeing other woodworkers around my age and not letting this trade/hobby die! Learning craftsmanship makes you appreciate things so much more even outside of woodworking! Really can’t find too many things that can keep me calm and lower my anxiety like woodworking! (Ps I know I’m young and have nothing to stress about, but I’ve been diagnosed with severe anxiety so not too many things help me zone out and let things go for a second) Thanks for the uploads Mat, your video production and editing is progressing like crazy!
Great tips and educational! I’ve never come across a video that explains this so well and gives a great understanding of a hand plane. Such useful knowledge and info for a novice hand tool woodworker like me. Cheers!!
thank you have watched twice and I now have several planes that were useless. now flowing ribbons of pine .not the easiest of wood to plane so a big thank you m8
Probably the best video explaining hand plane adjustments I have seen.
Excellent. So helpful for a first time plane user! I have from this video learned that thr chrap 7 dollar plane i bought at the local big box store is in fact a bevel up plane and will not take off lots of material for this one project as i had hoped. Sigh.
Hi today after watching your video I took my plane apart and reviewed how I put it together thinking about each step at a time as I put it together. I noticed an improvement and eventually clogging so after removing everything again I sharpened blade more but then checked the Plate and noticed a secondary bevel that I don't think should be there so I removed most of the bevel and reassembled the plane and noticed a big improvement but all shavings on one side but just after watching you video again and remembered you said about one side might be slightly higher I will continue planing tomorrow for another little while and see how it goes. My first attempts today we're planing with scrapes on the timber but now there is a big difference thanks to you. You are a great teacher and I'm in my 60s just trying to learn what I was very good at in school because it came natural to me as my favourite subject. If you are doing another video could you please show close ups of the blade and plate and what way they look when fixed together my eyes are not as good now and I'm very eager to learn thank you so much
An excellent, informative and well explained presentation. I was a Polytechnic construction trades tutor for 20 years. I have observed many experienced tutors present many topics and you are as good as any I have known (and a lot better than most). I have learnt a lot from this video and many of your others (my trade is Electrical but woodworking has been a life-long hobby). Thanks for what you are doing so well.
I can finally plane well thanks to the explanation of setting the depth around 16:00 - 18:00 - slowly lowering the blade while planing. Before I thought you just sighted down the sole. Thank you sooo much!!
Fantastic vid, I'm not a carpenter and a such use an electric plane but this explains all the problems i had as a kid, back then you either needed a good book or someone to teach you, i had neither unfortunately.
You did such a great job in this video, it was so helpful to watch and learn from you. I've been watching your videos for many years and you've become an excellent, clear, effective teacher -- on top of being a skilled woodworker. Good jokes, too. Thanks for your great work.
What a coincidence. Today I used my hand plane for the first time and I did exactly what u did with loosening and tightening a blade and didnt even knew about that little gap. I just use logic (there must be something wrong if u finish with loosening). It's like tuning a guitar string, loose all the way than tight till the fine "cut".
Thanks, great videos and explanations!
Amazing teaching skills ! I had so much trouble with the backlash having to figure it out by myself, and i whished so much to have watch your video before !
I have been wood working on and off for 50 years. This is the first time I understand backlash on the the plane blade. "Wind it out, back it off, re-snug it forward". Thank you so much. I had always blamed my cheap planes for erratic results. Now retired I can afford decent planes and realised my problems weren't a cheap tool, but a poor user!
Matt. First time coming across your channel. I was looking for a good how to video for hand planer. Your presentation is by far the best explanation I've seen. Thank YOU!
you are my new wood working hero, thank you for making everythig so clear !
Matt -- an absolutely excellent video, comprehensive, well-explained, well shot. Thank you for this excellent content. I was struggling with my own bench plane and now I know exactly what to do.
Your backlash explanation answered a lot of questions that were rattling around in my brain. That dim light bulb went off and I believe I now understand. Also, regarding old eyes. It's a real thing and it literally happens overnight. One morning you will wake up and the world will be fuzzier. It's just that simple. I hate it, but what are you going to do? It will happen again from time to time, and never for the better. Consider that my lesson for you.
Simply top notch explanations. Now I have a basic understanding of the operation of a hand plane. This is the best vedeo on the topic
This was super helpful. I had not heard of backlash before. I have experienced this issue but did not realize it was backlash. Thanks for pointing this out. Love your videos
That is the best explanation of backlash that I have seen. I always knew about it, but never considered the blade support part.
great info! just picked up a vintage craftsman #4. Cleaned up real nice. now im ready for setup. Thanks!
Excellent tutorial. All my questions answered in one go. I suppose as a guitarist I should have understood the backlash thing (it’s the same reason that you tune up to note & never down). Thanks for clear & concise explanation.
Subscribed!
Many thanks for the discussion on backlash. I have not come across this concept before and have found it extremely informative.
The first time I have watched one of your vids. A MASTERCLASS ! I was initially deterred by the speed of your delivery, but soon came to appreciate your clarity. Excellent diction, even mildly amusing. Consider me subscribed !