Smoothing plane
A smoothing plane or smooth plane is a type of bench plane used in woodworking. The smoothing plane is typically the last plane used on a wood surface. When used properly, it produces a finish that equals or surpasses that made by sandpaper. The smooth finish is the result of planing the wood off in strips, rather than by successive buffing and scratching.
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The smoothing plane is typically 8 to 10 inches long. The throat may be adjusted to a tight opening so as to allow only a very fine shaving and to reduce tearout of the grain to a minimum. The smooth plane is held with both hands.[1] The iron of the smoothing plane is generally sharpened straight across or with a slightly arched cutting edge (or at least with rounded corners) to prevent unsightly grooves from being gouged in the wood surface when it is planed.
References
- Hand Planes Reprint from Handwork In Wood by William Noyes