I'm new to hand tool woodworking and currently working on projects like cutting boards, small boxes, and coasters. Since I live in NYC, the largest piece I might make would be a coffee table or nightstand, but I'm still some time away from that. I want to improve my joinery skills and I've found both rabbets and dados appealing as I try to work on my dovetail joints. At the moment, I'm just using butt joints for the tops and bottoms of my boxes. I'm considering either the Veritas Skew Rabbet Plane or the Veritas Small Plow Plane, but I'm open to other suggestions. To give you some context, here are my current tools: a restored Stanley No. 4, a Jorgensen Block Plane, a set of chisels from 1/4" to 1", a fret saw, a Ryoba saw, a Dozuki saw, a marking gauge, and a combo square. Thanks for all your help!
5 Answers
Your bench setup matters a lot, especially for workholding. I suggest getting a brace and bit set so you can drill holes, plus some sharpening stones, a machinist square, and a nice marking knife to round out your toolkit. If you can, visit a good woodworking store; they have excellent tools and finishing supplies.
From my experience, I use plow planes much more often than skew block planes. I thought I needed a skew block for making shallow dados for dovetails, but I found that using layers of tape actually works just fine for me. If you’re considering tools, a #5 with a good camber also comes in handy for various tasks.
What's this layers of tape method you mentioned?
If you're feeling crafty, you can actually make your own rabbet plane using chisels. There are various tutorials available, and Paul Sellers has a great video that walks you through it. It's definitely an option worth considering!
When it comes to joinery in hand tool woodworking, each plane has a specific role. If you're making boxes, I recommend going for the plow plane. It's fantastic for cutting grooves and allows you to fit bottoms nicely into your boxes. The Skew Rabbet Plane is another good option, especially for rabbets and trimming. But remember, as you progress, each type of plane serves its purpose in joinery. It’s best to buy tools based on your current project needs, and expand your collection as you tackle more advanced projects.
When's your estate sale? I might be interested in what you have for sale!
Exactly, choose tools that help with your current needs. Plows are essential for many projects!
Yes, you can technically cut a rabbet with the Veritas Small Plow Plane, but you may need to modify it a bit. Adding a piece of wood to the fence can help you achieve the desired width for cutting.
Can you use a plow plane to cut small rabbets? I usually work with wood under 3/4" thick.