I freaking love this guy. He’s everyone’s high school shop teacher ever. And that’s literally the best compliment I could give. My shop teacher was the first person to give me purpose in my life. Thanks Mr Butler wherever you are 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I too salute Mr. Butler. Shop teachers are an endangered species, and I feel that we will come to regret the absurdly poor choices the American educational system has made regarding hands-on training. To those shop teachers who are still hanging on by the skin of your teeth, you have my admiration, support, well wishes, and anything else I can throw your way to help. To those of you who would like to understand just what a tragedy it has been and continues to be for America to abandon its middle and high school shop programs, I invite you to read "The Hand" by neurologist Frank R. Wilson and it's follow-on "The Hand: How Its Use Shapes the Brain, Language, and Human Culture." In these books, Wilson points out that the brain, the hand, and language all evolved at the same time -- fully half of our neocortex is given over to controlling our hands, much more of our brain than any other part of our body. In fact, the use of our hands is intimately tied to cognition and expression; people who use their hands often think better and more clearly for it...I'll get off my high horse...(imagine a hammer spin right about now)...
I was a classic high school underachiever. If it had not been for shop classes and drafting classes, I would have gone postal in high school. My shop teacher was one of my biggest advocates and personally saw to it that I attended colleges for pre-enrollment visits. I went on to become a university professor (now Emeritus) but I have always maintained my support for and advocacy of industrial arts training in middle schools and high schools for both boys and girls. Contrary to popular educational "wisdom", I believe such courses would help students adapt to a rapidly changing, highly technological society, for just the reasons you suggest by referencing Frank Wilson's work on the human hand -- not to mention the increase in a sense of accomplishment, the sense of personal competence, and the resulting skills that derive from working with one's hands. That many educators and parents view "shop" courses as obsolete makes me grind my teeth.
@@jerrystark3587 True that. Several years ago, I advised one of the few shop classes left in this corner of of Ohio and helped a group of middle school students build a replica on the Wright brothers' 1902 glider -- the first fully-controllable aircraft -- then we took it to Kitty Hawk and the kids flew it. Really! While technically these kids were part of a shop class, what they learned went far beyond tools skills, or history, or even aeronautics. They built and flew their own aircraft before any of them had a license to drive. They will go through the rest of their lives knowing they can accomplish amazing things simply by expending the energy to get them done.
Oh Nick, great video, as always. Thank you. But I have to tell you that you are the only person in years down this jack plane rabbit hole to have almost the same plane as me! I have the same model with that luscious corrugated sole, in a 5½. I have never seen another, and it's a great tool. My brother found it in a garage sale, well worn with significant rust on it and my Dad, a Fitter and Machinist by trade, restored it. It remains the best Christmas present I've ever received. 25 years on, it needs some love, so this is very timely, as it approaches it's hundredth birthday. It's a beautiful tool, and I'll get it gorgeous again to show Dad in the nursing home, just like I did with his #4 smoothing plane. His dementia means that he's lost many things, but hand tools switch him back on and really bring him back for a while, especially when they're restored. You've helped me start doing a wonderful thing with this. Thank you.
Watched a number of videos on tuning planes before visiting your channel. Mr. Engler is simply the best, covering all the questions I had in mind as a beginner. Just bought my first plane - no. 4
I don't know how I missed this video a year ago, but this was masterfully done and the most informative hand plane tutorial I have ever seen. Thank you! Also, Border Collies rock!
Your teaching style is absolutely perfect! It’s done it a logical, linear style, efficiently-chosen words, and is always right to the point. You do such a great job, I practically have this How-To video memorized in the first viewing! I LOVE your videos! I can’t get enough of them! And you are so entertaining as well! Thank you so much for all your skill and knowledge! You are making me a better woodworker!
It does, doesn't it? This is one of my biggest peeves about how woodworking is taught. So many of us are forced to start out with with woodworking recipes. Do this and you'll get that. What we really need is the logic behind the recipes.
Wow. I got a plane with an elementary (kid's) tool kit for my birthday at about 8 or 9 years old. I couldn't make the plane work AT ALL. No idea what to do. But trying to work it was a frustrating horrible mess. I'm now 70! And I hadn't touched a plane again until just recently when I needed to have one for a new project (wooden kayak frame) and I was lucky enough to find a great yard sale Stanley-Bailey #7 and a #5. Being able to figure a few more things out than I could at 8, I got them adjusted well (and it's clear they were pretty well adjusted by the previous owner) and using them was a DREAM! That really pleasant tool-using experience of a beautiful tool that we all crave. But now I see how to REALLY set it up: and everything that I "stumbled through and guessed at" to get it working "pretty well" is clarified and sharpened and beautifully explained and expanded upon. And I can't wait to get in the shop this weekend and REALLY get them "singing and dancing"!
If this gentleman was on twitter he would have every hand plane user in the world following him. He has proven to me that you can still keep on learning and improving.
I have never been able to sharpen my blades so they would cut consistently. I recently discovered that once sharpened, if I back off the blade a very small amount, and give it a few more strokes, voila! While it’s opposite of your method, it worked great. If I had found your video a few years ago, it would have saved me a great deal of frustration. Absolutely the most thorough training on plane s ever. Matt, Rob, Rex, JKM, and Matt (the other one) all need to watch this video and fix their instructions.
I have been a woodworker for 53 years and a plane collector for 40. I always learn something new from these excellent videos. I have restored a number of planes and watched a lot of videos on how to tune a plane. This craftsman is the best. Thank you for a great tutorial. Love the jig for flattening frogs!
I inherited a very old Stanley plane just like the one in the video from my Dad when he died. I’ve often picked it up and tried to make a cut but could never get the hang of proper blade adjustment and I contemplated selling it but just couldn’t part with it. Today I’m glad I kept it and now know how to tune it adjust the blade and use it properly. I don’t think my Dad knew the importance of cleaning and tuning. I will use your technique to get this plane tuned and I look forward to many years of use before I pass it to my Son and Grandson. Thank you for your videos. They are a great way to pass the time during a dialysis session.
Great video. I have my father’s Stanley Woodworkers suitcase from the early 60’s. I need to refinish the wooden suitcase as there is some rot. The rest of the tools have not been used with the exception of the planer, which needs to be cleaned and tuned. Perfect timing of this showing in my feed even though it’s 2 years old. Thank you.
Man to think after watching so many videos on tuning a plane. That I would learn something from watching another one.. But I did... the frog leveling tip blew my mind so simple but Its perfect. Thank you!
I have a 1930's No 7 with the grooves on the bottom. I had it surface ground and relieved the birds mouth on the inside. After this it was a beautiful plane to use, so I did the same with my Stanely 41/2 which has become my go to plane for most jobs.
I'm just getting into hand tools, and this video is a blessing. It's the most detailed and digestible tune-up video I've found. And as always, just the right amount of humor. 😁Thank you for sharing your knowledge, sir.🙏
Your illustration and discussion about how each component works together was instrumental in helping this newbie tune her first hand plane. My used planer suffered vibration and plugging between the blade and the chip breaker. Today I have beautiful curls. Thank you!
This is exactly what I needed, just bought a nice looking no.4 Stanley plane at an auction. I want to make sure I have it set up the best I can. Been using an electric plane for years, but it doesn't give me the satisfaction I got in high school where it was all non power tools. Can't wait to get it set up and using it. Great Channel. Cheers from Tasmania.
Priceless knowledge with no BS. This is the best video I have seen on reconditioning a jack plane. Wish I could have seen this at the start of my woodworking career. Would love to shake your hand too. From England❤
I really enjoy your presentation style; concise, succinct, logical and complete. I feel like you’re talking directly to me. The occasional funny helps to readjust the attention and remind that this is meant to be fun. I’m in the process of back-tracking through your videos and plan never to miss a new one.
Quite possibly the best explanation of the Bailey type plane operation and tuning on TH-cam I have seen, thank you. So many youtubers are only concerned with "bedrock" pattern plane tuning and adjustment, and while these are generally very good , this is absolutely necessary and brilliant. Thank you.
Definitely one of the best teachers I've ever seen on TH-cam or real life for that matter. I've never met the man but I bet he's fun to be around and have to teach stuff. I only had 2 teachers I held in high regard for their teaching methods that went above and beyond, I think this guy gets the third slot hands down. I love his content and he's very clear on instructions, you also learn valuable information on lots of things from tools to techniques as well as other things to help with your woodworking journey. Keep up the great work and stay safe 💯😁
@@WorkshopCompanion thank you for the way you teach. I always enjoy watching your videos and learn something new every time I do. Don't change a thing, just keep doing you. I will be looking for any video you produce and I'm confident I will learn more. Stay safe and have a great day!💯😁
Wow! I found my way here almost by accident. This 'tune-up' video is something that I needed to know for making my ancient planes work better. I've been using them since 1960, and only in the past year have had the idea that mebbe I needed to clean my smoothing planes and Jack planes up a bit. I've cleaned, waxed and sharpened the blade irons. And now I think I need to go back and do some serious cleaning and lapping. A sharp, friction "free" plane is a joy to use. Thank you for all this information....I'm gonna put it to good use.
Progressively logical and concise. At nearly 70, I am ready to go out to the shop to continue unpacking and organizing. Should I find my old neglected planes I will be able to, step by step, refurbish them for use. Thank you for your no nonsense presentations. And keep 'em coming!
The information and presentation is fantastic I’ve been playing with wood for more than 50 years after classes at high school. The tutorial about frog adjustment was new to me, I’ve been winging it but will be back in my shop to do it right Thanks for spending time and money to do these videos I hope you have an apprentice to pass on what is in your head! The next generation of woodworkers will need these skills
Travis gets it, I assure you. But what's in my head is also in my books -- in fact more so. I frequently find myself looking up things that I've written to refresh my memory.
Thank you, thank you thank you! Finally, someone who explains the mechanics of how it bench plan works, and why each of its parts needs to be just so. Understanding how the tool is supposed to be in its best condition also improves understanding of how to get the best out of it!
New woodworker here, so glad I found your channel. This instructional video is excellent, your narrative is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your insight.
After purchasing and using and enjoying so many of his books, for the last 30 years it was such a wonderful surprise to discover his TH-cam channel! And give me a chance to say THANK YOU very much!!!
I'm looking to get into hand planes and have been watching a lot of videos on how t setup a plane. This is by far one of, if not the, best, most complete guides I have seen. Thanks!
I began to use planers 1 year ago and instinctively use it diagonally the more I used it. Great news. I was alright after all. I help getting the extra shave and.... much more easy to push overall just because of it's position when you do it a lot.
I have watched many videos of planes here on TH-cam trying to understand how to get my planes to perform in top shape. This is hands down the best one and with the extra information in this video, I think I’ll finally be able to get my planes working properly.
When I need to relax 100% this channel is first choice. I learn a lot, I'm getting in a better mood, I smile and feel the need to give my kids a big hug like a good loving grandfather would've done (do you wonder who's the loving grandfather inspiration). I love your fantastic work. Big inspiration. Thank you so so much.
Genuinely cant express how good ths guy is at these videos. Not only the detail but a sense of confience and humour that makes it actually interesting to watch. Bravo.
Nick you are a wood working genius. You put every shop teacher to shame. Bought two of your books so far. Love those books; they are so full of good knowledge, knowledge that is easy to understand and knowledge that works. Thank You Sir. And carry on the good work that so many of us starve for.
Thank you very much for sharing this knowledge. I impulse bought a No. 4 plane at Home Depot, and it was terrible. The frog was machined so poorly that you could see how bad it was with the naked eye. I knew I had to lap it flat, but the rest of the plane was a mystery to me. Your video did a tremendous job of explaining all of the parts and how they should work together. I now enjoy using that plane.
You sir are the best teacher on explaining the plane and how it should work, I’ve watched many videos of others when first learning and could have saved lots of time if your video was out sooner. Thank you very much for taking time to explain things. I certainly will pass on your video to others interested in learning from a pro!
Hock blades are the absolute best! I never knew how amazing these Hock blades were on all of my Stanley Bailey Planes. That is, until I bought a replacement blade for a used Stanley #6 I refurbished. Best blades on the market in my opinion!
You sir are admirable and a wealth of important knowledge. I could watch you and listen to you talk all day long. There’s something about taking a rough, crooked piece of wood and bringing it into shape by hand. I’ve got a few old Stanley planes and I could make curls until my arms quit working. It really is therapeutic for me. Thanks for taking time to teach us all a thing or two about the craft.
I've watched lots of videos on tuning a plane, learnt something from each one, but this one has great entertainment value as well as great learning. Saved to watch again, especially if I manage to find some old planes to fix up. The cost of even mediocre new planes here in Australia makes power tools look cheap!
My four very fine American-made bench planes have suffered terribly from disuse and neglect in an extremely damp and corrosive climate due to a lengthy and severely debilitating illness from which I only recently recovered, so this video and some of your others regarding bench planes are especially useful to me. I thank you for all of your work, and particularly for this.
Honestly, this is one of the best plane videos for beginners that I ever saw, and not just for tuning, but as a “introduction to planes” video. So much useful and even some somewhat-hard-to-come-by information in here, in an accessible and simplified manner. Thank you so much!
Great source of incredible and useful information presented in a way that's easy to comprehend and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge with us.
I support the positive remarks in this comment section regarding you efforts in these videos. Your knowledge, experience and humour are appreciated in this space for sure. I was happpy to see a video about more in-depth plane setup and restoration, I was exuberant to see a Bailey the subject! I have two No 5 Baileys and they're my favourite tools by far. Thank you for sharing this about giving them some love!
Most kind of you to say, but please let me point out that it IS booked. Fifty-three times over. All of these are out of print, unfortunately, but over twenty of them are still available in a digital PDF format. See workshopcompanion.selz.com/categories/books .
Ty! I have always been fascinated by hand planes. I have a few that came down to me from my Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers. All of them were rusted and hadn’t been used in years. I have cleaned them with a wire brush wheel on a Dremel and sharpened the planes but none of them work all that well. I will be spending most of this coming weekend fine tuning them. I can’t wait to see if I can get them singing and dancing again.
Your videos are fantastic and they really don't need any background music. You're the type of person it's enjoyable voice of two without any distraction.
Thanks you for saying, but a good many people have commented favorably on our background music -- it adds production value. And I predict there a good many viewers that would choose music over my babbling. I know I would.
@@WorkshopCompanion wow, voice to text really botched that. I meant to say you're the type of person it's enjoyable to listen to without any other distraction. It's really soothing the way you present, but it's also incredibly informative. You're a master teacher. The background music was distracting enough for me, that I would have immediately clicked away if I didn't like you so much. It was grating actually. So some it might think it adds production value- it's all a matter of taste. But you really don't need it. I'd love it if you could maybe upload two versions so that there's one without music. But obviously I wouldn't expect something like that.
Nick, thank you for the outstanding video on hand plans. I just bought and refurbished my first hand plane using your video as my “how to”. You sir are an excellent teacher. Thank you one again for making the video.
Restoring planes has been a passion of mine for several years now and it truly is a hobby of love. Your demonstration and explanation of the tuning process is perhaps the best I've seen to date. I sincerely hope that this inspires more craftsmen to tackle a vintage plane or two and give them another 100 years of life. Cheers my friend!!
The best tutorial on plane set up ever ! I`ve watched loads and always end up thinking that i`ve missed something. This vid gets down to the nitty gritty and explains the why`s and the wherefore`s of all the parts, their operation as well as the what not to do`s. I can now go and set up my planes with confidence.
My dear friend thank you for your teaching, I had learned new things and I had being a profesional carpenter and cabinet maker until retired. I just let you know by normative I had always put down the plane on the table very gentle side way to avoid change the position o damage the cutting edge. Thank you! Jorge
Best plane set up on You tube. Watch lots of other but they don’t show clear close ups. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I need to get into the workshop and check my planes as I think I’ve made a schoolboy error. I will watch your video a few times and make sure the set up is right. Cheers. John from County Durham England.
I love that you're treating these videos as being your genuine self. I needed you when I was taking my version of woodworking class(my school called it "jewelry",and I had the same teacher that I did from my previous two art classes whom would say your art wasn't "good enough"). Needless to say,you're a blend of my favorite science teacher,as well as maybe a good art teacher that I needed,with a sprinkle of that old school humor that anyone needs,and I am really glad that I found your channel. I look at advice that I won't apply yet,because I like to research,but with finishing and woodworking so far,you're the guy in my book! I apologize if this is comment is all over the place but I really do appreciate your groundedness as well as the deep knowledge that you share!
That's quite an epitome. I may ask you to speak at my funeral -- which won't be for some time yet, knock on wood. In the meantime, thanks for the kind words.
@@WorkshopCompanion Well,you have me at an impasse for words here.... I would "knock back" but til I hear the knocking,I bid you a lovely time here,and you've blessed many as I can tell..I hope this isn't too...unwell from your comment(I'm merely responding at this time),but I am very happy to hear back from you,and I hope you bless the world with more videos! You really have a great spirit and I am happy that you share yourself with the world. Thank you again for replying;I do mean what I say. 🖤
Another fantastic tutorial Nick! I always learn something new from watching one of your videos even though I have been doing working for a very long time! Thanks & hope that you & the crew are doing well!
I really loved this video this is so exoplanetary . The way he takes the time to disassemble the tool and reengineer each faulty part . A absolutely great video . Gerald south wales UK
Gee, didn't remember seeing this before. I have been trying to figure out how to flatten the mating surface on the frog. That set up with the dado cut in it solves that. Should have figured that one out by myself. I do prefer to use diamond lapping plates, but ain't going to cut a dado in one of them. I do have lots of abrasives....
Excellent video. I have been refurbishing old Stanley and Record planes for years, and I really appreciate your well-informed and well-organized explanation of the process of tuning up an older (or newer) hand plane. I completely agree with your assessment of the quality of Hock blades. 👍. All of my old planes, with the exception of a Stanley #5 "scrub" plane, have Hock blades in them. Well done. Thank you!
Nick, love your teaching style and, as a seasoned woodworker I always pick up a new gem, a new twist, a new insight. Even having the luxury of seeing Paul Sellers and or Rob Cosman restore an old hand plane, you always add a new piece of information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Your knowledge and presentation is unsurpassed by anyone doing internet videos! I'm a retired high school woodshop teacher. Luckily, the school system I worked for is continuing the program. I was very happy to see you set the plane on it's side after you took your test passes! I see too many internet woodworkers set the plane down on the blade and sole after using it.
Another wonderful, instructive video Nick. I love your humour, it makes learning fun and I learn so much from each one of your videos....keep up the good work, can't wait for the next one...
Nick, I've watched at least a dozen YT videos on setting up and adjusting bench planes. You hit every salient point covered in any of them, and gave me several tips that no one else passed on (or, maybe, even knew!). I know I've said it before, but thank you so much for sharing your expertise. BTW... when are you going to do an updated video on wood finishes? You kind of teased one at the end of your last contribution (which was incredible).
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
This guy really needs a TV show. He's a natural in front of the camera, and his delivery and knowledge is awesome.
Thanks for your kind words, but these days TH-cam reaches more people than television.
@@WorkshopCompanion probably less studio interference too 😅 great stuff. Thanks
@@MemphisCorollaS Most welcome.
Thank gods he's NOT on TV. The writers strike would be keeping his wisdom from us.
He does
Must say that this is the clearest explanation on how to tune a plane I have found in TH-cam from this day. And very well delivered. Thanks
Most welcome.
Hear hear! It is amazing. So helpful, thank you sir.
I freaking love this guy. He’s everyone’s high school shop teacher ever. And that’s literally the best compliment I could give. My shop teacher was the first person to give me purpose in my life. Thanks Mr Butler wherever you are 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I too salute Mr. Butler. Shop teachers are an endangered species, and I feel that we will come to regret the absurdly poor choices the American educational system has made regarding hands-on training. To those shop teachers who are still hanging on by the skin of your teeth, you have my admiration, support, well wishes, and anything else I can throw your way to help. To those of you who would like to understand just what a tragedy it has been and continues to be for America to abandon its middle and high school shop programs, I invite you to read "The Hand" by neurologist Frank R. Wilson and it's follow-on "The Hand: How Its Use Shapes the Brain, Language, and Human Culture." In these books, Wilson points out that the brain, the hand, and language all evolved at the same time -- fully half of our neocortex is given over to controlling our hands, much more of our brain than any other part of our body. In fact, the use of our hands is intimately tied to cognition and expression; people who use their hands often think better and more clearly for it...I'll get off my high horse...(imagine a hammer spin right about now)...
I was a classic high school underachiever. If it had not been for shop classes and drafting classes, I would have gone postal in high school. My shop teacher was one of my biggest advocates and personally saw to it that I attended colleges for pre-enrollment visits. I went on to become a university professor (now Emeritus) but I have always maintained my support for and advocacy of industrial arts training in middle schools and high schools for both boys and girls.
Contrary to popular educational "wisdom", I believe such courses would help students adapt to a rapidly changing, highly technological society, for just the reasons you suggest by referencing Frank Wilson's work on the human hand -- not to mention the increase in a sense of accomplishment, the sense of personal competence, and the resulting skills that derive from working with one's hands. That many educators and parents view "shop" courses as obsolete makes me grind my teeth.
@@jerrystark3587 True that. Several years ago, I advised one of the few shop classes left in this corner of of Ohio and helped a group of middle school students build a replica on the Wright brothers' 1902 glider -- the first fully-controllable aircraft -- then we took it to Kitty Hawk and the kids flew it. Really! While technically these kids were part of a shop class, what they learned went far beyond tools skills, or history, or even aeronautics. They built and flew their own aircraft before any of them had a license to drive. They will go through the rest of their lives knowing they can accomplish amazing things simply by expending the energy to get them done.
Not mine. Mine had one thumb.
@@wookieefaced1595 🤣🤣🤣
Oh Nick, great video, as always. Thank you. But I have to tell you that you are the only person in years down this jack plane rabbit hole to have almost the same plane as me! I have the same model with that luscious corrugated sole, in a 5½. I have never seen another, and it's a great tool.
My brother found it in a garage sale, well worn with significant rust on it and my Dad, a Fitter and Machinist by trade, restored it. It remains the best Christmas present I've ever received. 25 years on, it needs some love, so this is very timely, as it approaches it's hundredth birthday. It's a beautiful tool, and I'll get it gorgeous again to show Dad in the nursing home, just like I did with his #4 smoothing plane. His dementia means that he's lost many things, but hand tools switch him back on and really bring him back for a while, especially when they're restored.
You've helped me start doing a wonderful thing with this.
Thank you.
Glad to have been of help, and thanks for sharing.
This tutorial is absolutely the BEST on setting up your plane that there is on TH-cam! I know I had him as a shop teacher in 9th and 10th grade! LOL
Watched a number of videos on tuning planes before visiting your channel. Mr. Engler is simply the best, covering all the questions I had in mind as a beginner. Just bought my first plane - no. 4
I don't know how I missed this video a year ago, but this was masterfully done and the most informative hand plane tutorial I have ever seen. Thank you! Also, Border Collies rock!
Your teaching style is absolutely perfect! It’s done it a logical, linear style, efficiently-chosen words, and is always right to the point. You do such a great job, I practically have this How-To video memorized in the first viewing! I LOVE your videos! I can’t get enough of them! And you are so entertaining as well! Thank you so much for all your skill and knowledge! You are making me a better woodworker!
Kind words. Many thanks.
A more complete video on tuning of a plane and the relationship of each part to one another than I've come across. Thanks
Most welcome.
Nick, you're an excellent teacher. Your diagrams and description on how a plane works is better than I have seen anywhere else. Keep it up.
Thanks.
Been doing this for many years. Watched many videos. Read many books. This is the best explanation I have come across.
You’re an excellent teacher. Thank you for your commitment to explaining why to do a thing and not just how. It makes it vastly easier to remember.
It does, doesn't it? This is one of my biggest peeves about how woodworking is taught. So many of us are forced to start out with with woodworking recipes. Do this and you'll get that. What we really need is the logic behind the recipes.
Wow. I got a plane with an elementary (kid's) tool kit for my birthday at about 8 or 9 years old. I couldn't make the plane work AT ALL. No idea what to do. But trying to work it was a frustrating horrible mess. I'm now 70! And I hadn't touched a plane again until just recently when I needed to have one for a new project (wooden kayak frame) and I was lucky enough to find a great yard sale Stanley-Bailey #7 and a #5. Being able to figure a few more things out than I could at 8, I got them adjusted well (and it's clear they were pretty well adjusted by the previous owner) and using them was a DREAM! That really pleasant tool-using experience of a beautiful tool that we all crave. But now I see how to REALLY set it up: and everything that I "stumbled through and guessed at" to get it working "pretty well" is clarified and sharpened and beautifully explained and expanded upon. And I can't wait to get in the shop this weekend and REALLY get them "singing and dancing"!
Thanks for sharing.
If this gentleman was on twitter he would have every hand plane user in the world following him. He has proven to me that you can still keep on learning and improving.
Protect this man at all costs. I want him to live forever!!
Just amazing. Love watching this guy! The Bob Ross of woodworking!
I honestly can't believe how good these videos are. It's everything I've always wanted to know, so clear and concise and friendly. Amazing.
I have never been able to sharpen my blades so they would cut consistently. I recently discovered that once sharpened, if I back off the blade a very small amount, and give it a few more strokes, voila! While it’s opposite of your method, it worked great. If I had found your video a few years ago, it would have saved me a great deal of frustration. Absolutely the most thorough training on plane s ever. Matt, Rob, Rex, JKM, and Matt (the other one) all need to watch this video and fix their instructions.
Best tutorial for plane I've seen. You could totally have a show. Right after or before "This Old House".
I have been a woodworker for 53 years and a plane collector for 40. I always learn something new from these excellent videos. I have restored a number of planes and watched a lot of videos on how to tune a plane. This craftsman is the best. Thank you for a great tutorial. Love the jig for flattening frogs!
Thanks for the kind words.
I inherited a very old Stanley plane just like the one in the video from my Dad when he died. I’ve often picked it up and tried to make a cut but could never get the hang of proper blade adjustment and I contemplated selling it but just couldn’t part with it. Today I’m glad I kept it and now know how to tune it adjust the blade and use it properly. I don’t think my Dad knew the importance of cleaning and tuning. I will use your technique to get this plane tuned and I look forward to many years of use before I pass it to my Son and Grandson.
Thank you for your videos. They are a great way to pass the time during a dialysis session.
Glad we could be of help.
Sncerely... you are the best woodworking teacher on the internet! Your knowledge and teaching style are second to none. Thank you!
Great video. I have my father’s Stanley Woodworkers suitcase from the early 60’s. I need to refinish the wooden suitcase as there is some rot. The rest of the tools have not been used with the exception of the planer, which needs to be cleaned and tuned. Perfect timing of this showing in my feed even though it’s 2 years old. Thank you.
Most welcome. Have seen several of those wooden Stanley suitcases, but never with the tools still in place. Good luck!
Man to think after watching so many videos on tuning a plane. That I would learn something from watching another one.. But I did... the frog leveling tip blew my mind so simple but Its perfect. Thank you!
You're most welcome.
Same here
I have a 1930's No 7 with the grooves on the bottom. I had it surface ground and relieved the birds mouth on the inside. After this it was a beautiful plane to use, so I did the same with my Stanely 41/2 which has become my go to plane for most jobs.
I'm just getting into hand tools, and this video is a blessing. It's the most detailed and digestible tune-up video I've found. And as always, just the right amount of humor. 😁Thank you for sharing your knowledge, sir.🙏
Most welcome.
Your illustration and discussion about how each component works together was instrumental in helping this newbie tune her first hand plane. My used planer suffered vibration and plugging between the blade and the chip breaker. Today I have beautiful curls. Thank you!
Most welcome. These are finicky tools, but when you get 'em right, they're a pleasure to use.
This is exactly what I needed, just bought a nice looking no.4 Stanley plane at an auction. I want to make sure I have it set up the best I can. Been using an electric plane for years, but it doesn't give me the satisfaction I got in high school where it was all non power tools. Can't wait to get it set up and using it. Great Channel. Cheers from Tasmania.
No fluff. No gimmicky contraptions.
Thanks Nick and team. You all are a treasure!
Most welcome.
Priceless knowledge with no BS.
This is the best video I have seen on reconditioning a jack plane. Wish I could have seen this at the start of my woodworking career.
Would love to shake your hand too.
From England❤
I really enjoy your presentation style; concise, succinct, logical and complete. I feel like you’re talking directly to me. The occasional funny helps to readjust the attention and remind that this is meant to be fun. I’m in the process of back-tracking through your videos and plan never to miss a new one.
Many thanks.. and welcome.
Hitting the like button more then once should be an option! No bs. Straight and sly. Sooo good
Many thanks. Mind if I hit the like button once more for you?
Quite possibly the best explanation of the Bailey type plane operation and tuning on TH-cam I have seen, thank you. So many youtubers are only concerned with "bedrock" pattern plane tuning and adjustment, and while these are generally very good , this is absolutely necessary and brilliant. Thank you.
Definitely one of the best teachers I've ever seen on TH-cam or real life for that matter. I've never met the man but I bet he's fun to be around and have to teach stuff. I only had 2 teachers I held in high regard for their teaching methods that went above and beyond, I think this guy gets the third slot hands down. I love his content and he's very clear on instructions, you also learn valuable information on lots of things from tools to techniques as well as other things to help with your woodworking journey. Keep up the great work and stay safe 💯😁
Thanks for the kind words.
@@WorkshopCompanion thank you for the way you teach. I always enjoy watching your videos and learn something new every time I do. Don't change a thing, just keep doing you. I will be looking for any video you produce and I'm confident I will learn more. Stay safe and have a great day!💯😁
Wow! I found my way here almost by accident. This 'tune-up' video is something that I needed to know for making my ancient planes work better. I've been using them since 1960, and only in the past year have had the idea that mebbe I needed to clean my smoothing planes and Jack planes up a bit. I've cleaned, waxed and sharpened the blade irons. And now I think I need to go back and do some serious cleaning and lapping. A sharp, friction "free" plane is a joy to use. Thank you for all this information....I'm gonna put it to good use.
Progressively logical and concise. At nearly 70, I am ready to go out to the shop to continue unpacking and organizing. Should I find my old neglected planes I will be able to, step by step, refurbish them for use. Thank you for your no nonsense presentations. And keep 'em coming!
Most welcome; will do.
The information and presentation is fantastic
I’ve been playing with wood for more than 50 years after classes at high school. The tutorial about frog adjustment was new to me, I’ve been winging it but will be back in my shop to do it right
Thanks for spending time and money to do these videos
I hope you have an apprentice to pass on what is in your head! The next generation of woodworkers will need these skills
Travis gets it, I assure you. But what's in my head is also in my books -- in fact more so. I frequently find myself looking up things that I've written to refresh my memory.
I can't believe just how much I've learned about planes! Thank you so much! What a fantastic lesson! 👍
Most welcome.
Thank you, thank you thank you! Finally, someone who explains the mechanics of how it bench plan works, and why each of its parts needs to be just so. Understanding how the tool is supposed to be in its best condition also improves understanding of how to get the best out of it!
Most welcome.
New woodworker here, so glad I found your channel. This instructional video is excellent, your narrative is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Most welcome.
After purchasing and using and enjoying so many of his books, for the last 30 years it was such a wonderful surprise to discover his TH-cam channel! And give me a chance to say THANK YOU very much!!!
You're most welcome very much. Always a joy for an author to hear from a reader -- especially these days.
I'm looking to get into hand planes and have been watching a lot of videos on how t setup a plane. This is by far one of, if not the, best, most complete guides I have seen. Thanks!
Most welcome.
I began to use planers 1 year ago and instinctively use it diagonally the more I used it. Great news. I was alright after all. I help getting the extra shave and.... much more easy to push overall just because of it's position when you do it a lot.
I like watching Nick, none of the loud in your face product preaching, just engaging, enjoyable, sensible info.
Thanks for saying.
I have watched many videos of planes here on TH-cam trying to understand how to get my planes to perform in top shape. This is hands down the best one and with the extra information in this video, I think I’ll finally be able to get my planes working properly.
Thanks for saying.
When I need to relax 100% this channel is first choice.
I learn a lot, I'm getting in a better mood, I smile and feel the need to give my kids a big hug like a good loving grandfather would've done (do you wonder who's the loving grandfather inspiration).
I love your fantastic work. Big inspiration. Thank you so so much.
Thank you for you kind words.
finally a true craftsman
Genuinely cant express how good ths guy is at these videos. Not only the detail but a sense of confience and humour that makes it actually interesting to watch. Bravo.
Thanks for the kind words.
Nick you are a wood working genius. You put every shop teacher to shame. Bought two of your books so far. Love those books; they are so full of good knowledge, knowledge that is easy to understand and knowledge that works. Thank You Sir. And carry on the good work that so many of us starve for.
Those are very kind words, and much appreciated. They keep us going.
Didactics, phrasing, humor - 10 out of 10. Simply great. 🙂Nick, thanks for this outstanding video.
Most welcome.
Thank you very much for sharing this knowledge.
I impulse bought a No. 4 plane at Home Depot, and it was terrible. The frog was machined so poorly that you could see how bad it was with the naked eye. I knew I had to lap it flat, but the rest of the plane was a mystery to me.
Your video did a tremendous job of explaining all of the parts and how they should work together. I now enjoy using that plane.
Glad to have been of help.
You sir are the best teacher on explaining the plane and how it should work, I’ve watched many videos of others when first learning and could have saved lots of time if your video was out sooner. Thank you very much for taking time to explain things. I certainly will pass on your video to others interested in learning from a pro!
Most welcome.
Thank you so much. I find yours the most informative amongst all the videos I have seen before.
Hock blades are the absolute best! I never knew how amazing these Hock blades were on all of my Stanley Bailey Planes. That is, until I bought a replacement blade for a used Stanley #6 I refurbished. Best blades on the market in my opinion!
Learned a lot about why my plane wasn't cutting properly, on to tunning it the right way. Nick your pooch is good too.
One of the most easily explained videos I've ever watched on this subject. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you
Most welcome.
You sir are admirable and a wealth of important knowledge. I could watch you and listen to you talk all day long.
There’s something about taking a rough, crooked piece of wood and bringing it into shape by hand. I’ve got a few old Stanley planes and I could make curls until my arms quit working. It really is therapeutic for me.
Thanks for taking time to teach us all a thing or two about the craft.
Most welcome.
What a great video for someone, such as myself, who's wondering what the word "frog" means when speaking about a planner. Thank you
I've watched lots of videos on tuning a plane, learnt something from each one, but this one has great entertainment value as well as great learning. Saved to watch again, especially if I manage to find some old planes to fix up. The cost of even mediocre new planes here in Australia makes power tools look cheap!
Thanks for saying.
Always get value from your videos. Some little nuance I didn't know. Great instruction, plane and simple
Thanks...for the compliment and the pun.
My four very fine American-made bench planes have suffered terribly from disuse and neglect in an extremely damp and corrosive climate due to a lengthy and severely debilitating illness from which I only recently recovered, so this video and some of your others regarding bench planes are especially useful to me.
I thank you for all of your work, and particularly for this.
Honestly, this is one of the best plane videos for beginners that I ever saw, and not just for tuning, but as a “introduction to planes” video. So much useful and even some somewhat-hard-to-come-by information in here, in an accessible and simplified manner. Thank you so much!
Most welcome.
Great source of incredible and useful information presented in a way that's easy to comprehend and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge with us.
Most welcome.
I support the positive remarks in this comment section regarding you efforts in these videos. Your knowledge, experience and humour are appreciated in this space for sure. I was happpy to see a video about more in-depth plane setup and restoration, I was exuberant to see a Bailey the subject! I have two No 5 Baileys and they're my favourite tools by far. Thank you for sharing this about giving them some love!
You're most welcome, and thanks for the kind words.
Your knowledge of tools is really priceless. It should be booked to be preserved for generations to come.
Most kind of you to say, but please let me point out that it IS booked. Fifty-three times over. All of these are out of print, unfortunately, but over twenty of them are still available in a digital PDF format. See workshopcompanion.selz.com/categories/books .
I've watched a lot of sharpening and tuning videos - this is the best, most easy to understand I've seen on this topic - Thank You!
Most welcome.
Ty! I have always been fascinated by hand planes. I have a few that came down to me from my Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers. All of them were rusted and hadn’t been used in years.
I have cleaned them with a wire brush wheel on a Dremel and sharpened the planes but none of them work all that well. I will be spending most of this coming weekend fine tuning them.
I can’t wait to see if I can get them singing and dancing again.
Good luck!
Your videos are fantastic and they really don't need any background music. You're the type of person it's enjoyable voice of two without any distraction.
Thanks you for saying, but a good many people have commented favorably on our background music -- it adds production value. And I predict there a good many viewers that would choose music over my babbling. I know I would.
@@WorkshopCompanion wow, voice to text really botched that. I meant to say you're the type of person it's enjoyable to listen to without any other distraction. It's really soothing the way you present, but it's also incredibly informative. You're a master teacher. The background music was distracting enough for me, that I would have immediately clicked away if I didn't like you so much. It was grating actually. So some it might think it adds production value- it's all a matter of taste. But you really don't need it. I'd love it if you could maybe upload two versions so that there's one without music. But obviously I wouldn't expect something like that.
Nick, thank you for the outstanding video on hand plans. I just bought and refurbished my first hand plane using your video as my “how to”. You sir are an excellent teacher. Thank you one again for making the video.
Glad to have been of some help.
Restoring planes has been a passion of mine for several years now and it truly is a hobby of love. Your demonstration and explanation of the tuning process is perhaps the best I've seen to date. I sincerely hope that this inspires more craftsmen to tackle a vintage plane or two and give them another 100 years of life. Cheers my friend!!
And cheers to you. Thanks for saying.
The best tutorial on plane set up ever ! I`ve watched loads and always end up thinking that i`ve missed something. This vid gets down to the nitty gritty and explains the why`s and the wherefore`s of all the parts, their operation as well as the what not to do`s. I can now go and set up my planes with confidence.
Splendid case,, old chap! You are a real master of woodworking. May I say - Merlin!
Thanks for saying.
Man, you’re an amazing teacher!!! I’ve learned so much from you!!! Thank you!
Most welcome.
Wow. Never knew there was so much to tuning a plane. Thanks a million, Sir. Now to give my planes some loving care.
Most welcome.
Thank you very very much. You explained everything perfectly. This helps me tremendously!!
What a great tutorial on planes. The best video I have seen on assembling, tuning and using a plane. Thanks!!
Most welcome.
My dear friend thank you for your teaching, I had learned new things and I had being a profesional carpenter and cabinet maker until retired. I just let you know by normative I had always put down the plane on the table very gentle side way to avoid change the position o damage the cutting edge. Thank you! Jorge
Great Instructional video. Thank You. I caught a couple errors in my plate set up technique which I will remedy soon.
Excellently communicated once again Teach. All the essential steps covered. I always learn something new, watching your videos. Thank you.
Most welcome.
Best plane set up on You tube. Watch lots of other but they don’t show clear close ups. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I need to get into the workshop and check my planes as I think I’ve made a schoolboy error. I will watch your video a few times and make sure the set up is right. Cheers. John from County Durham England.
Cheers from Ohio.
I love that you're treating these videos as being your genuine self. I needed you when I was taking my version of woodworking class(my school called it "jewelry",and I had the same teacher that I did from my previous two art classes whom would say your art wasn't "good enough"). Needless to say,you're a blend of my favorite science teacher,as well as maybe a good art teacher that I needed,with a sprinkle of that old school humor that anyone needs,and I am really glad that I found your channel.
I look at advice that I won't apply yet,because I like to research,but with finishing and woodworking so far,you're the guy in my book!
I apologize if this is comment is all over the place but I really do appreciate your groundedness as well as the deep knowledge that you share!
That's quite an epitome. I may ask you to speak at my funeral -- which won't be for some time yet, knock on wood. In the meantime, thanks for the kind words.
@@WorkshopCompanion Well,you have me at an impasse for words here....
I would "knock back" but til I hear the knocking,I bid you a lovely time here,and you've blessed many as I can tell..I hope this isn't too...unwell from your comment(I'm merely responding at this time),but I am very happy to hear back from you,and I hope you bless the world with more videos! You really have a great spirit and I am happy that you share yourself with the world.
Thank you again for replying;I do mean what I say. 🖤
Best video on TH-cam for anyone looking to tune up an old plane!
Thanks.
Another fantastic tutorial Nick! I always learn something new from watching one of your videos even though I have been doing working for a very long time! Thanks & hope that you & the crew are doing well!
You're welcome, we're fine, and thanks for asking.
I really loved this video this is so exoplanetary . The way he takes the time to disassemble the tool and reengineer each faulty part . A absolutely great video . Gerald south wales UK
Thanks for saying.
What I have yet to see on any channel about using planes is beginner exercises, including how to fix your mistakes.
Gee, didn't remember seeing this before. I have been trying to figure out how to flatten the mating surface on the frog. That set up with the dado cut in it solves that. Should have figured that one out by myself. I do prefer to use diamond lapping plates, but ain't going to cut a dado in one of them. I do have lots of abrasives....
at last! a hand plane video that teaches you why as well as how! Thanks Nick!
Most welcome.
That explained a few things I didn't fully understand about planes and also confirmed a few too. Great video.
Thanks.
Oh my god. Thank you so much. One of the best videos for this topic. Thank you.
Greetings from Germany
You're most welcome from Ohio.
I cannot thank you enough. I finally know how to properly adjust and care for my planes. Excellent video!!
Most welcome.
Thx for posting👍 an excellent tutorial on the the basics of working with a bench plane 👌
This might be the best video on youtube
Excellent video.
I have been refurbishing old Stanley and Record planes for years, and I really appreciate your well-informed and well-organized explanation of the process of tuning up an older (or newer) hand plane.
I completely agree with your assessment of the quality of Hock blades. 👍. All of my old planes, with the exception of a Stanley #5 "scrub" plane, have Hock blades in them.
Well done. Thank you!
Nick, love your teaching style and, as a seasoned woodworker I always pick up a new gem, a new twist, a new insight. Even having the luxury of seeing Paul Sellers and or Rob Cosman restore an old hand plane, you always add a new piece of information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Your knowledge and presentation is unsurpassed by anyone doing internet videos! I'm a retired high school woodshop teacher. Luckily, the school system I worked for is continuing the program. I was very happy to see you set the plane on it's side after you took your test passes! I see too many internet woodworkers set the plane down on the blade and sole after using it.
You're one of the good guys, and I very much appreciate you current remarks and your past deeds. See my reply to Justin above.
Excellent!
Another wonderful, instructive video Nick. I love your humour, it makes learning fun and I learn so much from each one of your videos....keep up the good work, can't wait for the next one...
Kind words. Thank you; they keep us going.
This is the best and most educational video that I have seen. It gave me a lot of information that I really needed. I now know how to adjust the cut
Glad we could help.
Absolutely outstanding video. So grateful this man has chosen to teach.
So kind of you to say -- but I have been teaching for 40 years. Anymore, it's not so much a choice than a habit.
Nick, I've watched at least a dozen YT videos on setting up and adjusting bench planes. You hit every salient point covered in any of them, and gave me several tips that no one else passed on (or, maybe, even knew!). I know I've said it before, but thank you so much for sharing your expertise. BTW... when are you going to do an updated video on wood finishes? You kind of teased one at the end of your last contribution (which was incredible).
Wow! The best explanation of this all over youtube (and I have seen them ALL ;-) ). Regards from Germany
Thanks from Ohio.