Description
THIS PRODUCT: Base Length: 355.0mm, Base Width: 63 x 47mm, Blade Width: 50mm. Ideal for the Initial Preparation of Rough Timber, – Classically Designed with Rosewood Stained Hardwood Handles & Brass Fittings, – Ductile Cast Iron Painted Gloss Black with Ground Sides & Bottom, – Blade Retaining Block: Ductile Cast Iron Painted Gloss Black, – High Carbon Steel Blade.
IN GENERAL: A jack plane is a versatile woodworking hand tool designed for a variety of planing tasks, including smoothing, flattening, and dimensioning wood. It is one of the most common types of hand planes used by woodworkers and carpenters. Here’s a brief description of a jack plane and some common uses:
Description:
- Blade and Cutting Angle: The blade of a jack plane is typically made of high-carbon steel and is set at a moderate cutting angle, often around 45 degrees relative to the sole (bottom) of the plane. This angle is more upright compared to some other planes, allowing it to perform a wide range of planing tasks effectively.
- Sole and Body: The sole of a jack plane is flat and may be made of metal, wood, or a combination of both. The body of the plane is relatively long and flat, providing stability and control during use. The front part of the plane is referred to as the “nose.”
- Adjustable Blade: Jack planes typically have a blade adjustment mechanism that allows the user to extend or retract the blade for depth control. The blade can be set for fine shavings or deeper cuts, depending on the intended task.
- Handle and Knob: The handle and knob of a jack plane are usually made of wood and are ergonomically shaped to provide a comfortable grip. They allow the user to guide and control the plane with ease.
Common Uses:
- Rough Stock Removal: Jack planes are used for quickly removing excess material from rough-sawn boards, bringing them closer to the desired thickness and flatness.
- Dimensioning Wood: Woodworkers use jack planes to dimension lumber, creating flat and smooth surfaces on boards that are to be used in various woodworking projects.
- Flattening Boards: Jack planes are invaluable for flattening and truing wooden boards, ensuring that they are level and free from twists and irregularities.
- Edge Jointing: Jack planes are used for edge jointing, a process where two or more boards are prepared to have perfectly straight and smooth edges for gluing and joining.
- Chamfering and Beveling: Jack planes can be used to create chamfers and bevels on the edges of wood pieces, adding decorative details and reducing sharp corners.
- General Smoothing: While not as fine as smoothing planes, jack planes can be used for general smoothing of wooden surfaces, especially when a smooth but not highly polished finish is desired.
- Rapid Material Removal: Jack planes excel at quickly removing stock from larger pieces, such as tabletops, doors, and panels, before fine-tuning with other planes.
- Tapering: Woodworkers use jack planes for tapering, gradually reducing the thickness of a workpiece from one end to the other.
- Sizing and Squaring: Jack planes are used to size and square wooden components, ensuring that they meet specific dimensions and are square to one another.
Jack planes are considered versatile workhorses in woodworking shops, as they can handle a wide range of planing tasks, from initial stock removal to fine smoothing and finishing. They are often one of the first planes a woodworker will reach for when preparing rough lumber for a project. Proper setup and maintenance of the blade are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of a jack plane in achieving smooth and accurate results.