Make a Japanese Hand Plane

Many woodworkers dismiss wooden planes as either obsolete or too difficult to use. In fact they have several advantages over manufactured metal-bodied planes, and for boat builders and other craftspeople who need customized planes, the chief advantage is the ability to make a specialized tool, whether it be a curved-bottom plane for backing out planking or a specialty rabbet plane.

This class is a rare opportunity to learn from visiting instructor Douglas Brooks, who will bring decades of knowledge and know-how about Japanese woodworking. With his guidance, you will make a medium-sized Japanese-style plane, with a 2-1/4” wide blade. The plane body will be white oak, approximately 2-3/4” x 1-1/4” x 10”.

Brooks will first demystify the wooden plane, showing how it is tuned and used. Then each student will make a wooden plane in the Japanese style, practicing hand tool skills with the chisel and saw. All the skills taught in this course are applicable to making a Western-style plane and the two designs will be discussed. All materials including a blade will be provided for a small materials fee. Finally, sharpening will be discussed and students will get a chance to put a razor edge on their new plane.

No previous woodworking experience is required. Students should bring chisels, a mallet, a square, hearing protection, and a ruler if you have them.

Be sure to catch Douglas's lecture the evening before class, Thurs., April 18, where he'll present about his decades-long experience in learning traditional boat building in Japan.

Dates: Sat.-Sun., April 19-20, 9 AM - 4 PM
Instructor: Douglas Brooks
Class size (max.): 8
Attendance (min.): 4*
Skill level: basic
Prerequisites: none

Registration
Household Member & Above: $340**
Individual Member: $357**
General Public: $393
Register By: April 15

Materials: $30 (included at checkout)

*Classes that do not meet the minimum attendance number may be cancelled or rescheduled. If so, you will receive a full refund, or class credit, regardless of the cancellation date.

**We encourage you to become a member (for as little as $30/year) to receive 10-15% off class tuition. You must be a current member on the date of registering to receive your discount. Please login to activate your member discount. To become a new member, please sign up here, or call 845-338-0071.

Instructor: Douglas Brooks is a boatbuilder, writer, researcher, and teacher. He has been studying traditional Japanese boatbuilding since 1996. He builds traditional western and Japanese boats, and writes about boatbuilding from his home in Vermont.