Plane making is a combination of both woodworking and metalworking, and this class will thoroughly cover both topics as we make a pair of #8 (1/2” radius) Hollow and Round molding planes and, if time allows, a 1” Rabbet plane. The goal will be to teach in such a way that students can go home and make more planes using the same techniques with a minimal investment in tools or fixtures. Emphasis is almost entirely on hand tools except for a drill press to start the mortise and bench grinders to grind the profile on the irons, plus a bit of band saw work. Discussion will include the design considerations of molding planes, wood selection, and the mechanics of how these tools work. Other features found in molding planes, such as boxing, fences and depth stops, spring, and bed angles, will be covered. Students will make the round plane first, starting with the billet and cutting the mouth with a backsaw. The mortise will be sunk in, and the wedge fitted. The iron is then bedded to ensure a good, tight fit. Profiling the sole is done with a block plane, and the shape is then refined with sandpaper. The iron will be ground to match the sole of the plane, and we will then be doing heat treating and tempering to harden the blade. Final detailing and sharpening will complete the round. We will then proceed with making the hollow, using the just-completed round to profile the sole. Students who finish these two planes will begin the rabbet plane. The methods taught in this class can also be applied to refurbishing antique planes.

Daniel Schwank has been woodworking for over 30 years, with a keen interest in period furniture making and methods of work. Daniel started making period tools, which led to the founding of Red Rose Reproductions in 2014, which focused initially on molding planes. Since 2017, it has been his full-time vocation, and the tool offerings have expanded to an extensive array of hand tools for woodworkers wanting to explore traditional woodworking techniques. He has been teaching tool-making classes at Marc Adams School of Woodworking since 2025.