Definition

Noun: A hand tool used in woodworking, specifically a carpenter's plane, which has a sharp, adjustable blade (iron) set at an angle in a flat base (sole). It is pushed or pulled across the surface of wood to shave thin strips, thereby smoothing, flattening, or shaping the material.

Usage

The term "carpenter's plane" refers to the tool itself. It is typically used with the definite or indefinite article, or preceded by a descriptive adjective specifying its type. - The carpenter selected a carpenter's plane from his toolbox. - Using a sharp carpenter's plane is essential for a smooth finish. - He adjusted the blade of the carpenter's plane before starting.

Examples

• For the final smoothing of the tabletop, she reached for her trusted carpenter's plane.
• A well-tuned carpenter's plane can produce thin, curling shavings of wood.
• The antique carpenter's plane was made of polished wood and brass.

Advanced Usage

• "to set a plane": to adjust the blade's depth and angle for a specific cut.
  • You need to set the plane correctly for a fine shaving cut.
• "to run a plane over": to use the plane on a surface.
  • He ran the plane over the edge of the board to remove the roughness.

Variants and Related Words

• Plane (n): The common, shortened form of "carpenter's plane." (e.g., ).
• Planing (n/gerund): The action of using a plane. (e.g., ).
• Hand plane (n): A synonymous term emphasizing manual operation.
• Specific types include: .

Synonyms

• Hand plane
• Wood plane
• Bench plane (for types typically used on a workbench)

Related Phrases

• Plane iron: The cutting blade of the plane.
• Plane sole: The flat bottom of the plane's body that slides on the wood.
• Plane to thickness: The process of using a plane to make a board uniformly thick.

Noun

1. a carpenter's hand tool with an adjustable blade for smoothing or shaping wood
   • the cabinetmaker used a plane for the finish work