Definition

Noun: A smoothing plane is a small hand tool used in woodworking. It is a type of plane designed for fine, finish work to create a very smooth surface on wood after initial shaping and leveling with larger planes.

Usage

The term smoothing plane is used to specify the final planing tool in a sequence. It is typically set to take a very fine shaving. - After using the jack plane, the carpenter reached for the smoothing plane to prepare the tabletop for varnishing. - A well-tuned smoothing plane can leave a surface so smooth it needs little sanding.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: In traditional woodworking, the smoothing plane is the last plane used before applying a finish, following the fore plane and jointer plane.
• Technical Specification: A smoothing plane typically has a bed angle (the angle of the blade relative to the sole) optimized for cutting end grain and achieving a tear-out-free surface on difficult woods.

Variants and Related Words

• Smoother (noun): A common synonym for a smoothing plane.
  • He used his favorite smoother on the walnut cabinet door.
• Bench plane (noun): A broader category of planes used at a workbench, which includes smoothing planes, jack planes, and jointer planes.
• Block plane (noun): A different small plane, often held in one hand, designed for trimming end grain and small tasks, not typically for final smoothing of large surfaces.

Synonyms

• Finishing plane: Emphasizes its role in the final preparation stage.
• Smoother: A direct, shorter synonym.

Related Phrases

• To set a smoothing plane: Refers to the act of adjusting the blade projection and lateral alignment for a fine cut.
  • Learning to set a smoothing plane correctly is a fundamental skill.
• Smoothing plane shaving: The very thin, often translucent, curl of wood removed by the tool, indicating a properly set plane.
  • The smoothing plane shaving was thin and continuous, like a ribbon.

Noun

1. a small plane for finish work