Sat. & Sun., 9am–4pm
January 29th & 30th | $350

2 Class Sessions

Registration Deadline: January 18th at 5pm

Many woodworkers dismiss wooden planes as either obsolete or too difficult to use. In fact they have several advantages over manufactured metal bodied planes. For boatbuilders 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.

In this class we will first demystify the wooden plane, showing how it is tuned and used. Then each student will make a medium-sized wooden plane with a 2-1/4” wide blade in the Japanese style. The plane body will be white oak, approximately 2-3/4” x 1-1/4” x 10”.

All the skills taught in this course are applicable to making a Western-style plane and the two designs will be discussed. Sharpening will also be discussed and students will get a chance to put a razor edge on their new plane. No previous woodworking experience required. All materials including a blade will be provided. Students should bring chisels, a mallet, a square, hearing protection, and a ruler if they have them.

Douglas Brooks is a boat builder, writer and researcher. He specializes in small boats built to traditional designs and he has taught boatbuilding across the United States and Japan. He has also studied traditional Japanese boat building since 1996, having apprenticed with nine boatbuilders from throughout Japan. He has written for WoodenBoat magazine, Maritime Life and Traditions, and Classic Boat among other publications. His fourth book, Japanese Wooden Boatbuilding, is the first comprehensive survey of the craft published in any language. His work can be seen at his website www.douglasbrooksboatbuilding.com.