Synopsis: A fillister plane, sometimes called a rabbet plane, can be used to cut a rabbet very quickly, without all the hassle of changing blades or bits and setting up the tablesaw or router table. But this tool isn’t limited to one job. You also can use one to create a raised panel and to trim tenons. Learn why a fillister plane would be a good addition to your tool cabinet.

When you think “hand-cut,” you probably envision dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joinery. But you may be surprised by how easy it can be to cut rabbets by hand, too—as long as you have the right tool. That, my friends, is the fillister plane, sometimes called a rabbet plane. With it you can cut a rabbet very quickly, without all the hassle of changing blades or bits and setting up the tablesaw or router table. But the fillister plane isn’t a one-trick pony. You also can use one to create a raised panel and to trim tenons.

A few years ago, finding a fillister plane was often difficult, as you had to scour flea markets, antique stores, or auctions. But not any more. There are at least four companies manufacturing fillister planes. I recently tested them, and I’ll tell you what I learned (see p. 26). I’ll also demonstrate how to cut a rabbet, from setting up the plane to cutting to depth accurately and consistently

Chris Gochnour is a professional furniture maker, teacher, and avid user of hand tools. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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