How a Japanese plane is made
Sometimes tools are lovingly, painstakingly crafted. Other times, it's a matter of efficiency.
Jun 29, 2023
The YouTube homepage for the Fine Woodworking account features mostly videos about Japanese woodworking, and I’m here for it. This video was uploaded a little over a week ago and already has over a million views, but I thought it was very worth a share here.
Sometimes Japanese hand tools have a mystique around them that makes you think that one person makes each hand plane over the course of a week—and while that might be true in some cases, this video is probably more representative of the process for the tools people like you and me are likely to buy. In fact, it’s strangely similar to what I saw when I toured Lie-Neilsen’s manufacturing facility—many talented craftspeople working diligently on many tools.
-Made You Look are videos that we’ve found on the web that we thought were worth sharing with our audience. Let us know if you find anything you think is worth a look in the comments below!
Comments
I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for posting it here.
The double cutter machine that makes the hole for the blade was fascinating. As was much of their process, including the guy who used his toes to hold the body in place while he worked.
But I couldn't help but think OSHA would have a field day. :-)
My thoughts exactly. Running the plane bodies over a jointer with long sleeves, loose belts everywhere; yikes!
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in