All About Woodworking Planes

Description

In this new class for 2026, we'll focus on the geekery of making this essential and evocative woodworking tool perform as sweetly as it should, and then glory in it as we disappear underneath mountains of shavings. We'll cover the mechanics of what's actually happening when a plane is working well, troubleshooting and essential fixes like how to flatten the sole, as well as how to know whether an old plane is worth fixing up. You'll get hands-on with sharpening the blade of a bench plane – the most common type of Western plane you'll come across – and setting it up correctly, ready to use (often called tuning) and trying out techniques for planing the edges, faces and ends of wood. Next we'll have a lovely time using our beautifully tuned planes to each make a Japanese wooden straight-edge tool, which you'll be able to take home. Making one is a pretty satisfying way to experience working with a plane, and of course it speaks to the long and fine tradition of making your own tools as part of learning woodwork. On the side I'll have a varied and curious selection of Western and Japanese planes from my own collection set up and ready for you to have a go with, so you can get a feel for what they're capable of and experience how they operate when they've had the right TLC. If you're in possession of an old plane that needs a little love but aren't sure where to start, you're very welcome to bring it along and we'll take a look at it together, but this is in no way essential to enjoying the day – I have more than enough planes here for you to have a go with! This class is suitable for any skill level, from beginners picking up a plane for the first time to those with more experience (including those who've taken my Introduction to Joinery classes). Feel free to contact me for a chat if you're wondering whether this is the right class for you. This class takes place at my workshop in the picturesque market town of Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. It's less than an hour to York in one direction and the same distance to the coast in the other, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Lots of people come for a class and then stay to explore over the weekend! Tom Trimmins Woodwork Units 2-3 Manor Vale Lane Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire YO62 6EG

What's included in the price?

- One-day class, 10am-4pm. - All tools and materials are provided. - Hot drinks and snacks. You can bring a lunch with you or saunter 5 minutes down the lane and get something in the town.

Cancellation policy

Non-refundable - Refunds are not available

Maker

Tom Trimmins Woodwork

with Craft Courses since 2016

Message the tutor

I moved up to Yorkshire in 2023 to be closer to family, after over a decade of making furniture and teaching woodworking classes for adults at my workshop in Islington, North London. My new space has the same feel – it's a real, professional woodworking workshop where I make my own furniture and commissions in an environment full of my own random woodworking curiosities. Ever seen a Japanese grooving plane? 18th Century dovetail saw? What about a homemade belt sander? I look forward to welcoming you with plentiful tea, random anecdotes, and always good cheer.