RWW 96 Avoiding the Planing Taper: Planecraft 101

This week I address a common problem when hand planing: inadvertently tapering the board. Usually this is a product of improper technique where the user’s balance is off thus adding more weight to the cut at the end of the plane stroke. I try to imagine scooping out a hollow in the board to avoid this. Sometimes its best to think of the hand plane lifting off a runway so that you ensure you don’t cut too deeply at the end of the stroke. More than anything if you keep the plane close to your body you won’t overextend and tape the board.