Fixing Woodworking Mistakes
Box Making Tips and Tricks
Tablesaw Tapering Jig is Safer and Faster
Router Jig for Perfectly Aligned Dadoes
Five Minute Guide: How to Use a Tablesaw
How to Make a Simple Jig for Offset Knife Hinges
How to Drill Windsor Chair Mortises
How to Cut Sliding Dovetail Joints
Buying and Using Trim Routers
Upgrade Your Jointer with a Segmented Cutterhead
How to Sharpen a Card Scraper
3 Steps to Great Glue-Ups: Sliding Dovetail Joints
Dedicated Sled Delivers Perfect Finger Joints
Best Tabletop Finish
How to Apply an Aerosol Finish
T-Track is a Smart Workbench Accessory
Five Minute Guide: Glue-Ups

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Hand Planing Techniques by Hendrik Varju

comments (165) November 8th, 2012 in blogs

Betsy Engel, contributor

5 users recommend

Photo: courtesy of Passion for Wood

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Hand Planing Techniques by Hendrik Varju
Passion for Wood, 2012.
$94.95 Cdn; 10 hrs, 29 mins

Lucky gaparrott is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Hand Planing Techniques is the latest DVD from Hendrik Varju and as with his others (10 in all) it covers a lot of ground. Varju starts with a detailed review of effective cutting angles. He believes that fully understanding cutting angles is a must for successful hand plane use. He goes on to provide step-by-step instruction on how to set up bevel-down and bevel-up planes as well as information on jointing edges by hand. The DVD also includes five full chapters on a wide variety of hand planing techniques for specific projects, such as flattening table tops, how to level edge banding, how to work with end grain, and how to tackle mitered frames. At over 10 hours, the DVD provides a lot of important information, and as in his other DVDs you'll learn the techniques in real time. Varju doesn't cut out important steps so it's like having "Private Woodworking Instruction in a Box".

Lucky gaprrott is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Be sure to check back often for more great giveaways.

posted in: blogs, giveaway, hand plane, dvd reveiw

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Comments (165)

refin writes: I havgen't bought the dvd, perhaps I should and maybe it would answer my question. I've been tuning up my old stanley planes(jack, jointer,smooth) and began wondering why use a smooth plane? I use one as a roughing plane with a cambered iron,but I don't understand the advantage of using a regular one for final planeing after useing the scrub,jack, and jointer planes for flatening surfaces. However I probaly will because every article and video reccomends it,but it seems to me the jack or jointer would do just as well.
Posted: 1:03 pm on November 29th

beeggee writes: I believe we have already won in just knowing about this DVD. Time to save some $$$ up to purchase it. Why haven't I thought to make a DVD like this?
The recent post on Lee Valley and Veritas created a wonderful path to their planes and I will be building more now. Too many planes, so little time.
Posted: 9:31 pm on November 6th

Woody_55 writes: I would like to improve my hand plane skills.
Posted: 3:51 pm on November 6th

Dean7 writes: I've entered to win many times to win a Hendrik Varju DVD set, both here at FWW and elsewhere, but have never won. Getting into hand tool woodworking and hoping I can win this one since it relates to hand tools.

Posted: 12:40 pm on November 6th

MajorTomNC writes: I could sure use this!
Posted: 9:34 pm on November 4th

cjshell writes: I've been working with wood for many years but mostly with machines. Only recently became more interested in hand tools. Planes so far are my biggest weakness. Looking at the table of contents it looks like perhaps in may be geared toward the more experienced. But the video sample looks great. I think this would be great to learn from.
Posted: 12:41 pm on November 4th

Oldtyme writes: Sign me up, please
Posted: 9:55 am on November 4th

Entics writes: Trying my hand at restoring 2 old Stanley planes derusted both flattened the soles now sharpening the blades if I'm successful in this endevour would love to learn how to use them with this informative dvd. Thanks for a great mag I look forward to it arriving from America to Australia.
Posted: 5:50 am on November 4th

MacGregorWoodWorks writes: I sure wood love to win this DVD, woodn't you?
Posted: 10:33 pm on November 3rd

Mendelwood writes: Should be a great resource.
Posted: 10:19 pm on November 3rd

dave100 writes: This would be a great addition to my library

Posted: 7:34 pm on November 3rd

rondeal writes: I need some help with this subject, maybe I will win!
Thank You
Posted: 6:26 pm on November 3rd

HickoryFire writes: That DVD would be very handy for a newbie like me!
Posted: 5:58 pm on November 3rd

Croc writes: Thanks, Betsy

Love to have this resource
Posted: 4:56 pm on November 3rd

stachit writes: I sure would like to win that one.
Posted: 3:26 pm on November 3rd

MS_Jay writes: Would love to have the DVD
Posted: 2:08 pm on November 3rd

TylerJones writes: sign me up
Posted: 2:03 pm on November 3rd

HWalles writes: Planning for retirement wanting to use hand tools this would be a great help.
Posted: 12:25 pm on November 3rd

MajorTomNC writes: I've looked at this DVD for my wish list !
Posted: 10:47 am on November 3rd

LexBoegen writes: 10-plus hours long? Awesome! Count me in. Thanks.
Posted: 7:17 am on November 3rd

BUILDERS695 writes: This would be a great addition to the video library
Posted: 7:02 am on November 3rd

anonmt writes: please?
Posted: 3:36 am on November 3rd

WagonRanch writes: Looks to be excellent.
Posted: 12:42 am on November 3rd

Paladin2025 writes: Always nice to find out more about planes. Thanks for doing these DVD giveaways!
Posted: 12:35 am on November 3rd

fpratt writes: comment
Posted: 9:17 pm on November 2nd

Joe Blade writes: I'm learning hand plane use but I've still got a long way to go. Joe
Posted: 8:14 pm on November 2nd

noocher writes: with 10 hrs of instruction maybe i will finally get it!
Posted: 6:50 pm on November 2nd

opie123 writes: I am ready to learn. Count me in!
Posted: 5:06 pm on November 2nd

Bdoubleu writes: Looks like this would be a great training for a hand tool newbie, like me..
Posted: 1:33 pm on November 2nd

allen007 writes: me!
Posted: 12:32 pm on November 2nd

Hully writes: Pick me!
Posted: 11:39 am on November 2nd

jswood writes: There is nothing more satisfying than working wood with a well tuned plane.
Posted: 11:37 am on November 2nd

favisham writes: There's nothing like the silky feel of a well tuned plane shearing a leaf thick sliver from a beautifully grained wood.
Posted: 11:12 am on November 2nd

Eversor writes: This would be awesome to win, my planing is a complete train wreck.
Posted: 10:39 am on November 2nd

88rob88 writes: A winner will be chosen at random,
Posted: 7:45 am on November 2nd

doberst writes: Wow! A chance to put aside the belt sander and learn some real woodworking techniques - count me in.
Posted: 1:44 am on November 2nd

MacGregorWoodWorks writes: Funny thing, just the other day my 3 y/o said, "Dad, I sure would love to have the Hand Planing Techniques DVD by Hendrik Varju's." It brought a tear to my eye. How could you say no????
Posted: 12:20 am on November 2nd

MacGregorWoodWorks writes: Winning this DVD would be just plane fantastic!!!!!!
Posted: 12:09 am on November 2nd

abetrman writes: Attempted my first hand-planed board this past week-end using a Stanley #5 I rescued and refurbished from a pawn shop. As much as I would love to blame the tool, I know the disaster was user error. Could definitely use some guidance. Until then, I keep using the FWW tips provided. Best Wishes!
Posted: 11:07 pm on November 1st

candlerain writes: This would be great. I am new to woodworking and I totally fell in love with hand-planes!
Posted: 10:07 pm on November 1st

lknoedler writes: DVD's like this have become our tutors to learn. Nothing is available in my community or for quite a distance. I definitely need help learning how to plane. Hope I am lucky enough to win it. Thanks for the offer.
Posted: 9:04 pm on November 1st

NewEnglander41 writes: One chance in about 122 so far...
Posted: 8:47 pm on November 1st

briands writes: I'd love to win any of the Hendrik Varju dvds
Posted: 8:20 pm on November 1st

kemper writes: Would be great to be selected. I really need to get to one of his sessions some day, he is only an hour from my place.

Thanks, Dave
Posted: 7:42 pm on November 1st

Marlon86 writes: I just plane need it. Thank you.
Posted: 7:32 pm on November 1st

NeilsenHandMade writes: thanks.
Posted: 5:44 pm on November 1st

WDWRKR631 writes: Sign me up!!
Posted: 5:41 pm on November 1st

Larrythewoodguy writes: Planning on planing .
Posted: 5:14 pm on November 1st

GregWorks writes: I need to improve my hand planing skills.

Posted: 3:45 pm on November 1st

C_Russell writes: I'd love to have that DVD set!
Posted: 1:48 pm on November 1st

grin writes: I work with my Fathers old planes. Love to get more info.
Posted: 12:51 pm on November 1st

rwbla writes: would like to have more information using hand planes
Posted: 9:58 am on November 1st

kayaks writes: I would love to learn how to deal with changing grain patterns while planing. Even with high plane angles, narrow mouth openings, an sharp blades I still get tearout in hard maple as the grain swirls. I hope this video can show me how to overcome this and plane for finish instead of sand for finish.
Posted: 6:45 am on November 1st

pq writes: Over the years I have acquired several hand planes but have never made much use of them. So I guess I am not a REAL woodworker yet. This DVD might turn things round for me!
Posted: 10:10 pm on October 31st

DTB_IL writes: Regardless the time I have been playing with wood, hand planes have been on the edge of my work and I haven't used then as well as I could have. Any help I could get would be immeasurable.
Posted: 10:08 pm on October 31st

neobassman writes: I would love to learn some master techniques, and then pass the video on to our school's woodworking program. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted: 9:32 pm on October 31st

Profalbear writes: I always welcome an opportunity to learn and improve my techniques.
Posted: 9:06 pm on October 31st

EdSaldana writes: Would love to know how to use handplanes in an efficient manner!
Posted: 8:49 pm on October 31st

buffal1130 writes: would be a great help, still trying to master hand plans.
Posted: 8:39 pm on October 31st

Chrislac writes: Really could use the help. Planes are a mystery to me.
Posted: 7:59 pm on October 31st

emeraldhome writes: I was fortunate to receive my Grandfathers hand plane collection when he passed. Over 20 in all and several were planes that belonged to his father, some dating back to the 1890's and nearly all in excellent shape. Though I've been a professional sawdust maker for nearly 40 years myself, I am sadly lacking in nearly all matters involving hand planes. I'm considering buying this DVD set so that these beautiful tools will get more use than as display pieces.
Posted: 7:42 pm on October 31st

nyflwoodbutcher writes: I have been a woodworker for thirty eight years (38), not counting all those years I was holding tools for my as he was doing work around the house. That would be about thirteen (13) extra years. And although I have used planes for almost my entire life, I sure would like to know what's up with which plane.
Watching videos on the internet has peeked interest in planes, techniques, proper use,and when to use each plane.
Yeah, I have some knowledge, but feel like a grade school kid when it comes to planes.
Posted: 6:59 pm on October 31st

ovationcs257 writes: I’m new to woodworking and can use all the advice I can get! Count me in
Posted: 6:56 pm on October 31st

crusty49 writes: love to have a copy
Posted: 6:12 pm on October 31st

MKWerman writes: I would love to have it!
Posted: 5:14 pm on October 31st

DaleB writes: Sounds like a winner!
Posted: 4:19 pm on October 31st

arezzo writes: Wow, 10 hours of video, sounds like this would cover the basics at the very least.
Posted: 3:51 pm on October 31st

gi0rgi0 writes: Oooh, oooh, oooh! Pick me!
Posted: 2:48 pm on October 31st

pjpryor writes: Looks great, thanks for the opportunity.
Posted: 2:33 pm on October 31st

leo_in_st_louis writes: You mean I'm not the first one to post?
You've taught me to sharpen my plane knives and chisels. Now for the next lesson on planes.
Posted: 2:30 pm on October 31st

Rick48 writes: Sounds like a great way to increase skills and knowledge base
Posted: 2:00 pm on October 31st

Sheppo26 writes: I'm in!
Posted: 1:57 pm on October 31st

Bobby53 writes: My handplaning skills, expertise & knowledge are basic & fundamental at best. This would be an excellent source of knowledge and encouragement to learn this traditional and important skill.
Posted: 1:17 pm on October 31st

jamlink67 writes: This would be a great way to hone my skills using hand planes. I need all the inspiration I can get in how to use and tune up my hand planes, of what few I have. I would like to purchase a few more planes and this would help me to go forward in using them more.
Posted: 12:32 pm on October 31st

CPBG writes: Just what I need to continue my hand plane understanding and proper use.
Posted: 11:32 am on October 31st

KevinWilliams writes: With summer here, and good long days, the workshop is longing for company again! Count me in :)
Posted: 7:47 am on October 31st

wetsock writes: It will be my birthday on the 13th. what a nice present. thanks in advance Fine Woodworking!
Posted: 6:11 am on October 31st

Bobsus writes: I am spelling Mr Varju's first name correctly but for some reason something else appears and I cannot see a way to correct it.

Posted: 12:21 am on October 31st

Bobsus writes: That was supposed to be Benedikt. Dang touchscreen.
Posted: 12:14 am on October 31st

Bobsus writes: Benedikt is great teacher. Count me in.
Posted: 12:08 am on October 31st

Shawn321 writes: I have a collection of freshly rehabed hand planes thanks to Roland Johnson and FWW, time to put them to work!
Posted: 12:08 am on October 31st

tmelch writes: Me too!
Posted: 10:11 pm on October 30th

hareww writes: Sounds like a great gift to have
Posted: 9:34 pm on October 30th

woodtheory writes: Pick me!
Posted: 9:15 pm on October 30th

mking writes: Sign me up!
Posted: 8:52 pm on October 30th

mikimball writes: Count me in!
Posted: 7:42 pm on October 30th

reidymf01 writes: Sure, I'd like to try
Posted: 7:15 pm on October 30th

mjw19641 writes: A particular interest of mine!

Posted: 6:04 pm on October 30th

RalphBarker writes: Opening "cup holder" as we speak. ;-)
Posted: 6:02 pm on October 30th

Dank24 writes: A DVD about handplanes from a Canadian! Handplanes and Canada are both dear to my heart. Sign me up!
Posted: 5:48 pm on October 30th

caub writes: Thanks for offering this - I'd love to win it!
Posted: 4:17 pm on October 30th

blasillo writes: It´d be great to win this DVD to start using my handplanes collection.
Posted: 4:16 pm on October 30th

montee writes: Time to fine tune the hand planes.
Have space for this book!
Posted: 3:28 pm on October 30th

Woodzzz writes: As an avid collector of hand planes, this would be a welcome edition to my technical support library.

Thanks
Posted: 3:11 pm on October 30th

KevinTaylor writes: Look forward to winning
Posted: 12:29 pm on October 30th

DDDean writes: I have been thinking about using the two planes I own this just might be the push I need.
Posted: 12:16 pm on October 30th

woodmass writes: I could always use help with hand planes
Posted: 11:53 am on October 30th

JohnNorth writes: I'd love it, count me in.
Posted: 11:47 am on October 30th

Jsebby writes: Pick me! Pick me! Too many trees have died in my attempt to learn how to correctly use a hand plane. :)
Posted: 11:41 am on October 30th

brener9 writes: I've been using lots of handplanes lately, could use about 10 hours of instruction though...
Posted: 11:01 am on October 30th

ksum writes: Maybe I will finally be able to flatten a board...
Posted: 9:38 am on October 30th

JMatthews writes: I live for hand tools! Tell the wife to take the kids out for ten hours!
Posted: 9:20 am on October 30th

eftey writes: What is a hand plane?
Posted: 8:30 am on October 30th

wolf23 writes: Cool giveaway - pick me! pick me!

Posted: 8:04 am on October 30th

sanchin writes: just bought a bigger tv .this would be nice to win.
Posted: 6:13 am on October 30th

jverreault writes: Hendrik's stuff is always great ... it's even better when it's free!
Posted: 2:31 am on October 30th

cahudson42 writes: Another hat in the ring.. Thanks!
Posted: 12:33 am on October 30th

Ron001 writes: I could use some tips on how to optimize the use of hand planes.
Posted: 11:00 pm on October 29th

doitbetterthanjesus writes: I need this more than you do!
Posted: 10:24 pm on October 29th

Artex writes: Send it this way!!!! Thanks
Posted: 9:53 pm on October 29th

theframer writes: Hand planes are AWESOME!
Posted: 9:42 pm on October 29th

leakcheck writes: I can fly a plane, count me in!
Posted: 8:30 pm on October 29th

isatinov writes: As a new woodworker this would be helpful.
Posted: 7:40 pm on October 29th

patchjob writes: I too have a passion for wood.
Posted: 7:05 pm on October 29th

GoRedsUS writes: Can never have enough DVDs...count me in.
Posted: 4:13 pm on October 29th

robhodge1 writes: Would love to get my hands on this video!
Posted: 3:27 pm on October 29th

KamWood writes: With no mentors available locally, I depend on DVDs and books to learn technique. I would appreciate having Mr. Varju's work in my collection.
Posted: 3:24 pm on October 29th

Woodsmithy writes: Please count me in.
Posted: 3:08 pm on October 29th

afrfb writes: I have other DVDs from Hendrik. He is great!
Posted: 1:53 pm on October 29th

WiseGuy81 writes: I have planes and a dvd player...therefore I should own this disk.
Posted: 12:23 pm on October 29th

swagmann writes: I've taken instruction from Henrik and know how thorough he is. Having this DVD as part of a reference library would be a very useful treasure that would be a great source of reference before, rather than after making those annoying mistakes.
Posted: 12:05 pm on October 29th

JLYoung writes: I've always wanted a Hendrik DVD. Please, please please let it be me!
Posted: 11:17 am on October 29th

sk2tobin writes: wow what an opportunity. Sign me up.
Posted: 10:59 am on October 29th

D11RDozer writes: Hendrik rocks!
Posted: 10:39 am on October 29th

sdugay writes: I have been a "Normite" woodworker for about years now. I have just started to embrace my inner "neanderthal" and this DVD looks very interesting.
Posted: 10:32 am on October 29th

JQL writes: In my younger days in the shop, I was tasked with planimg stock square for furniture components.
Posted: 10:21 am on October 29th

AMATINI writes: Sign me up please.
Posted: 10:17 am on October 29th

JQL writes:
Posted: 10:17 am on October 29th

jakejr writes: I have never had any success with hand planing. Just gave up and went with power tools. The problems with sharpening just discouraged me. However, I love the idea of hand planing and have alwys seen it as an ideal I would love to pursue. Perhaps this is the opportunity to learn that i need.
Posted: 10:06 am on October 29th

ACM2 writes: Sign me up.
Posted: 10:05 am on October 29th

paotrader writes: Please sign me.up, Thanks
Posted: 9:46 am on October 29th

chetkloss writes: I see the price is listed in Canadian dollars - will you accept the US stuff as well?
Posted: 9:16 am on October 29th

Joe__G writes: Would be great to own.
Posted: 8:17 am on October 29th

jonquinn writes: I would like to see this dvd
Posted: 7:25 am on October 29th

rodk1 writes: Please sign me.up, Thanks
Posted: 12:24 am on October 29th

MotownJG writes: I'll take it! Better yet, I'll even put it to good use!
Posted: 11:12 pm on October 28th

grin writes: Oooops!

here's my comment. I love hand planes.
Posted: 11:08 pm on October 28th

grin writes:
Posted: 11:07 pm on October 28th

victor1979 writes: Come on baby, come on baby. Please let it be me. Planes are my next area of exploration.
Posted: 9:38 pm on October 28th

lfkerby writes: I've wanted to pick up one of Hendrik's videos for a long time, going back to when I first heard Hendrik on the MBW podcast. Winning one would be nice and this is one of my favorite topics.
Posted: 9:28 pm on October 28th

JeffB writes: I'm in.
Posted: 8:49 pm on October 28th

Gar88 writes: I've just rekindled my interest in woodworking now that I'm retired. I have recently completed a workshop in tool sharpening using a Tormek T7. This dvd would be an ideal learning tool to benefit my upcoming projects. Fingers crossed.
Posted: 8:21 pm on October 28th

jdm92562 writes: I need one
Posted: 8:09 pm on October 28th

KenPro writes: I look forward to improving my skills. This would be a wonderful teaching assist form one of the best.
Posted: 8:04 pm on October 28th

bko writes: It would be great to have this!

Posted: 7:56 pm on October 28th

rmadja writes: After FWW Live, I was so bitten by Roland's talk that I bought lots of hand planes that I am/will restore. Just need a bit more guidance on the use!
Posted: 7:37 pm on October 28th

JoeBurd writes: Sign me up!
Posted: 7:21 pm on October 28th

ShooterBoy writes: This is something I really need to master to take my projects to the next level.
Posted: 6:23 pm on October 28th

jeanroy writes: Nice ad on to my book collection. Thanks, il take it!
Posted: 6:22 pm on October 28th

gaparrott writes: Now this is something I could really use. Here's hoping

Posted: 6:12 pm on October 28th

TexWood writes: Sign me up!
Posted: 5:42 pm on October 28th

ScoFF writes: I'd love this to be part of my resources. Count me in.
Posted: 5:00 pm on October 28th

GrumpyBadger writes: Would love to have a copy of this :0)
Posted: 4:51 pm on October 28th

SeniorChief1 writes: Ten hours on hand planes. It must be good one. Would be happy to review it if I am the chosen one. Thanks...
Posted: 4:49 pm on October 28th

tails1st writes: This would be great addition to our guild's library!
Posted: 3:54 pm on October 28th

Mikecorwin writes: Awesome!

Posted: 3:50 pm on October 28th

kingmanson writes: Comment
Posted: 3:24 pm on October 28th

scrabtree46 writes: give it to me baby ;)
Posted: 3:17 pm on October 28th

jeffreyi writes: Looks like a great DVD. May the most impeccably perfect person win!

Posted: 3:02 pm on October 28th

woddy writes: I like hand tools. Thanks.
Posted: 2:43 pm on October 28th

txag2007 writes: I love making shavings! Could use a little more indepth instructions!
Posted: 2:18 pm on October 28th

granite36 writes: I'm planning to build a Roubo workbench soon and I sure need some help with planing. Thanks!
Posted: 12:49 pm on October 28th

beem writes: Here's my comment. Thanks, Betsy!
Posted: 11:32 am on October 28th

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UPDATE: Hand Planing Techniques by Hendrik Varju

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