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

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Hand Planes in the Modern Shop by Kerry Pierce

comments (102) May 15th, 2011 in blogs

Betsy Engel, contributor

3 users recommend

Photo: Courtesy of Schiffer Publishing

Add Comment
Print

Hand Planes in the Modern Shop, by Kerry Pierce
Schiffer Publishing, 2010.
$39.99; 192 pp.

I think this book will appeal to all sorts of woodworkers. Hand Planes in the Modern Shop has six chapters on different types of planes: bench, joinery, molding, block, routers, and scrapers. There is also information on how to make your own plane, restore an antique plane and troubleshoot your planes. And the book is full of colored photos – including an illustrated glossary with lots of nice looking planes. This book will be helpful to someone getting started in woodworking, helpful to an experienced plane user, and helpful to a plane collector.

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

Check back later to see his review of the book. And be sure to keep a look out for more book giveaways.

posted in: blogs, giveaway, book review, book

Add Comment Print

Who said that? Test your knowledge of FWW history

Back to List

Design journal: Let the function drive the design

Comments (102)

JLockard writes: Will this book teach me how to use hand planes on airplanes? Or the great plains?
Posted: 4:32 pm on May 26th

wonder writes: me too ... would love to have in my library.
Posted: 7:50 am on May 25th

Eriewood writes: Having a background of 35 years working with steel, and only immersing myself in woodworking about 6 years ago, I have a lifetime of learning to accomplish without a lifetime left in which to do so. I have found that woodworking should have been my first love, as nothing fascinates me as much as all things wood, therefore, every bit of information and knowledge is a huge help in my learning curve. I've accumulated a small collection of hand tools so far and need all the help I can to learn how to use them to their fullest potential.

RONERIE
Posted: 8:32 am on May 23rd

dalemc writes: I'd really love to have this information and help, as I've just invested in a number of new planes and feeling overwhelmed.
Posted: 10:26 pm on May 21st

dbfowlersf writes: Would love to add this to my library
Posted: 5:27 pm on May 21st

alk509 writes: Count me in!
Posted: 10:31 pm on May 18th

Circuit Rider writes: This looks great.
Posted: 10:23 pm on May 18th

AndyRey writes: I am plotting my purchase of some planes - could use a good book on the subject.
Posted: 4:20 pm on May 18th

tkbob writes: Awesome book, I am just now starting to realize the importance to having a properly tuned hand plane.
Posted: 12:22 pm on May 18th

hasslefactor writes: To a woodworking newbie like myself, trying to understand (let alone choose from) the hundreds of hand plane options can be a confusing and intimidating process. This book sounds like an excellent resource.
Posted: 10:40 am on May 18th

cigarmike writes: Sounds like Mr. Pierce has been in my shop. Seems like no matter how many machines I use in the building of a project, some type of plane gets pulled out to complete the job. Mostly a hand plane, but sometimes a smoother to get 2 adjacent surfaces level. Love to get my hands on this book.
Posted: 7:18 am on May 18th

RickinWBL writes: Like a lot of woodworkers I started out thinking that power tools were the way to go. That you could do everything with them. Then by chance I found an old wood body plane at a flee market, studied it, figured out how to adjust it, and then stared collecting old wood working tools. Now I find,as a lot of other wood workers do, that you can't replace all jobs in the shop with a power tool and that some times it's even faster and better to get a hand tool. Plus the sound and feel of an old plane is nice and there sure is a lot less fine dust to clog up you nose. Rick
Posted: 11:29 pm on May 17th

jverreault writes: This looks like what the wood doctor ordered! I would love to add this to my collection.

Cheers

John Verreault
jverreault@trinsys.ca
Posted: 7:52 pm on May 17th

Woody_55 writes: I purchased a beautiful smoothing plane four years ago and was reluctant to use it due to lack of knowledge and experience. After reading articles and watching videos I elevated my comfort level so this tool is a true joy to use. I admit to becoming another hand tool addict and would gladly welcome this book into my home if my name is drawn.
Posted: 7:51 pm on May 17th

acornbob writes: count me in. looks like a good book!
Posted: 6:53 pm on May 17th

rodeworks writes: I have been tuning up the few hand planes I currently own and am looking to add more. The book looks like a helpful resource.
Posted: 6:41 pm on May 17th

mkarafa writes: This book appeals to me
Posted: 5:48 pm on May 17th

a_e_b writes: I've been designing my new shop specifically around the idea of combining traditional hand tools with modern power tools. This book looks like it would be a great guide to helping me accomplish this task. And, it'll probably be fun to read too.
Posted: 4:39 pm on May 17th

CraigAinKC writes: I've just started using hand planes more in my shop. Still a lot to learn, however. Using planes and scrapers has given my projects a finished look that sandpaper never did!
I look forwarded to reading this book...when I win it!
Posted: 3:54 pm on May 17th

hkb writes: Another great book that would go well in my woodworking library.

Thanks to FWW for these promotions.
Posted: 2:02 pm on May 17th

aaronpetersen writes: Count me in for any freebie!
Posted: 1:46 pm on May 17th

TedFurlong writes: Would love to read this book--I am experiencing a personal revelation/revival in my understanding and use of handplanes as more effective for many woodworking operations--and they are so quiet! Count me in.

Ted
Posted: 12:46 pm on May 17th

ravinheart writes: The more woodworking I do the more hand planes I am using ... it is not limited to hand planes either ... my hand tool collections is growing alot
Posted: 11:09 am on May 17th

Doggerel_King writes: Having just tuned up my latest acquisition (a Footprint smoother), I am very much in the hand plane mind space. I am always looking for good additions to my library. This looks like a good one. If I win it - wonderful. If not I will more than likely buy it.
Posted: 10:57 am on May 17th

Doggerel_King writes: Having just gotten finished tuning up my latest acquisition (a modestly priced Footprint smoother), I am very much in the hand plane mind space. I am always looking for additions to my library. If I win the book - wonderful. If not, I will probably buy it. It sounds like a good one.
Posted: 10:53 am on May 17th

Mr. Bill writes: I'm finally just getting into hand planes. I'ld love to have a good book on them.
Posted: 8:52 am on May 17th

West_Coast_Woodworker writes: I've recently revisited the use of hand tools over power tools. Where I've always looked towards using power tools by choice, hand tools have begun to draw me in. The more I can learn about their use, they greater my interest.
Posted: 7:56 am on May 17th

davewood77 writes: Handplanes - the essential tool of fine woodworking. Pro or hobbiest, everyone needs to know how to use and enjoy them.
Posted: 7:33 am on May 17th

frank T writes: This looks like a great book to aid to my collection.
Posted: 7:23 am on May 17th

kenerv1 writes: When I bought my first new, yelnatS plane, nobody told me it did not come sharpened. Not pretty.
Posted: 7:04 am on May 17th

OryxXT writes: This would make an exceptional addition to my library :)

Josh
Posted: 6:53 am on May 17th

simplyrelaxing writes: Theres only one thing greater than a great plane a great plane book to teach you how to use it properly. I'm all about finesse and proper use of tools and who could ask for more than a book to teach me the fine inpliments of the trade.
Posted: 5:38 am on May 17th

meihao writes:
Hand planes in my shop
Are really very useful
Until they get dull
Posted: 12:24 am on May 17th

victor708 writes: Using a fine tuned hand plane is like driving a Jaguar, neither of which I have yet to experience......
Posted: 10:42 pm on May 16th

BDW writes: It looks like a beautiful and useful book. As I've gotten into using hand tools it's been fun to learn more about them. Plus I have the added benefit of keeping the noise down when I work a little late in my garage shop.
Posted: 10:38 pm on May 16th

scoastene writes: Just making the jump into hand tools and decrease my use of power tools. Sounds like a good book.
Posted: 10:23 pm on May 16th

gsuing writes: My comment haiku:

Hand planes in my shop
Are really very useful
Until they get dull
Posted: 9:03 pm on May 16th

Chrislac writes: I use both hand tools and power tools but am leaning to mostly hand tools. this book would help with that goal
Posted: 8:27 pm on May 16th

JosephPRoth writes: been learning the hard way some of the needs of planes to finesse joinery. a book like that would be nice.
Posted: 8:25 pm on May 16th

arubin writes: I am really enjoying the router book that I recently won and am looking forward to writing about it when I'm done. Wouldn't it be great if I won this book too!
Posted: 8:18 pm on May 16th

Troy writes: Looks like a fun book, a well sharpened hand plane is a joy to use, they are also like potato chips, hard to have just one. I would love to win the book
Posted: 8:12 pm on May 16th

beem writes: This would be a timely book for me. Please include me as well. Thanks!
Posted: 7:40 pm on May 16th

CraigFr writes: Always learning about hand planes. Looks like a great book
Posted: 7:17 pm on May 16th

garyprott writes: I need a few more planes. This book would maybe help me to decide which ones. Thanks Gary
Posted: 6:33 pm on May 16th

Dean7 writes: A very relevant book for me. Would love to win it.
Posted: 6:19 pm on May 16th

GoRedsUS writes: Looks like a good bood to add to the collection.
Posted: 5:42 pm on May 16th

woodangel writes: A book to get me motivated to use hand tools.
Posted: 5:29 pm on May 16th

sirnero writes: An interesting thing I have discovered. I use to be strictly power tools in my shop and really did not have room for anything except maybe some chisels. But As I am getting older I found that the quite of hand working is more enjoyable and I am doing more and more with hand tools. Just finished a cabinet that was done almost all by hand. Yes I thickness the wood with a planer. But that was all. Hand tools may not be as quick as power tools but there is more control in them.
Posted: 4:54 pm on May 16th

dustyross writes: This book would fit well in my shelves - one of the things I love is introducing students to the joys of handplaning with a well-fettled and sharp handplane - it is always a revelation

Posted: 4:41 pm on May 16th

dustdog writes: I have several older cheap planes left to me by my father. I am slowly updating to newer, high quality planes, but with so many to chose from, a book like this should offer some guidance into which ones to buy first.
Posted: 4:27 pm on May 16th

SanfordG writes: your articles and projects have inspired me to work more with hand tools. I have recently acquired several planes and now am in the process of learning to tune and use them.
Thanks for reducing all the noise in the shop (garage)
Posted: 4:19 pm on May 16th

sk2tobin writes: I love to use hand planes in my shop. Everyone thinks I am crazy but I love 'em. This looks like a good book to add to my collection.

Posted: 4:15 pm on May 16th

erik_carroll writes: My shop isn't all that modern, but I do like hand planes!
Posted: 4:13 pm on May 16th

mbutts writes: I love Taunton books!
Posted: 3:56 pm on May 16th

JoeAlpeza writes: This would make a fine addition to my library.
Posted: 3:47 pm on May 16th

jldevries writes: make me a winner :-)
Posted: 2:59 pm on May 16th

Tye154 writes: I love hand planes. Liked to have the book.
Posted: 2:59 pm on May 16th

ringo288 writes: I love new hand plane books
Posted: 2:34 pm on May 16th

Dahlbergia writes: Please include my name as well --- hand plane proficiency is on my skills-to-acquire list!
Posted: 1:42 pm on May 16th

Holtdoa writes: I would like to be in the running
Posted: 1:38 pm on May 16th

D11RDozer writes: The world of hand planes is certainly addictive.
Posted: 1:37 pm on May 16th

GregWorks writes: books R gud
Posted: 1:30 pm on May 16th

308defense writes: I would like to be included in the drawing. It very likely understand planes a lot better. How that I am trying to be a hand tool woodworker It would be a big help.
Thanks
Posted: 1:18 pm on May 16th

Earley1 writes: Please include my name in the drawing. Love handplane books.
Posted: 11:40 am on May 16th

jc111 writes: Looks good. Would like to win one.
Posted: 11:13 am on May 16th

jimmacgregor writes: Looks like a good book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
Posted: 11:12 am on May 16th

10Bill writes: I would love this book. I want to learn more about the planes I have and be able to use them more effectively.
Posted: 10:54 am on May 16th

Lori K writes: You keep coming up with good books that I would love to add to my woodworking library.
Count me in please.
Posted: 9:19 am on May 16th

zadbaz writes: I would like to read this book. I have been recently collecting old hand planes and am starting to the clean them up.
Posted: 9:14 am on May 16th

mcsquared writes: Looks like a winner. Always looking to learn more.
Posted: 9:05 am on May 16th

highlakejohn writes: I just purchased my first four hand planes...all Veritas and I need all the help I can get!
Posted: 8:54 am on May 16th

W00DWerker writes: Looks like a good one! Send my way and I'll do a review.
Posted: 7:52 am on May 16th

Walle_Norway writes: I consider myself a novice with finer woodworking-and are always interested in supplementing my bookcase with worthwhile reading material.
Thanks,
André
Posted: 7:43 am on May 16th

srmorin writes: If I can't win a copy, I'll have to buy one.
Posted: 7:36 am on May 16th

Erich writes: The book would be a nice addition to my young but growing library, thanks!
Erich
Posted: 7:28 am on May 16th

JLYoung writes: I love using hand planes. I love the way you can take the thinnest shaving and the way the blades can create such a silky smooth surface. I have a full complement of Veritas Bench planes and am now moving into specialty planes and would like this book to get an appreciation for which ones to go after first.
Posted: 7:16 am on May 16th

algo writes: Just graduated from a Stanley to a Lie Nielsen & Veritas.
Would like to know the minimum kind of planes needed to get any job done.
Posted: 1:45 am on May 16th

casaheil writes: This book would be very useful to me. I have a mainly power tool shop so I could really use an edication in planes.
Posted: 11:56 pm on May 15th

soxcloud writes: I have several hand planes, primarily inherited from my father. Now that I've retired and am completing a new house with a heated wood working shop, it is time to get serious about using them. I'm gathering good information about reconditioning and using them - most of it from Fine Woodworking and finewoodworking.com
Posted: 11:08 pm on May 15th

Preston71 writes: For years my shop has been heavily skewed toward power tools. Recently though, with the addition of a newborn, my hand tool proficiency has had to increase for the sake of a better sleep environment for him. With this new found love of hand planes, I could not agree more that there is a place for them in a modern shop.
Posted: 10:26 pm on May 15th

pauliv writes: I recently purchased "The Handplane Book" by Garrett Hack. I think "Hand Planes in the Modern Shop" would be a great companion to it. Great book, by the way.

"Even when you're thinking outside of the box,
There's always a larger box that you have to think inside of." - me
Posted: 10:17 pm on May 15th

Jollyroger writes: Will this book help me make them fly further?
Posted: 10:10 pm on May 15th

GT64 writes: I am fascinated by planes and their use. My skills are improving and any information is helpful.
Posted: 9:37 pm on May 15th

Tyblack writes: I have always been interested in how to effectively use hand planes in my shop.
Posted: 9:21 pm on May 15th

SBlakeS writes: This looks like a very interesting book. I have finally transitioned completely from power tools to hand tools. My collection is small right now and this looks like a good reference to increase it.
Posted: 9:19 pm on May 15th

KFlemming writes: I would like to be able to refer to my power tools as "fork tailed apprentices". Not there yet, but this looks I a step in the right direction.
Posted: 9:00 pm on May 15th

fuzzychum writes: I would read that book.

fuzzy
Posted: 8:41 pm on May 15th

JaredEgg writes: Intriguing, thanks for the chance to win.
Posted: 8:25 pm on May 15th

mdimen writes: I recent spent $300 purchasing four wonderful Record planes, to add to my collection going back 40 years or so. I'd love this book to put alongside Planecraft (pub. 1959) and Country Furniture.

Thanks; I'd love this book!
Posted: 7:40 pm on May 15th

JeffB writes: "...and troubleshoot your planes."

I need this book.
Posted: 7:32 pm on May 15th

Kylie writes: Looks like a great book. I just bought 6 old wooden planes at a garage sale. I can certainly use it.K
Posted: 7:06 pm on May 15th

MKWerman writes: I'm just getting into hand planing and I'm sure this wouldn't hurt. Count me in.
Posted: 6:41 pm on May 15th

nznix writes: A nice addition to my library
Posted: 6:20 pm on May 15th

Sablebadger writes: Looks like an interesting book.
Posted: 5:47 pm on May 15th

Irritable_Badger writes: I like hand plane books.
Posted: 5:22 pm on May 15th

HayesFurnitureDesign writes: Hand planes will never be obsolete.
Posted: 4:35 pm on May 15th

Larrythewoodguy writes: Im having problem with my veritas #4 smoothing plane.
Getting alot of tearout. Hopefully the book can help!

Larry
Posted: 3:45 pm on May 15th

flairwoodworks writes: Sounds interesting. I'm a little curious why FW is promotoing a book that isn't published by Taunton.
Posted: 3:04 pm on May 15th

cahudson42 writes: Throw my hat in..:>)
Posted: 2:41 pm on May 15th

tonydd writes: I am a blended/hybrid woodworker who uses power tools for roughing and hand tools for finish work. The book looks very interesting. Always looking to learn more.
Posted: 2:24 pm on May 15th

tadorcas writes: Looks like winner! As a hybrid woodworker who supplements power tools with hand tools, the subject matter looks relevant to me.

Tim
Posted: 1:18 pm on May 15th

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.

Advertise here for as little as $50. Learn how

Become a Better Woodworker

ABOUT THE EDITORS MAILBOX

FineWoodworking.com editors report from the woodworking front lines. Check in every weekday for news, information, projects, and answers to questions from Fine Woodworking readers everywhere.

Learn about our new format!

Archive: Temporarily unavailable. Stay tuned and sorry for the inconvenience.

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Hand Planes in the Modern Shop by Kerry Pierce

Comments (102)

Become a Better Woodworker

ABOUT THE EDITORS MAILBOX

LINKS WE LIKE

LATEST ENTRIES

RECENT COMMENTS