The internet has obviously changed the world in dramatic ways in the last two decades. It has become so much easier to seek out knowledge on a seemingly endless range of topics. One of the most fascinating things to emerge in all this is the ability to take classes online, and this has not been lost in the world of woodworking. I believe the internet has helped to further this craft tremendously with the wealth of information available online. I’ve seen fellow woodworkers start to teach others using the power of the internet. One of my good friends, Shannon Rogers, has The Hand Tool School, which has greatly inspired me to use this wonderful medium as well. I want to use the knowledge I’ve gleaned over the years to teach others how to make wood body hand planes.
The classes take place online, using Google Hangouts (a video conferencing tool). This allows students to take the class no matter where they are located, with no need to travel, nor rack up all the additional costs associated with traveling. The student gets personal interaction with the teacher from the comfort of their own home. Sign up for my classes here.
Beginning Plane Making Class
In this class, I will teach you how to make a smoothing plane using 4/4 quarter sawn stock. Here is a list of the tools needed for the class. Some basic woodworking knowledge is recommended, but this class will hopefully further your knowledge beyond just the making of a plane. Whether you have mastered your hand planes or the smoother you make will be the first you own, there is something for everyone in this class.
My hope is that I can help you avoid some pitfalls of planemaking that are easy to fall into if you aren’t familiar with the process. I want you to walk away from the class with a smoothing plane that performs better than you could have imagined and opens your mind to new possibilities with your woodworking. Sign up for one of my Beginning Plane Making Classes here.
This class (or my DVD) is a prerequisite for my Advanced Plane Making Class.
Advanced Plane Making Class
I have had quite a few requests for an advanced plane making class, and I’m pleased to announce that it is now available. This advanced class is much more in depth than my regular class and it is highly recommended that students will have taken my other class or watched my DVD before taking this one.
In this class, I will guide students through making two planes: A jack plane with an applied sole and a jointer, shaped just like my uniquely gripped jointers that I sell.
This class will cover:
- Applying an exotic wood sole – Why and how
- Choosing a bed angle
- Choosing material for a longer plane
- Inserting a patch in front of the blade for better wear properties
- An in depth exploration of shaping a plane, as we make a long jointer become the most comfortable plane you own.
- Access to my templates for my unique jointer design. I’ve spent the last 2 years perfecting the shape of my jointer planes. With my full size templates, you will be able to make your jointer as close as possible to how I would myself.
The tool list is very similar to the regular class, will be held online using Google Hangouts, and will require 4 sessions. Taking my basic plane making class or watching my DVD previously is required. Sign up for an Advanced Plane Making Class here.
Make A Wooden Smoothing Plane DVD
I will also, at times, have some copies of my recently released DVD, Make A Wooden Smoothing Plane with Scott Meek, available below. The DVD covers the same topics as my online classes, but you don’t get the 1 on 1 interaction and real time questions and support as you craft your plane. The DVD was produced by Popular Woodworking Magazine. If I don’t have the DVD available right now, or you would like the digital download version, buy it directly from Popular Woodworking. Purchase my DVD here.
