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If you’ve been workin’ on fine joinery, like tenons or fitting dados, then you’ve probably realized you need a tool that can get right up into those tight corners and clean up the shoulders of your joints.
That’s where a Shoulder Plane comes in handy.
It’s a specialized little tool, but boy, does it make a difference when you’re lookin’ for that perfect fit.
Before you go rushin’ to grab your first one, let’s chat about what you should look for when buyin’ a shoulder plane.
Gettin’ the right one from the get-go will make those joints come together like a dream.
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Blade Width: Fit Your Joints Just Right
One of the first things to consider when buying a shoulder plane is the width of the blade.
A shoulder plane’s blade runs the full width of the body, so it can trim right up against the side of your tenon or groove.
For most folks, a blade around 3/4 of an inch wide is a good starting point, as it handles most general-purpose work.
If you know you’ll be workin’ with narrower joints, you might consider a smaller plane with a narrower blade, or if you need to cover wider surfaces, there are planes with wider blades too.
The key is to match the blade width to the size of the joints you’ll be cleanin’ up.
Full-Width Blade: No Gaps Here
Another thing to keep in mind is that the blade should run edge to edge across the plane’s body.
This lets you plane right into corners and edges without leaving any gaps.
If the blade doesn’t reach the full width of the body, you’ll end up missin’ a bit of material along the edges, and that can leave your joints with an unsightly gap.
Adjustability: Fine-Tune for the Perfect Cut
A good shoulder plane gives you the ability to adjust the depth of the cut, just like other planes.
This is especially useful when you’re making fine, delicate adjustments to a joint.
Look for a plane with an easy-to-use depth adjustment mechanism… you’ll want to be able to dial in just the right amount of cut for the job.
Recommended Reading: Hand Plane Types: A Beginner’s Guide for Woodworkers
Some shoulder planes also have a blade skew adjustment, which allows you to fine-tune the blade’s angle for working with different types of grain or for making those ultra-fine cuts when you’re finessing a joint.
The more adjustable the plane, the more precise your cuts will be.
Weight: Light Enough to Maneuver, Heavy Enough to Cut
Shoulder planes tend to be on the smaller side, but that doesn’t mean they should feel like a toy in your hand.
You want a plane with enough weight to cut cleanly through the wood without having to muscle it, but not so heavy that it’s hard to control when you’re makin’ precise cuts.
A good shoulder plane should feel solid but not cumbersome. The weight helps you control the cut, and you want that balance to feel just right when you’re workin’ on those delicate joints.
Comfortable Grip: Handle Matters
Comfort’s key when it comes to any hand plane, and the shoulder plane is no different.
You’re gonna be using this tool to clean up small areas with precision, so you want a grip that fits your hand well.
Look for one with a smooth, comfortable handle that lets you maneuver the plane without feeling awkward.
Some shoulder planes have a low-profile design, which can be a little trickier to get used to if you’ve only worked with larger planes.
But once you get the hang of it, it’ll give you excellent control for working in tight spots.
Body Material: Cast Iron for Durability
Most quality shoulder planes are made from cast iron, which gives the tool a nice heft and durability.
A solid cast iron body will hold up to years of use, even if you’re doing heavy-duty joinery work. Plus, the extra weight helps the plane move smoothly over the wood, making for a cleaner cut.
You might also come across wooden shoulder planes, which some folks prefer for their lighter weight and traditional feel.
But if you’re new to shoulder planes, a cast iron body is generally a better option for durability and control.
Mouth Adjustment: Get It Tight
Just like other planes, a shoulder plane benefits from having an adjustable mouth.
This lets you control how tight or open the mouth is, depending on whether you’re taking thick shavings or making super fine, delicate cuts.
A tight mouth is perfect for fine tuning a joint without tear-out, while a wider mouth lets you remove more material when you need to.
If you’re gonna be using the shoulder plane for a variety of tasks, having an adjustable mouth is a real plus. It gives you more versatility and control over the cuts you’re making.
When you’re buyin’ your first shoulder plane, keep an eye out for blade width, full-width blade placement, adjustability, weight, grip comfort, body material, and an adjustable mouth.
These features will help you clean up those joints like a pro and make sure your work fits together smooth as silk.
Well, that’s enough talk about shoulder planes for today. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to holler, and I’ll get back to you faster than a woodpecker finds a hollow tree. Happy planin’, y’all!