About

With their wooden bodies and an adjustment method that involves tapping with a hammer, Japanese-style planes are different than Western-style hand planes. See what these tools can do when used correctly.

This introduction, using tools that BARN owns, will teach you how to sharpen and adjust the blades and how to use the planes to smooth wood.

The instructor is well known as a builder of Japanese-style garden gates, shoji, and interior details, and his work has been featured in Fine Woodworking magazine several times. Mostly self-taught, he says he might suggest details that differ from how Japanese carpenters that studied under masters might do things. His results, though, speak for themselves.

Details

• Skill level: Beginners welcome.
• If you own a Japanese-style plane, bring it along.

Materials

A $15 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers everything you need.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.
• You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.