Scraper plane, veneer scraper plane, profile scraper plane

Scraper planes are often underestimated, yet versatile tools. They are indispensable when working on curved surfaces, refining round or rectangular strips. For chair makers, it was almost the most important tool. In boat building, it is still indispensable today. Last but not least, bow makers appreciate the scraper plane for the precise shaping of forms.

With a standard plane, the optimal cutting angle of the iron is predetermined by the rectangular plane body. With a scraper plane, this cutting angle is determined freehand by the operator due to the extremely short plane sole of only about 10 or 15 mm. Since this requires some practice, beginners may not immediately grasp the utility of this tool.

The iron adjustment also requires a bit of finesse. Even with scraper planes featuring fine adjustment, it can be somewhat fiddly. As the lower-priced scraper planes (Kunz, Stanley, Record, Anant) are supplied with irons that are not entirely satisfactory, we recommend using Ron Hock’s scraper plane irons in any case. These fit in the scraper planes from Record, Stanley, Anant, and some from Kunz. Hock irons for the Stanley scraper plane No. 151 can only be used for the Kunz 51A and 51AR if their plane mouths are filed a bit wider and the threaded rods for the adjustment screws are replaced with longer ones—a small task for a metalworker, but one that involves some effort for the carpenter.