The smoothing plane is the last tool to touch a surface before finish goes on. Set fine, with a sharp iron and a tight mouth, it leaves a sheared surface that reflects light in a way sanded timber never quite does — and it does it in minutes, without filling your workshop with dust.
Most work is done with a No. 4 or No. 4-1/2. On figured or interlocked grain, which you will meet often enough in local hardwoods, a higher effective cutting angle and a very fine set are what stop tear-out. Come in and we will show you the difference a properly tuned one makes.
