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Router Planes: Hand Tools for Clean and Accurate Joinery

Router planes are invaluable in woodworking for refining and levelling recessed areas such as dados, grooves, and mortises. Their design allows woodworkers to fine-tune joints and recesses with precision, ensuring tight, accurate fits in joinery work.

Available in different sizes, router planes are suited to a wide range of tasks. Smaller models excel at detailed jobs like hinge mortises and inlays, while larger versions are ideal for broader work such as flattening tenon cheeks and levelling wide grooves. The adjustable depth feature makes it possible to remove material incrementally, resulting in a smooth, even finish.

Keeping router planes well maintained is key to their performance and longevity. Regular blade sharpening is essential—a sharp blade produces clean cuts and reduces effort during use. It’s also important to keep the sole flat and free of nicks to maintain steady contact with the workpiece for accuracy. After each use, clean the tool thoroughly and store it in a dry place, applying a light coat of oil to the metal if needed to protect against rust.

FAQs

What is the primary use of a router plane in woodworking?

A router plane is mainly used to level and smooth the bottoms of recesses such as dados, grooves, and mortises, ensuring consistent depth and clean surfaces for joinery.

How does a router plane differ from a power router?

While a power router removes material quickly with a spinning bit, a router plane provides controlled, precise shaving of material—perfect for fine-tuning joints and ensuring uniform depth.

Can router planes be used on all types of wood?

Yes. Router planes can be used on both softwoods and hardwoods. For harder species, keeping the blade extra sharp makes work easier and maintains efficiency.

How do I maintain and care for my router plane?

Sharpen the blade regularly, keep the sole flat and clean, and store the tool in a dry place. After use, clean off debris and apply a light coat of oil to metal parts to prevent rust.

Are there different sizes of router planes for specific tasks?

Yes. MTC router planes are available in two sizes. Smaller planes are great for detailed work like hinge mortises, while larger ones are better for levelling wider grooves or tenon cheeks.

How do I sharpen a router plane blade effectively?

Remove the blade and hone the bevel on sharpening stones, keeping the edge straight and sharp. Regular stropping helps maintain the edge between full sharpening sessions.