In this 4-day class Andrew covers everything you need to know about Japanese hand planes. What seems like a simple tool, a blade and a block of wood, the Japanese plane (Kanna) is actually complex instrument with many subtle qualities. The first challenge most woodworkers face when learning to use a Kanna is that they don’t come ready to use out of the box. You are only supplied with great ingredients, and it is up to the user to get the fit between the blade and the block just right.

In the past, Andrew has separated teaching Japanese planes into two distinct classes. Class 1 involves setting up a plane with a single cutting blade and Class 2 covers setting up the chip breaker. Andrew is now teaching the complete setup and use of Japanese planes in a single 4-day class. Each student will receive a new plane (or bring your own if you have one already). If this is your first Japanese plane, Andrew recommends starting with this 45mm Yamamoto plane. If you have already taken Andrew’s plane Class 1 or if you have experience setting up a new plane, he recommends this 65mm Yamamoto plane

Andrew will work with each student to get their new plane into working order. He will cover sharpening and shaping the blade, fitting the blade to the block, fitting and adjusting the chip breaker and profiling the sole for optimal performance. Of course, you will also spend time using your new plane, learning to work with your whole body, not just your arms. By the conclusion of this class, each student will take home a fully operational Japanese hand plane and have the know how to keep it working correctly.

Students will pay Andrew directly for their new plane. The current cost of the 45mm plane is $200 and the 65mm plane is $350. The cost of the plane is not included in this course cost.

Class fee: $650

Class size limited to 10