Although there are many sorts and sizes of planes, yet for most work two or three planes are sufficient. For the exercises in this book two planes are all that are necessary. If we do the work with only two planes we will likely receive more benefit and lay a better foundation for future work than if we should use a larger number of planes at the start.

These two planes are the smooth plane (Fig. 166A) and the jack plane (Fig. 166B). It is not es-sential which plane is used at first for planing the first piece. You will select the one which best suits your strength. After you have had some practice, you will likely prefer the longer or jack plane for rough planing, and the smooth plane for finishing and planing ends and miters. To do nice work on long pieces the jack plane should be set fine and used in-stead of the smooth plane. As you become more skilled in the use of the planes, you will keep them ground nearer straight across, and will change the set more often to accommodate them to the various kinds of work.

Fig. 166 B. Iron Jack Plane.

The wooden planes (Figs. 168 and 170) have been nearly displaced by the iron planes. The wooden bottom iron planes (Figs. 167A and 167B) are preferred by many workmen for use on soft wood. The beginner will undoubtedly have better success with the full iron plane. The iron planes are used rather because they are more easily adjusted and more easily kept in order than because they are capable of giving any better results on ordinary work. Fig. 168 shows the proper position for holding the wooden jack plane.

Fig. 168. Using the Wooden Jack Plane