Introduction A hand plane is a tool for shaping wood using muscle power to force the cutting blade over the wood surface. Etymology "tool for smoothing surfaces," mid-14c., from Old French plane, earlier plaine (14c.) and directly from Late Latin plana, back-formation from planare "make level," from Latin planus "level, flat, smooth" (from PIE root *pele- ("flat; to spread"). Pronunciation English: pronunciation_en_plane.mp3 History Hand planes are ancient, originating thousands of years ago. Ea