A chisel plane is a hand plane that can get right up to the edge where a traditional plane cannot go. This one is made of white oak firewood, a scrap of Padauk, and an old block plane iron. It can be made of almost any hardwood you would like, these are just what I had on hand.

Tools

V-tool: http://amzn.to/2iNSdEn

Carving Mallet: http://amzn.to/2iT4FoO

Panel saw: http://amzn.to/2hjAura

Marking knife: http://amzn.to/2hPHf34

Brace: http://amzn.to/2hPEs9Y

Bit set: http://amzn.to/2hZVT5T

Chisel Set: http://amzn.to/2i26mzX

#4 Hand plane setup for smoothing: http://amzn.to/2hc6LQZ

Crescent Wrench: http://amzn.to/2ig2uJa

File Set: http://amzn.to/2iGrcWq

Sharpening stones: http://amzn.to/2iTfjfe

I use Extra course, Medium-fine, and Extra-Extra fine.

Supplies

Block Plane Iron: http://amzn.to/2i3yBgY

White Oak Fire Wood: the firewood pile outback or on free Craigslist

Padauk: http://amzn.to/2iOVq6Z

1/4" 20 Threaded Insert: http://amzn.to/2iGmUyf

Thumbscrew: http://amzn.to/2iN4eMl

Boiled Linseed Oil: http://amzn.to/2hPEUVO

Past Wax: http://amzn.to/2inlN23

Find an Iron

For the iron, I find it easiest to just buy a cheap old block plane at a garage sale or second-hand store, usually for $2-$3. You can also get replacement blades online (http://amzn.to/2i3yBgY) that might be just as cheap, but you never know what you get until it is in hand. If you buy it second hand, it might need some cleanup, but usually, that means 5 minutes with some sandpaper to clean the rust off.

Flatten One Side of Firewood

If you are using pre-dimensioned lumber then this step is not needed. I find firewood to be perfect for a lot of hand tools as it is thick and you can easily pull larger dimensions out of it. To flatten one side, I will use a hatchet and split off a chunk then use a #4 hand plane to clean it up and flatten the work. Winding sticks can help you identify where more material needs to come off till you get a twist-free surface. With one flat surface, you can make all your measurements and markings off of that one side.

Dimension the Body

I want the flat side that was just created to be the sole of the plane. I mark out the width of the plane iron on the flat side and with a hand saw cut it to width 90 degrees off of the flat side. Next, I cut it to length; in my case that was 2" longer than the plane iron. I wanted some material at the back to fit into the palm of my hand so the back is 1 1/2" high and the front is a 12-degree angle wedge. This is where the plane iron will bed. I draw everything out on the side of the blank then cut it to dimension with a hand saw.

Shape The Body

It is important that it feels good in your hand, so shape it to fit your own hand. On mine, I used rasps and files to round the back until it fit nicely in the palm of my hand. I also wanted to put a concave curve on the inside to match the iron, but that was not necessary. I just thought it would look good. Some might also want to put finger indents on the sides so it would be more comfortable. Make it whatever you want; just draw it out then shape it with a chisel, rasp, and file.

Install Thread Insert

Next, I placed the iron on the bed and traced out where the hole in the iron was so I knew where to put the threaded insert. Each threaded insert will use a different drill bit so check the bag on yours. Next, use a brace and bit to drill a hole through the sole at 90 degrees to the bed. The material is thin here so the insert may stick out the bottom or top. If that is the case, just use a file to flatten it out.

Cut Lever Cap

The lever cap is what holds the iron down to the bed of the plane. I have a scrap of Padauk I thought would work well, but you can use whatever hardwood you want. Cut it to the width of the iron and about 3/4" shorter than your iron. You want it to touch the iron near the tip of the bed and at the back of the iron. So to create the hollow in the middle I made a shallow cut about 1/8" deep across the middle of the blank and then chiseled away the material down to it. This can then be cleaned up with a rasp and file.

Shape Lever Cap

Next, shape the lever cap to whatever shape you feel looks good. On mine, I wanted it round at the front and back to match the round on the back of the iron. You can use a rasp and file to quickly achieve this shape. Next, place the lever cap in place and with a long nose pencil or marker mark out where the threaded insert meets the lever cap and drill a hole for the thumbscrew to go through the lever cap and into the threaded insert.

Carve Cap Iron

I love to add a bit of style to the tool with a quick bit of carving. This took about 10 minutes to do. I just freehand drew out a spiral from end to end, and then with a V-tool followed the line tapping the chisel lightly with a small a mallet. This is a great way to learn carving. It is simple and quick and anyone can pick up the skill in just a few minutes of playing with it.

Sharpen The Iron

Whether you got the iron second hand or bought it brand new, it needs to be sharpened. I start by flattening the back with all three stones then using a leather strop to give it a final polish. Next, use a honing guide to establish a bevel. Mine is at 25 degrees for this; then same as the back go through all 3 stones and shine it up on the strop.

Finish The Chisel Plane

For a finish, I use BLO and paste wax. I love the way it feels in the hand. Start by applying the BLO. Let it soak in for 30 minutes or so then apply a second coat and let it sit for an hour. Then, come back and wipe off the excess. I then apply paste wax with my hand and let that sit for 30 minutes or so and come back and buff off the excess with a rag. Make sure to get into the carving as any wax that dries in there will turn white. Last, assemble and give it a test run.

How to Make a Chisel Plane