In end grain planning, the cutting edge cuts across the grain fibers rather than cutting along them, therefore severing them. Conclusion grain provides additional resistance and the possibility of tear-out at the end of the cutting stroke make this sort of planning more difficult than planning with the grain.

End grain work is commonly performed using a block plane by woodworkers. For more information on this compact, multipurpose plane, see What Is a Block Plane?

This type of work is frequently performed using bench planes, as well. We have listed some of the best hand planes for end grain below. Do check them out.

Stanley 12-960

A reputable name in the tool-making industry, Stanley’s No. 60 12 hand plane represents the company’s first entrance into the world of high-end hand planes. It makes an attempt to harken back to the high-quality tools of yore and incorporates the SW (Sweetheart) insignia as a nod to the craftsmanship of the 1930s.

The cast iron base is 2 1/8 inches broad and 6 1/12 inches long, and it has a one-piece frog and base construction that reduces chatter and ensures a solid foundation. The adjustment mouth is designed with tear-out reduction in mind, and the tool is capable of producing extremely thin shavings. The adjustment hardware is made entirely of solid brass.

For old framers, Stanley Hand Tools is a brand that brings back fond memories. Although it originated as a New England institution in the mid-1800s, the company’s recent merger with Black & Decker hasn’t exactly elevated it to the top tier of high-end tool manufacturers. It would be an understatement to suggest that this block plane pales in contrast to the Lie-Nielsen block plane. Users give the hand tool excellent ratings, although one criticism is that the aluminum lever cap’s long-term reliability is called into question.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Stanley
• Part Number: 12-960
• Item Weight: 1.36 pounds (0.61 kg)
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 9 x 6 inches (17.8 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm)
• Item model number: 12-960
• Is Discontinued by Manufacturer: No
• Size: Pack of 1
• Material: Steel
• Item Package Quantity: 1
• Included Components: Unit Instruction Guide
• Batteries Included? No
• Batteries Required? No
• ASIN: B0000223QX

Features

Pros

• Easy to use
• Quality performance

Cons

• None

A professional finish carpenter like myself has been using this for months now with no problems at all. Don’t believe the DIY reviewer who gave a 2-star rating since he has no idea how it works. I give it a 5-star rating because I use it every day.

WoodRiver ‎150874W

While our previous WoodRiver® Bench Hand Planes were based on the tried-and-true Bedrock design and included heavy, stress-relieved ductile iron castings, fully machined adjustable frog swivels, and high carbon steel blades, we took the opportunity between manufacturing runs to conduct a thorough review and make a few enhancements. We’ve modified the form of the rear tote and enlarged the diameter of the blade adjustment wheel in order to make advancing the blade a little more comfortable and convenient.

In order to increase control of the blade, we improved the lateral adjustment lever and incorporated a conventional type bearing. We’ve made various modifications to the castings in order to provide the user with better “input” and a more solid feel. Our own manufacturer has assisted us in making continuous improvements in machining, finish, and functionality. We believe this has resulted in hand planes that are made to be used and provide exceptional value for the money.

The WoodRiver Block Plane is based on the historic Stanley #65 low angle and #18 standard angle Knuckle Cap designs, which are widely regarded as one of the greatest block plane designs available anywhere today. These block planes, which have the widely recognized comfortable chrome-plated Knuckle Cap, have the appearance of the standard and low angle versions of yesteryear. If you look closely, you’ll find that the base castings have been modified to not only strengthen historically weak spots of the original design, but also to increase the bedding area for the blade. Improved blade adjustment mechanisms allow for sharp, simple adjustment of the blades by turning the rear adjustment knob to the desired position. When working with the adjustable mouth, it is extremely smooth, and it permits careful setting of the mouth for work ranging from coarse to making whisper thin shavings.

The stress relieved ductile iron castings are flat and square, and they have been properly manufactured. For optimal edge retention, each plane is supplied with a high carbon tool steel tool blade that has been hardened to Rc60-64 and ground to a 25-degree bevel for best performance. We recommend that you sharpen the blades before using them, however, they are extremely sharp straight out of the box.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Woodcraft Supply
• Part Number: 150874W
• Item Weight: 5.35 pounds (2.41 kg)
• Product Dimensions: 10.65 x 6 x 3.2 inches (27.1 x 15.2 x 8.1 cm)
• Size: #4
• Item Package Quantity: 1
• ASIN: B003VR2D7C
• Brand: WOODRIVER
• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10.65 x 6 x 3.2 inches (27.1 x 15.2 x 8.1 cm)
• Item Weight: 5.35 Pounds (2.41 kg)

Features

Pros

• high-quality plane for smoothing
• High performance

Cons

• Small in size

Both the machining and the final finish are of the highest caliber. Square and flat are the only two words to describe everything. Those blades are top notch; they take a good edge and hold it effectively.

Stanley ‎1-12-137

Designed for comfort, the STANLEY No. 62 Sweetheart Low Angle Jack Plane is built of extra thick 3/16 in. A2 steel for exceptional edge retention with a cherry wood handle and knob for a traditional appearance. For different types of wood, a Norris-type adjuster and an adjustable throat plate are used.

With a 50mm wide blade that is mounted bevel up and without the use of a cap iron, the Stanley No. 62 measures 63mm wide by 350mm in length. Jointer planes and smoothing planes with bevel-up irons are among the most useful planes because they can be used to replace a jointer plane on short boards and to smooth out rough edges. The authentic American Cherry front knob and tote provide user comfort, and the Norris type adjustment makes it simple to use. The throat plate may be adjusted to accommodate different types of wood.

Stanley has been reintroducing its Sweet Heart logo with a new range of luxury hand planes, continuing a tradition that began in 1843. The discovery of an ancient Stanley tool with the Sweet Heart insignia on it is like to discovering a hidden gem for woodworkers, and many people believe these hand planes to be the greatest of the best.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Stanley
• Part Number 1-12-137
• Item Weight 58 pounds (2.96 kg)
• Product Dimensions 67 x 6.89 x 3.07 inches (39.8 x 17.5 x 7.8 cm)
• Item model number 1-12-137
• Is Discontinued by Manufacturer No
• Style Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane
• Material Paper, Plastic, Metal
• Item Package Quantity 1
• Number Of Pieces 1
• Included Components Components included
• Batteries Included? No
• Batteries Required? No
• ASIN B005GVCFOW
• Brand Stanley
• Material Paper, Plastic, Metal
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 67 x 6.89 x 3.07 inches (39.8 x 17.5 x 7.8 cm)
• Item Weight 99 Kilograms

Features

Pros

• Excellent price
• Sharp blades

Cons

• Hard to set blade

The blade was razor sharp right out of the box, the sole was perfectly flat, and the overall quality of construction was up there with the best I’ve seen.

The vice on the workbench can be used to secure the wood. Make sure the end to be planed is facing up           

Step 1 – Mark workpiece

Make a mark on the workpiece to indicate the depth of the plane.

Step 2 – Check set-up of plane

When designing end grain, the iron’s depth setting should be as shallow as feasible. The opening of the mouth should be small if the frog or mouth can be adjusted.

The cutting edge of the iron should be absolutely horizontal across the plane’s width before using the tool. If this isn’t the case, move the iron to the side.

Step 3 – Candle-wax sole

Candle wax on the sole isn’t necessary if the end grain to be cut or smoothed isn’t too long or wide, but if it is, it will help minimize friction.

Step 4 – Position plane

Use a vice to hold the plane so that its front (or toe) is flat on the workpiece and its cutting edge is in front of the workpiece’s nearest edge.

Place the aircraft on its side if your work is resting on a bench hook or shooting board.    

Step 5 – Make first forward stroke

Make the initial cut while keeping the plane square to the workpiece and pressing down on the knob.

Workpieces held in vices necessitate half-way along the edge to be planed before the other half is planed from the other direction.

In order to avoid tearing wood at the far end, it is best to design only a portion of the way across the board.

It is possible to safeguard your work against tear-out by placing it on a bench hook and making sure it does not rise above the front stop of the hook.

Step 6 – Check shaving

You obtain powdery shavings from end grain rather than the lengthy, curled slivers you get when you plan in a different direction.

Check to see if the shavings are uniformly distributed across the plane’s breadth. Otherwise, you should double-check the iron’s lateral adjustment and cut with a plane held absolutely horizontally.      

Step 7 – Return to starting point

Bring the plane back to its original location. Use a vice to raise the plane slightly. Sliding the plane rearward with the cutting edge out of touch with the workpiece is an option if you’re using a bench hook.

Step 8 – Repeat

Steps 5 through 8 should be repeated, with the caveat that the plane should only be used halfway and the wood should be rotated periodically.

The pencil line should be exactly level and smooth when you reach the end of the cutting process.

Recommended Readings (Power Tools Bible)

• Different Ways Of Planning End Grain To Avoid Splitting The Stock
• Tek or Self-Drilling Screws for Metal Sheets?
• Best Drill for Tek Screws