How to square wood my hand?

[bcarvings]

Hi,
I have a lot of oak and basswood. It was given to me for free because I know a guy. Anyway I can cut them into "squares" for woodworking. Now I realize to square wood by hand I'll be using a hand plane, and possible other tools?

I have used 2 different old hand planes. I got the blades sharp enough to cut the wood to make it smooth. I've read an entire book on planes and tuning them and the special way of holding them and pushing and sharpening the blade and all that. I just can't figure out if it's something I'm going wrong or if I should buy a new plane.... Just wanted to ask on some advice here before I throw in the towel.... What could I be doing wrong?

I haven't posted here since about last summer so also want to say hi to all the other users I remember without mentioning any names.

Thanks again!

[Claude]

The easiest way I know to square wood is to use a table saw or a radial arm say. Just set it down, cut one side. That side now becomes the base. Set it on the base and cut one side. This cut side is then turned to the fence or backstop and another side is cut. Continue rotating until all four sides are cut, then tip it to one side and cut the former top it get it square also. A good quality saw blade will leave the cut sides relatively smooth. You can then just sand them if you need them even smoother.

Claude

[Paul_Guraedy]

My comment is to make sure you want it square in the first place. I have carved a number of pieces that started out as "splits" from wood I was intending for the fireplace (especially some black walnut).

I used a black marking pen to outline the area of the carving, usually had to split off the "pointed" end of the piece and then sawed away the exta and started in carving. Unless I was planning a relief carving, can't think of why I would want to go to the effort to "square" it.

[AlArchie]

Using a hand plane is like any other skill.....it takes practice, practice, practice. Back in the "good old days" our school woodshops all taught the use and care of hand tools, and every seventh grader became at least mildly proficient in the use of hand saws, planes, brace and bit, hand drills, and some of the jigs to simplify their use. Too bad those days are gone, although the new power tools do make life easier. Not necessarily better, but easier.

Al

[bcarvings]

Thanks for the quick responses. I think I'll toss out the old hand place. The use of it really does seem like a art in itself, and since I don't know many hand plane proffessionals I don't think I'll be using it in the near future.

Thanks for the help though

[Clifford_Parker]

Don't toss it!! SELL it!! Old handplanes are collectible and some are HIGHLY sought after and bring good prices.

I can't think of a reason to need to plane wood for carving unless it is prepping a rough sawn plank for relief carving.

[BobD]

As someone who collects and restores old planes, I agree with Cliff!

Bob

[whitecree]

Or keep it, and turn it over to your kids as part of their inheiritance.

Squaring a piece entirely by hand is a long, painful and frustrating procedure. I did a couple by hand some years ago. Then a buddy bought himself a thickness planer and I borrow that whenever I feel the need for square stock.

Doing something the "old fashioned" way is not a bad idea, at least once or twice. It certainly makes you appreciate modern power tools.

[artolver]

are these logs .. how large are they? size means a lot...........
art

[bcarvings]

Well I cut the logs into 1 1/2 x 2-8 x 16 peices. They are just twisted boards now, not excessivley but out of wack. Ok, I want throw out the planer I'll just save..... I don't want to carve these boards necisarily just want to make them into a cabinet or something.... Thanks though