Handplane Essentials, Revised & Expanded

Full of information. Tips, tricks, pictures and just an easy homey, down to Earth style that sucks you in. Even though this book is laid out great and will definitely function as an excellent reference, there is something about the way Schwarz writes, that just keeps you reading. It’s enjoyable and educational. Schwarz humor come through at times and he strikes me as a deliberate man. His humor is not slapstick, it’s humble and engaging and clever.

Overpriced, slick coffee table presentation. First book by Schwarz that did not impress me for value for money!

This is a book that I didn't want to end. Great background on hand planes from anchors to planes that cost far more than my first car. I enjoyed the easy rhythm in Chris's writing that brought out very detailed explanations on each type of plane. After reading this book I am feeling more prepared to make or rebuild what I need for my growth in woodworking.I am keeping this book for future reference and, likely, just to reread for fun.Thank you Chris!

I have found this book to be a great reference book. It covers topics from what each plane is used for to the care and feeding of your plane. A very good read for anyone wanting to learn more about hand planes.

I liked the way the book was organized. Provided the use and care of hand planes, ideas of what a person may need in planes, scrapers and spoke shaves. Put together as separate article, some previously published in woodworking journals. Found it easy to read held my interest cover to cover.

Though I really enjoy reading (and rereading) this book, I'm ultimately disappointed that the book is a collection of articles previously printed in a magazine, not surprising given "journalist" and "editor" were two of Chris Schwarz's titles. I was expecting a more comprehensive and cohesive overview of hand planes, not individual articles and reviews, many of which amount to one-page snippets. It makes for a disjointed whole. I realize the title is "Handplane Essentials," but I was hoping for more from Chris, greedy guy that I am.

tons of useful information! if you like planes you need this book. if you love planes, why do you not have this book already? buy buy buy.Mr Schwartz is a pretty funny writer as well. his other books are as equally great, so buy them all! i esp like his book on workbenches and the nicely titled "anarchist's tool chest", hunt that one down just for the tool talk alone. beautifully printed. great paper. heck, get the PDF too.

The book is easy to read. The techniques for sharpening plane blades and the use of hand plane are great.The plane & blade manufacturers recommended in the book are worth while.

Pleased with purchase. Informative book on how to choose planes for specific purposes, sharpening/honing angles, and how to plane. A major gripe is the book has no index - I am old fashioned, a book should always have an index. Much info re premium plane makers which is interesting but only relevant if I win the lottery! To be fair most of info is on the internet but the author is an authority and that means a lot to me.

This is a superb tome for anyone who has an interest in or desire to know how to set up and work with handplanes. Pretty much everything you will need will be found in this book.

Only had it a day but I can already tell this contains everything I will ever need to know about Planes

Probably the best book in print on new and old metal hand planes whilst not being a history of their development it is the best guide to purchasing and using handplanes . I enjoyed the original so much I had to buy the revised and updated edition . It's only draw back is it lacks an index.

Schwarz is always a great read and given the amount of extra material in this revised version, it is worth getting if you have the original. Definitely a must have reference tome.