Finger and Palm Planes Characteristics and its uses

A finger plane is typically a small plane with a brass body used by luthiers. Finger planes are generally used for final trimming work after glue-up, especially around curved edges and to lever inlays across curved instrument tops. Finger and palm planes are considered to be the fundamental critical mechanisms for those woodworkers who are involved in making small items, including toys, wooden made home decor, etc. However, these are very tiny planes normally 35mm (1 3/8″) long, 18mm (3/4″) wide, has a 12mm (½") full iron with either a flat or convex sole. Furthermore, they do vary in size, depending on the scale of work they are designed for.

Uses of the finger planes

The finger planes come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. The flat-soled versions are usually for smoothing, very tiny pieces such as toy parts, skinny strips of wood, and particularly for convex activity. The curved ones are used for working on concave surfaces. Some finger planes are also used in making stringed instruments and are known as violin maker's planes. However, a professional instrument maker's workshop has several finger planes for performing different activities.

Characteristics of a finger plane

Finger planes are mostly made with fixed mouths. However, the iron is fastened in place by a simple wedge or clamp and thumbscrew; adjustment is usually caused by hand as there is no space for adjustment mechanisms. Their bodies are generally cast in a thick brass or bronze alloy to add weight to what otherwise would be a very light plane. The finger plane gets its name from the way it is usually used for. While using it, it requires to be grabbed and held tight thought using your fingers.

Uses of a palm plane

Similar to the finger planes, the palm planes are regarded to be used for precise craft carpentry, model-making, and musical instrument-making. However, some have rounded soles for performing concave work.

Characteristics of a palm plane

Palm planes are quite similar to the finger planes and have the same size. However, the significant difference is that palm planes do have handles that fit neatly into the palm, which in turn, can help to provide further control over the movement of the plane and make it flexible to press down hard when cutting through a hard workpiece.

Different handles of the palm planes

Some famous palm planes have handles that are adjustable and can be fitted at any hand. Others usually come with "squirrel-tail" handles. The Kunz palm plane is one of those best tools that professional workers like them most. However, these little palm planes will come in handy. Each Kunz palm plane has a sole that is 3-5/16" long with an iron 15/16" wide.

Conclusion

Both finger planes and palm planes are very sharp tools for doing some specific work of the professional woodworkers. These two planes are highly used for producing wooden craft products, musical instruments, toys, etc. People who are involved in making these products they need these two planes performing their activities.