Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Turn to wood planes—either bench or block type—to smooth surfaces, square boards, and make fine joint adjustments. Bench planes smooth and square in line with the grain. Three main types are the jointer plane (about 22 inches long), the versatile and popular jack plane (14 inches long), and the smoothing plane (93/4 inches long). The shorter block plane—typically 6 inches long—smooths end grain and cuts bevels. To get the most from planes, keep them sharp and adjusted.
