Hard maple on hand planes FFS!

F

Filthy Flamingo

Feb 12, 2025
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It’s official, guys! I’m the number 1 hater of hard maple for being the worst kind of wood when it comes to hand planes! 😡

It really bugs the hell out of me. From tear-out, chatter, dulled blades every freaking 5 minutes, what more could I ask for??? SMH

Can anyone tell me I’m not alone on this? I’ve sharpened my blades, been really careful about grain directions, but still, I feel like I’m fighting this wood more than shaping it. I badly need your thoughts on this matter, any inputs are warmly accepted!
 
Hahaha! I feel you, man! Not to add insults to your injuries, but I’ve experienced this scenario not too long ago. Hard maple is really unforgiving when it comes to hand tools, a real pain in the ass, and not to mention about the grains who always flips it directions – I vividly remember the nightmare!
 
It’s official, guys! I’m the number 1 hater of hard maple for being the worst kind of wood when it comes to hand planes! 😡
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IMO, hard maple is not as evil as you think, it is more like a tough master that sharpens your skills. This wood will help you master sharpening due to its very dense nature.
 
Tbh? I lean towards hard maple over any wood. You just need plenty of sharpening and patience to be inclined with it, but once you’re in, there’s no coming back. Just my 2 cents.
 
It’s official, guys! I’m the number 1 hater of hard maple for being the worst kind of wood when it comes to hand planes! 😡

It really bugs the hell out of me. From tear-out, chatter, dulled blades every freaking 5 minutes, what more could I ask for??? SMH

Can anyone tell me I’m not alone on this? I’ve sharpened my blades, been really careful about grain directions, but still, I feel like I’m fighting this wood more than shaping it. I badly need your thoughts on this matter, any inputs are warmly accepted!
Click to expand...
I’m with you, bro! Hard maple feels like concrete all the freaking time! Make sure that your plane iron is perfect, if not? You’ll have the worst of times. 😔
 
Hard maple’s my last resort. I wouldn’t use it for casual proj. Did you try friendlier woods like cherry, walnut, or white oaks? They’re much better compared to hard maple. For me, hard maple is for intermediate to pro woodcrafters.
 
For me, hard maple has a special place in every wood worker’s heart. You may compare it to Porsches – elegant, high maintenance, yet volatile.

Watch out for these pointers before working with hard maple:
  • Ultra sharp blades
  • Chipset close
  • Fine mouth always on the plane
  • Slow strokes
  • Skew you plane
  • Humidity and wood’s moisture
 
Tbh? I lean towards hard maple over any wood. You just need plenty of sharpening and patience to be inclined with it, but once you’re in, there’s no coming back. Just my 2 cents.
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I get it, but this wood is really annoying as f! This wood is the only wood I know that feels like its actively trying to ruin every project I’m dealing with
 
Hahaha! I feel you, man! Not to add insults to your injuries, but I’ve experienced this scenario not too long ago. Hard maple is really unforgiving when it comes to hand tools, a real pain in the ass, and not to mention about the grains who always flips it directions – I vividly remember the nightmare!
Click to expand...
I agree! Grain reversal is such a headache to deal with. One moment you’re working with the grain, and then NOPE, completely flipped in your face. WTH! HAHA
 
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