Japanese Planes?

[Link]

I'm not a builder, and I probably won't attempt a build for quite a while (if at all). But if I do, would using a Japanese plane be appropriate for building a mando? Pushing a western-style plane sounds uncomfortable compared to pulling a Japanese one. Do any of you use Japanese planes?

[Bill Snyder]

The only Japanese planes I have seen and used you pushed just like a "western" plane. I own a Japanese style pull saw.

[fishtownmike]

Bill was this just an western style plane that was made in japan? Typically wooden Japanese planes are pulled.

Link i have used the pull type and actually find a western style push planes easier to use. It's easier to put more muscle into a plane pushing then when trying to pull. Though i like Japanese pull saws. I find it mush easier to start the cut with the pull saw...Mike

[toddjoles]

A Japanese plane is still a plane and it can be used anywhere a western plane can.

On a side note, the Woodworking school at Palomar College here in north San Diego County, hosts a Japanese woodworking festival every few years. The highlight of the festival is plane contest where the winner using a Japanese plane, makes the longest continual shaving. The winning shaving is usually well over 20 feet long and so thin you can literally see through it. Both styles of Japanese planes, push and pull, are entered with western style being the most prevalent.

[Mattg]

I have one japanese pull plane and like it quite abit. The one thing I don't really like is that the only way to adjust it is by tapping either end with a mallet. I'm more of a fan of the screw type adjustments. The influence that the japanese plane had on me it that I will occasionally pull on a traditional western type plane.

I attempted to make a wooden pull type plane with a screw adjustment. It worked ok. If I had more time, I think I could make one that works better.

Geoff B (iii) showed me how to make convex planes out of wood for carving tops and backs. I went ahead and made one of my own. I ended up both pulling and pushing on the planes when carving.

[Geoff B]

I've never used a traditional pull plane from Japan, but I've pulled plenty of planes and can see how one designed for that purpose may make the task easier. I still tend to prefer the push type plane. As Matt mentioned, I do make my own convex mini-planes for graduating tops and backs.

It really only depends on what you are more comfortable with, it will do the same job as a push-plane.