The Japanese plane kanna is a traditional tool used for precise woodworking. Unlike western planes, the kanna is used by pulling towards oneself, which allows for greater control and precision when planing. It has a simple yet ingenious design: a wooden body (dai), a main blade (kanna-ba), and a chip breaker that helps control shavings.
The thickness of the shavings with a Japanese kanna plane is regulated by manually adjusting the blade. A deeper set blade creates thicker shavings, while a less extended one makes finer shavings. For precise tuning, the blade is gently tapped with a wooden mallet:
On the blade from above: pushes the blade deeper.
On the plane body from the back: slightly pulls the blade out.
Before the first use of the Japanese plane, it is necessary to set it up correctly, which can take approximately 1–2 hours. This process includes flattening the back of the blade, sharpening the edge, adjusting the chip breaker for proper function, and fine-tuning the plane's body. The setup is fairly complex, but it not only shows the craftsman how the plane works properly but also provides a deeper understanding of its construction and the subtle details that affect the quality of the work. Proper adjustment of the plane is essential for its optimal performance and long life.