Most people’s first experience with a hand plane is not always good, usually due to fundamental information they haven’t yet received. One of the common problems hand plane users (new and seasoned) encounter is tear-out. Tear-out is when the wood being cut is not well supported, allowing the blade to slip under a small crack, levering out a large chunk and leaving an unsightly void in the surface. The tools are relatively simple, but some tips and techniques must be used to help with success.