A hand planer is a woodworking tool used to smooth and shape wood surfaces. It consists of a flat base with a sharp blade that shaves off thin layers of wood as it is pushed along the surface. Hand planers are essential for achieving a flat, even finish on boards and can also be used to reduce the thickness of wood. There are different types of hand planers, including the traditional block plane and the jack plane. Each type serves specific purposes, such as trimming edges or flattening larger surfaces. Using a hand planer requires skill and practice to achieve the desired results.