Hand planing your plates and keeping them still

[jeffrodite]

As my title suggests, what are you hand planers using to hold your plates steady while thicknessing?

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Clamp in a couple of corners, and move the clamps around as necessary

[jeffrodite]

Im just looking for a way to possibly not clamp it, to just have a clear shot to work with. Perhaps some type of mat?

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-tommy

[Kevin Sjostrand]

You could try the non-slip material for the inside of drawers, etc. I have it and have used it when I am sanding, but I never tried planing on it.
Might hold it well enough. Also the plates up against some really low bench dogs might do it.

[B. Howard]

Be careful with the drawer liner material, it can leave marks in the wood from some type of a reaction. Ask me how I know......I use two clamps and move them around its about developing a pattern and a rhythm to the work.

[jeffrodite]

Thank you all for the advice. I do use the clamps, but it is certainly nicer seeing an obstacle free surface to work with.