I am in the process of making 1 1/2" table tops from reclaimed barn white oak that is over 100 years old. Most of these former hay loft floor joist are around 2" thick. I've cut to 6 feet in length before milling. Even with this shorter length I have been running into twist and some bowing. Since I didn't own any hand planes and Woodcraft was having a sale, I decided now was the time to jump into neanderthal world and purchased a #4 Smoothing plane and a #6 Jack plane.

Prior to my plane order I read post after post on this forum, good source for info. As recommended here, once they arrived, I spent some time tuning and sharpening. I was amazed at the difference in cutting ability this step provides. OK now my questions.

1. How far back from the cutting edge should the chipbreaker or is it called the cap iron go?
2. What is the difference between a Jack and Smoother, they look the same?
3. My plan is to flatten out one side (remove twist and bow), then run through my thickness planner. What is the your method to remove twist and bow?