How to Tune up a Block Plane?

A properly tuned plane is a crucial tool that can glide through the wood with remarkable ease. A tuned plane is typically capable of planing both the softwood and hardwood. When you optimize your plane correctly, you will get better shavings coming out of the plane. For tuning up your block plane, you need to go through the following process:

Process of turning up a block plane

The first step is you need to see the sole or bottom of the plane for flatness. This can certainly be accomplished through a straight steel edge. You now need to lay it diagonally across the sole and look for any light between the straight edge and the plane. Now take note to any hollows. At this point, you now lay it across the other diagonal corners and check. Again, take note of any hollow area. By using the same technique, you need to check the front to back flatness on both sides of the sole. The aim is to determine if the sole is dead flat. If you see the sole is not flattened enough, you will have to flatten it until it becomes completely flat. Now use a piece of 3/8” plate glass, wet it with some mineral spirits, and lay some wet/dry sandpaper on it. However, the mineral spirits will hold the paper tight to the glass. It will also be performing the role of a lubricant while flattening the bottom. Moreover, the grit of the paper will determine how bad the bottom is. Mostly woodworking professionals start with 400 grit paper. You may get more details about Dewalt 734 vs 735 by browsing site.

Now you need to hold the plane firmly against the paper, rub it back and forth for a multiple of times, and then check the marks you drew on the bottom. It would help if you now continued sanding until all the dots are removed.

Next step, you now need to do the same procedure to the bottom flat of the blade. With the backside polished, the angle of the blade will require honing. However, a good jig to hold the proper angle will help out. This also wants to be a polished edge absolutely with no burr left on the backside. By switching between the front and back will gradually form a wire edge.

Now it’s time for you to check the opening in the sole, where the blade protrudes, and check for smoothness. You also need to wax the bottom of the sole, which will help to protect the metal. Besides, it will also allow it to glide across the workpiece. Finally, reassemble the plane and adjust the blade square to the body, and set the depth for an excellent cut.

Conclusion

This above description will help you to tune up your block plane. Professional woodworkers always follow these above specific procedures to tune up their block planes.