How to Tune Up a Block Plane
⚙️ EPISODE #198: We’ve all struggled at one time or another with getting a hand-plane to work well. Most are beat up from misuse and sadly, never reach their intended potential. In this episode I share my methods for getting the most out of the ubiquitous block plane. A well-tuned block plane can feel like an extension of your hand, effortlessly shaping and shaving wood fibers at will. And be honest, who doesn’t want that? I also show you both my cheap and pricey models which reside together in my tool cabinet, and how they work in beautiful harmony together.
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• Ohishi Waterstone (1,000 grit): https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/blade-sharpening-ohishi-waterstones-
• ATLIN Honing Guide: https://amzn.to/39gW3S6
• Lie-Nielsen Honing Guide: https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/honing-guide-bladesstandard
• Veritas Short-Blade Honing Guide: https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/sharpening/guides/111758-veritas-short-blade-honing-guide?item=05M0930
• ATLIN Honing Guide – Fits Chisels 1/8” to 1-7/8”, Fits Planer Blades 1-3/8” to 3-1/8”: https://amzn.to/3jVijqe
• Moresuperhard CBN Grinding Wheel 8 inch 180 Grit: https://amzn.to/3pAC0cA
⚙️ RELATED VIDEO CONTENT
• How to Sharpen, Tune, and Use a Handplane: https://youtu.be/utgqRRQeBok
• How to Use Handplanes Effectively: https://youtu.be/qE1HGDmcw8E
• Handplaning Flat Surfaces: https://youtu.be/zEtJ2r8WvX4
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LIVE EVENTS are filmed in the shop of Tom McLaughlin, host of TV’s Classic Woodworking and Shop Night Live. Tom loves to pass on the craft of woodworking by creating projects to present in live video form backed by his over 30-years of experience making fine custom furniture.
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Hi this is me terell how are you doing today I’m doing good for myself and grandmother everyday do you wanted to meet me and see me in July 2023 or fall 2023
On hand planes (not low angle block planes), I find that putting a slight back bevel on the iron gives the same result as york or middle pitch when planing difficult grain.
Perhaps I missed it in the video but was a secondary bevel ground?
I’ve tried many methods of sharpening and failed to get a sharp edge consistently. I watch videos where the plane or chisel cuts effortlessly through a sheet of paper but I have not been able to accomplish this feat.
stanley rule and level are before 1920
Hey Tom. I love that you go over a lot of the fundamentals. It just helps to get these practices more “engrained”😄. Btw any thots on the Bridge City planes (I guess they have to different angle irons interchangeable). Pretty pricey but I guess in essence you’re getting two planes in one (in theory). They s,eem pretty different than traditional and curious if you think they’re worth it. I’m also thinking more about the Lee N tho. Thx as always for excellent content!
Thrilling! I have that same plane. My plane is not reaching its potential; been sitting on the bench too long coach; talking about the Stanley, of course. Always great clicking onto your channel Friday Mornings with coffee…cheers…rr Normandy, Fra.
Do you have a small backbevel on the back of the plane using the ruler trick?
CBN =Cubic Boron Nitride, love your contents ❤