Tuning a Hand Plane for Precision

Article 140: Tuning a Hand Plane for Precision

By: A Woodworker Who Believes Sharp Is Everything

Even the best hand plane won't perform unless it's properly tuned. Here's how to get your plane slicing shavings like tissue paper.

Tools and Materials

• Bench plane (No. 4 or 5)

• Honing guide

• Waterstones (1000, 4000, 8000 grit)

• Flattening stone

• Screwdriver, small wrench

• Camellia oil (optional)

Steps to Tune

1. Disassemble the Plane

   • Remove the iron, cap iron, lever cap, and frog.

2. Flatten the Sole

   • Sand flat on 220-grit sandpaper adhered to glass or granite.

3. Sharpen the Iron

   • Use a honing guide. Establish a 25° bevel, then add a 30° microbevel.

   • Polish back to a mirror finish.

4. Tune the Cap Iron

   • Ensure it fits tightly and squarely—no gaps to trap shavings.

5. Reassemble and Adjust

   • Set frog forward for tight mouth.

   • Adjust depth and lateral angle with test passes.

Diagram – Plane Blade Profile

Side View:
 ___________________________
|                           |
|      (25° bevel)         /|
|_________________________/ |
| (Back polished flat)     |