| Keeping your woodworking tools sharp is a | | | | next step is to examine the blade. Is it perfectly |
| necessary step, as it is difficult to enjoy working | | | | straight, or curved? If the blade is meant to be |
| with wood when you're using dull tools. In fact, | | | | slightly curved, you'll need to make sure to |
| using dull hand planes can waste time and | | | | maintain this shape during the sharpening process. |
| materials, not to mention being frustrating to | | | | Are there any large nicks or breaks that may not |
| work with. Though it's a time consuming activity, | | | | be removable using typical sharpeners? |
| sharpening hand plane blades must be done no | | | | Most hand planes have a specific angle, which |
| matter how often you use the tools in your | | | | may be disclosed by the manufacturer. For |
| workshop. Regardless of the method you choose | | | | example, many Stanley smoothing planes have a |
| for sharpening your tools, always remember that | | | | 25 degree angle. As much as possible, you'll want |
| it will be a lot easier to sharpen your tools when | | | | to avoid changing the angle of the blade by using |
| you keep them sharp, rather than waiting years | | | | an angle guide. Now, sharpen the blade as you |
| between sharpening your favorite planes. | | | | would a knife. Depending on its design, you may |
| In part, the necessary sharpness depends on the | | | | need a very thin sharpening rod to fit between |
| type of plane and its use. For example, a general | | | | the blade and the surrounding metal edges. This |
| woodworking blade may only require 400 grit, | | | | steel rod will gently remove layers of metal until |
| while cabinetmakers' blades and other hand planes | | | | the blade is sharpened. |
| designed for very fine work need to be honed | | | | Other planes can be sharpened with nearly any |
| with at least 600 grit so that they are as smooth | | | | knife sharpening system, since the cutting edge is |
| and sharp as possible. | | | | exposed. Place the blade on your work surface, |
| Although it is possible to send your planes out for | | | | beveled-side up, or hold the blade against a |
| sharpening, if you're like most hobbyists, you can't | | | | sharpening wheel with this side facing the wheel. |
| afford to do this. Luckily, it is relatively easy to | | | | Always make sure that the cutting edge stays |
| learn how to sharpen them yourself. Like most | | | | level with the sharpener, or you will end up taking |
| projects involving woodworking, it's important to | | | | too much metal off one side of the blade, making |
| have the right tools before you start. To sharpen | | | | it uneven. |
| hand tools such as planes, you can use nearly any | | | | Once you think that you are done sharpening, |
| knife sharpening method, such as a wet stone or | | | | test the plane out on a piece of scrap wood. If it |
| dry stone, or an electric sharpener or grinder. | | | | creates visible lines or does not glide across the |
| Some plan designs will require a crock stick or a | | | | wood easily, it needs more sharpening. You can |
| sharpening rod. | | | | also visibly inspect the blade for burrs or nicks, |
| To sharpen the blade of a hand plane, the first | | | | which mean that the blade has not been |
| step is to remove the blade from the plane. The | | | | sharpened to perfection. |