How to Tune a Block Plane

Looking after woodworking tools correctly is a key to successful woodworking projects. By smoothing, or tuning, the sanding surface of a block planer, not only is the life of the planer increased but the look of the finished wood is smoother. Basic sanding techniques and a marker pen are the staple components to this simple maintenance project. Look below for details on how to tune a block plane.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Block plane
• Vice
• Marker pen
• Sandpaper

1. Turn the plane adjustment dial counter clockwise to retract the block plane's blade. Be sure the blade is completely retracted before proceeding to Step 2.

2. Place the block plane upside down in a vice grip and secure. This will make it easier to work with the block plane in the steps to follow.

3. Color in the base of the block plane with a red marker pen. The entire surface should be covered in ink as this will become the indicator of tuning success.

4. Lay a piece of 180 grit sand paper on a flat surface such as a wood working or shop bench. The rough side should be facing up.

5. Push the block plane with blade retracted across the surface of the sand paper. Use your free hand to hold the piece of sand paper in place. Apply an even amount of pressure rather than force to the block plane.

6. Look at bottom of block plane to see how much of the red ink has been removed after repeating Step 5 several times. The object of sanding the surface is to eventually remove all the red ink from the block plane so that it has a perfectly even surface.

7. Repeat Step 5 with 220 grit sandpaper before moving on to 240 grit sandpaper and to finer and finer grades of paper until all of the red ink is removed.