How to Sharpen a Block Plane With a Brick

Block planes must be kept sharp to retain their effectiveness.

Use a honing brick to put a sharp edge back onto a dull block plane. This process cannot be accomplished with the blade still attached to the plane, making removal of the blade necessary. Because a plane blade is sharpened on only one side, it is also very important to avoid sharpening the blade as a typical knife is sharpened. Doing so will reduce the effectiveness of the block plane and produce a haggard, unclean cut.

Things You'll Need

• Honing brick
• Screwdriver
• Household oil

Instructions

1. Remove the blade from the block plane. On some planes, this is accomplished by pulling upward on a locking bar on top of the plane, while on others, the blade is screwed into place.

2. Place the honing brick onto a flat work surface and add a drop or two of household oil to the surface. Use your fingers to spread the drop of oil over the surface of the brick.

3. Position the block plane blade at a 45 degree angle on the honing brick and alternately push the blade away from you and drag it toward you. Work slowly, inspecting the blade regularly to ensure that the blade edge is being sharpened precisely. Sharpen only one side of the blade. The other side of the blade does not require sharpening.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only a 45-degree angle when sharpening block planer blades. Too steep an angle will produce a blade edge that is not sharp enough, and too shallow an angle will produce a blade edge that is too thin and susceptible to damage.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Sharpening"; Leonard Lee; 1995
• "The Handplane Book"; Garrett Hack; 2003
• "The Perfect Edge: The Ultimate Guide to Sharpening for Woodworkers"; Ron Hock; 2010