HNT Gordon - Plane Setting for a Smoothing or Trying Plane

Home Page | Previous Page
The photos on this page are of a smoothing plane being setup. The trying plane is setup in the same manner.

Step 1

This photo shows a 'blade setting block' which is simply a small piece of hard wood 6" x 2" x 1" planed perfectly flat. Some tips:

For a fine blade setting ensure the wood is super hard.
Check the block is perfectly flat over its length and across its width.

Step 2

Sit the plane on the setting block as shown. Place the blade in position and using your index finger ensure the blade is sitting against the bed and hold the plane body
to stop it from moving.

Step 3

Place the wedge loosely into position and with a small hammer tap the wedge firmly into position using a series of taps until the wedge takes up. Some tips:

Hit the wedge in the middle
A series of small taps is better than one big tap
Don't move the plane when setting the wedge
Check the blade is secure before use
If blade is loose you need to hit the wedge harder
If the blade sets to deep, your setting block needs to be a harder piece of wood
If your blade sets out of level either your setting block is not flat or you are hitting the wedge more on one side than the other.

Please note: This is the initial setting of the blade only, and you are not restricted to this method alone. This method will get you going and ensure you are not frustrated as you learn how to use your classic wooden plane. But to get the best out of your plane you do need to learn how to make tiny changes to the depth of cut by tapping the body or blade with a small hammer, which is fully explained in the instructions that come with the plane.