Welcome to leevalley.com. Based on your location, it looks like you're visiting from the United States. Switch regions to browse relevant content and shop in U.S. currency.
Troubleshooting and Techniques
Even with a sharp, properly adjusted plane, things sometimes go awry. Here are some suggestions for solving the most common issues, as well as for looking after your plane properly so it performs well for years to come.
Why are shavings jamming?
Shavings jam if the mouth opening is too tight and/or the blade is set too aggressively. Retract the blade if the shaving is too thick, but if a heavier shaving is desired, open the mouth. Shavings can also jam between the back of the blade and the cap iron. Disassemble, remove the debris, and reassemble.
Why am I getting tear-out, and how can I prevent it?
Tear-out results when the plane blade lifts the wood fibers before cutting them; this typically occurs in areas of reversing grain. Tear-out prevention starts with a sharp blade. The second tactic is to close up the mouth so the toe supports the wood, allowing it to be cut cleanly before it can lift and break. A closely set chip breaker will also help. The solution is often a combination of tactics, but experimentation and experience are the best teachers.
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Why are there lines on the wood when I plane?
The sharp corners of the blade are the most common cause of track marks. If the blade is properly shaped and set for a light cut, making a lateral adjustment will solve the issue.
If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to go back and round the blade corners more or increase the curvature.
What ongoing maintenance should I perform?
Apart from sharpening the blade, rust prevention is the biggest maintenance issue. Avoid planing wet wood, especially woods with a high tannin content (e.g., oak).
After a working session, take out the blade and use a soft brush to remove lingering shavings and dust. Periodically apply a silicone-free wax to the body to seal out moisture. Boeshield T-9 and Veritas Tool Wax both work well. Every so often, strip the plane down completely to give it a thorough cleaning and lubricate the moving parts.
If there is a risk of the tool jostling about in a toolbox, storing it in a plane sack or wrapping it in an old towel provides some protection.
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $59.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $89.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $59.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $42.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
$349.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $13.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $22.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
$14.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
$22.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
$57.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
From: $52.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
$85.00
