Setting The Blade

A sharp blade is the first step in putting your plane into service. The second is setting the cutting depth and understanding how to use the depth stop.

How Do I Set The Cutting Depth?

The thing to remember is that router planes work best when taking shallow cuts.

Router plane blades are set by slightly releasing the locking knob, making the adjustment, then re-tightening the knob. Don’t overtighten. Start with the blade set above the level of the sole. Set the plane flat on the bench. Advance the blade down until it just touches the bench. From this position, you can make very small incremental adjustments to achieve the desired cutting depth.

With the large router plane, make the final adjustment clockwise to eliminate backlash.

How Do I Use The Depth Stop?

The depth stop enables consistent, repeatable cuts to a preset depth. It’s one of a router plane’s most useful features.

To set the depth stop, first advance the blade to the final depth of cut. On the large plane, bring the depth stop into contact with the adjustment knob; on the small and medium planes, the depth stop contacts the body casting. Set the blade to take a shallow cut initially, and begin advancing and cutting successively until the depth adjustment knob bottoms out.

How Do I Use A Spacer To Set The Depth Stop?

Sometimes you need a high level of accuracy when cutting a hinge gain or joinery. Begin with the blade set flush with the sole, and place the spacer (such as the hinge leaf) between the depth stop and contact surface. This gives you the correct position for the depth stop without measuring.

How Do I Use The Fence With The Large Router Plane?

Attach the fence to the main body of the router (either side) using the screw that is stored on the end of the shaft.

The fence will enable long cuts a consistent distance from the edge. The secret to success is to take light passes with a sharp blade and to maintain pressure by pushing the fence against the work. It’s good practice to first scribe the cut with a marking gauge.