Q: How do I set the blade on this plane?
Set the blade of this Japanese hand plane with gentle taps from a light mallet or plane hammer, keeping the capscrew snug but not overtightened so light taps can still move it into position.
44P0101 - Smooth Plane
Like Japanese saws, Japanese planes are pulled, not pushed. They can be pushed, but cutting control is better on the pull stroke.
This white oak plane is similar to a traditional Japanese plane; however, a metal chip breaker with a capscrew replaces the traditional wooden wedge. To increase the cut, simply tap the front of the plane with a mallet; to decrease the cut, tap the back of the plane. The high-carbon steel blade will hold a keen edge to achieve tissue-thin shavings, even in difficult woods.
The smooth plane, with its 36mm wide by 4mm thick (1 3/8" × 3/16") blade, works like a block plane. It may require a bit of practice in setting up the blade to achieve the final cut, but once there, performs remarkably well.
Set the blade of this Japanese hand plane with gentle taps from a light mallet or plane hammer, keeping the capscrew snug but not overtightened so light taps can still move it into position.
The white oak body can contract in a heated shop with very low humidity, pinching the blade; if that happens, pare a little wood from the throat sides to restore clearance.
It works on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke of a typical block plane, which gives you more control over thin shavings, though the two tools serve a similar smoothing role.
Loosen the capscrew and rap the heel of the plane body until the blade comes free by hand, or clamp the blade edges in a vise with soft pads and drive the body off instead.
| Materials | White oak body; high-carbon steel blade; metal chip breaker |
| Dimensions | Blade 36mm × 4mm (1 3/8" × 3/16") |
| Includes | Japanese smooth wooden plane |
| Package Quantity | 1 item |
| Warranty | Lee Valley Satisfaction Guarantee |
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Japanese Smooth Wooden Plane
Like Japanese saws, Japanese planes are pulled, not pushed. They can be pushed, but cutting control is better on the pull stroke.
This white oak plane is similar to a traditional Japanese plane; however, a metal chip breaker with a capscrew replaces the traditional wooden wedge. To increase the cut, simply tap the front of the plane with a mallet; to decrease the cut, tap the back of the plane. The high-carbon steel blade will hold a keen edge to achieve tissue-thin shavings, even in difficult woods.
The smooth plane, with its 36mm wide by 4mm thick (1 3/8" × 3/16") blade, works like a block plane. It may require a bit of practice in setting up the blade to achieve the final cut, but once there, performs remarkably well.
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