Troubleshooting and Maintenance

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.

Is there anything I can do to make it easier to plane hard woods?

Take as light a cut as possible, but you can also moisten the surface with alcohol or mineral spirits. This softens the fibers, making them easier to cut.

What else can I use my shooting plane for?

When paired with a jointing board, it can also be used to joint an edge. The jointing board is essentially a long version of a shooting board with a straight reference edge and square reference surface.

Jointing Board

To use the jointing board, secure the workpiece in a vise, and clamp the jointing board to the work with the edge to be jointed aligned with the reference edge. Hold the plane such that the base surface is tight against the reference surface.

You can also make a shooting board with a fence cut to an angle other than 90-degrees for miter work.

What ongoing maintenance should I perform?

Apart from sharpening the blade, rust prevention is the biggest maintenance issue. 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.