Hand Plane Question

I think the main factor is how long it is. If it has been sharpened down enough times that you can’t get it to fit the plane you need a new one.

Aside from that, if it is not rusted to the point where you can’t get it flat anymore, you can just clean it up sharpen it and go. The next problem you might run in to is someone having tried to grind it in the past who overheated it and ruined the temper. It would likely get sharp really easy, but then dull very quickly.

-Brian

-- Part of engineering is to know when to put your calculator down and pick up your tools.

Everything Brian said !!

Thank you for replies. I had to work off about 1/16 in of blade to get rid of pits on the edge so maybe got into decent steel if it had been overheated. Was concerned about support to blade ( have about 1/2 in of blade left before the slot ). The blade sharpened up real nice and seems to cut good. Don’t know yet how edge will hold up.

I agree. Its very seldom a blade needs replacing.

-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.

Generally speaking the blade will outlast you. But I swap for new blades in my vintage tools when DEEP pitting on the back of the blade threatens to ruin my edge.

-- Make furniture that lasts as long as the tree - Ryan

Thank you all for the advice, saves me money too!

Glad the question was answered. +1 on “pitting that can’t be removed” being the top reason an OEM cutter won’t cut it.

-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. - OldTools Archive -