Hand Plane Trouble

Sharpen the blade!

-- Herb, Florida - Here's why I close most messages with "Be Careful!" http://lumberjocks.com/HerbC/blog/17090

Like he said, sharpen blade first ask questions later. Process of elimination. Just like trouble shooting a four stroke motor. Check for fuel and spark. Proceed from there.

-- Google first, search forums second, ask questions later.

I third the sharpening advice :)

-- Benjamin, Milwaukee

Did someone mention sharpening the iron? ;-) I’ve not seen a plane yet that comes out of the box really ready to use. Even the high end ones need honing before touching wood.

And yes, waxing the sole of the plane will help.

-- https://www.jtplaneworks.com - In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.

Sharpen the blade? I’ve been using the blade right out of the box, but figure its still pretty sharp.

Nope, out of the box = dull. Flatten the back then sharpen. New planes are not sharp.

-- Bondo Gaposis

Did you sharpen the la jack? I’m surprised it’s not giving you a fit if you didn’t

Definitely flatten the back and make sure the chip breaker is set properly. Those 2 things are particularly important with a smoother but should be done on all planes.

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

Well I did recently get a LA Jack from Lie Nielsen and that came out of the box sharp enough to get fine continuous shavings on pine and cedar… Not quite the same thing as fine continuous shavings on figured maple though, and they even recommend putting on a micro bevel before serious use.

I don’t know, but I think you should sharpen the blade :)

-- John from Murrieta

Did you sharpen the blade yet?

-- Google first, search forums second, ask questions later.