Print

[scotsco]

Now I've read many of you round the bottom of a wooden block plane and the regrind the blade too match? But surely this makes the mouth of the plane wider at the corners than in the centre? Does this not make the plane horrible too use? Or do you modify the mouth too? Add wood back in?

[scotsco]

Anyone got a picture of one they've made?

[Bambooman]

Now I've read many of you round the bottom of a wooden block plane and the regrind the blade too match? But surely this makes the mouth of the plane wider at the corners than in the centre? Does this not make the plane horrible too use? Or do you modify the mouth too? Add wood back in?

To get a mouth that follows the convex blade you need to have a plane that has the lower portion of the throat in the direction of cut. Many traditional wooden planes are arranged like this. You may be looking at a Krenov style plane which is simpler in construction.

[scotsco]

Yes, but the blade sits at an angle (close to 45) and obviously this will be higher at the edge than in the middle due to the curve. So surely the gap at the ends will be wider than in the middle? Due to it being further up the slope?

[Bambooman]

Yes, but the blade sits at an angle (close to 45) and obviously this will be higher at the edge than in the middle due to the curve. So surely the gap at the ends will be wider than in the middle? Due to it being further up the slope?

Your right the two elements are not co-planar, but its marginal in practical terms and really makes no difference in my experience. From making several round bottom planes the most significant thing effecting quality of cut is always the blade itself. Whatever plane you choose to modify make sure you have as thick a blade as possible to eliminate chatter.

[scotsco]

If it has a chip breaker I presume it's no good?

[Bambooman]

If it has a chip breaker I presume it's no good?

No, I have one I use that has a chip breaker - works fine.