I purchased a block plane and while watching an episode of Woodsmith Shop they discussed tuning the block plane. They mentioned that you should draw a squiggly line across the sole of the plane and use 220-grit silicon carbide sandpaper for tuning the base of the plane. I have 220-grit sandpaper I had already purchased and was wondering if it would work (it is 3M garnet sandpaper for sanding bare wood surfaces purchased from Amazon.com). I wasn’t sure if there was a big difference in these two types. Thanks.

Scott. Silicone Carbide is used for cutting hard materials such as metal,aluminum, plastics and paint etc. It cuts quicker and requires less time at the task then if you use standard sandpaper for wood.

But, you can use the standard sand paper too, it just means you might spend a little extra time at the task of flattening the sole. Using sandpaper for wood is not detrimental to your plane just your arm muscles!! In a pinch I use my regular sand paper for sharpening plane irons, and yes I have even flattened the sole of a plane with it. The difference in time it took? I really couldn't tell you, it just seemed to take a tad longer is all.

What kind of plane did you purchase that needs flattening? Just curious, new, used?

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

This is a new block plane I purchased from Lowes. I thought it best to tune it before using it to ensure the best results.

Scott, John has given you some good advice. One disadvantge is that the garnet papers abrasive is soft and will dull quickly thus you will use alot more of it. I wouldn't make a special trip to the store just to buy some silicon carbide paper but if I were already in the area or next time you are there, pick some up even if it's just to have on hand.

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Round Barn WoodCrafts, Plymouth WI
roundbarnwoodcrafts@hotmail.com

That is a good idea Scott! But just in case you get lucky, place a straight edge across the sole and see how it looks! I am guessing you picked up a Stanley, in which case your assumption is probably correct in it needs flattening, but you never know unless you check first. Those lil Stanleys are good tools, I have two of them I reach for pretty often. When tuned like your doing, they are just as good as any.

While typing this Scott, I happened to think, even if it is flat already, it wouldn't hurt to take the sole up to 400 grit, work it through the grits from 150 to 220 to 400 and you'll get a nice smooth surface, smoother then the factory surface on it now. And if you have some 800 laying around, for craps and giggles glide it across the 800 a few times and you'll get dang close to a high satin finish on it, it's purely aesthetics at that point though, I do it to mine and I just like to see my reflection in the soles! Cuz I'm so dang pretty!

Scott Brydon said:

This is a new block plane I purchased from Lowes. I thought it best to tune it before using it to ensure the best results.

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it.

Just wanna make sure that when I begin my next project I am as prepared as possible.

Scott, you certainly came to the right place for your answers. You might consider getting an assortment pack of full size silicon carbide. I found one the other day that has 1 piece each of 220, 320, 400, 600, and 1500 grit wet/dry paper. Remember that you need a extremely flat surface for your sand paper for best results.

You might also consider taking a look at the video section of TPW ( if you have not done so). It has a great selection of videos on sharpening plane blades.

Have fun on your new adventure. A nicely tuned plane is a joy to work with.

russ

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No greater Loves than God, Family, Friends, country, the sight of flying chips and the smell of saw dust.

Russell, thanks for the recommendation for an assortment pack of full sizes silicon carbide. I will definitely get one when I visit the hardware store again. Thanks.

 Go through Walmart's automotive section.    The area that has the "touch-up paints".     You'll find all sorts of such sandpaper, including variety packs.    That is, IF the is a Walmart nearby....

 Sounds like a project for my other planes.    Now that the wood one is done, I may move on to the metal bodied ones.  

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'and may the road raise up to meet ye'