Here is an alternative to a thin metal ruler for back-beveling plane irons. I use a piece of narrow brass angle stock that’s roughly 1/8 in. across and 0.014 in. thick, which creates a nice, shallow bevel. Available online and at hobby shops, the brass is easily cut to the length of your stone, and hooks nicely over the edge. I use one hand to control the projection of the plane blade and hold it against the brass angle, and the other to hold down the tip.
—LARRY MATTHEWS, Upper Darby, Pa.
Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #298
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Norton Water Stones
This kit includes everything you need to sharpen all of your blades, with water stones in four grits and a separate stone to keep them flat.
Wen Diamond Grinding Wheel
Diamond grinding wheel is perfect for flattening grinding wheels before honing chisels and plane blades
Mist Coolant System
A mister for keeping tools cool while you hone them on your grinder. This mister has a base that can be screwed to a support near your grinding wheel or drill press. It conveniently hooks up to a small shop compressor, and by charging it with coolant, you can keep tools rust free.
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