So I have been getting back Into wood working after a multi year lay off.  I realized I needed a plane, but wasn’t going to lay out 400 to 500 for a machine (at least not for a while). So cheapo that I am, I bought a Stanley Bailey No 5 (series 16, I think) for about $25.00.  Cleaned up the rust made sure the sole was flat and sharpened the iron.  I got it looking quite nice, and was eager to try it out.  I made super fine shavings – very thin – in oak (it’s all I had on hand) but could not get larger shavings. The plane would bind up.  Anyhow. I made what I though was an appropriate amount of shavings – two handfuls and called it quits.   I realized the next day I had th bevel upside down and was essentially using it as a scraper.  UGH.  

Has anyone else ever done that – I don’t really want to be alone on this. Also, do you think I need t go in and resharpen?  Lastly, I looked at the bevel on the iron pretty closely and noticed a tiny tinge of blueing in the very center of the blade.  I must have generated a far amount of heat from the friction.  Have killed the iron? Should I grind of a 1/16 to get to “fresh” iron?  I haven’t had a chance to use it with the blade in th correct position so I don’t have a report on how it performed. 

thoughs?  (Besides I’m a dope)