Replies

1. 
   blewcrowe | May 03, 2007 04:07pm | #1

   I know that in lapping I could probably not get better than three thousandsths of a inch.

2. 
   tom77 | May 03, 2007 04:17pm | #2

   Both LN and LV planes are high quality planes that don't need a lot of tuning. Flatness tolerance of .003" doesn't sound like much, but if the sole of the plane is .003" out of flat in the area just in front of the cutting edge, that would be a problem. That is where many old planes are worn and need lapping. Otherwise, they cannot be tuned to take really fine shavings consistently. New planes don't have this localized wear, and their flatness, or lack of, is spread over the entire surface. So, in this context, the difference between the two brands is probably not a big deal.

   Tom.

3. 
   DCarr10760 | May 03, 2007 06:52pm | #3

   The answer is (as it is so often) it depends.

   On a smoother where you want to cut .001-inch shavings or less to impress your friends, it probably is worth lapping it, same is true for your glue jointer (but here you only need the toe, around the mouth and heel of the sole to be flat and planar).  For jacks and fores .003 is gracious plenty good enough. 

   .003-inches is approximately the thickness of a sheet of notebook paper, you could clearly see light through a .003 gap between a ruler and the sole.  It's more than you think.

   David C.

4. 
   Cincinnati | May 04, 2007 12:51pm | #4

   Ideally, you'll need to measure it. Mfg tolerances are not the amount they are out, but rather the max amount they can be out.
5. 
   Metod | May 04, 2007 05:35pm | #5

   Chuck,

   Japanese planes are decidedly non-flat. The do have, however, three co-planar regions...

   Best wishes,

   Metod

1. 
   Cincinnati | May 04, 2007 11:54pm | #6

   I have never heard of this. As long as those 3 co-planar regions are on the board, you are OK.

   BTW: All planes have 3 co-planar regions. Three points define a plane. The three highest points on the base (even if it is flat within .001) will be co-planar regions.

1. 
   Metod | May 05, 2007 04:23am | #7

   Cincinnati,

   You are right, three non-colinear points define a (unique) plane.  But I mentioned three co-planar regions not points.

   The three 'rectangular' regions are to be part of the same plane. They are at the toe, at the heel and at the front of the mouth of the sole.

   The Japanese planes have that zen quality that calls for more time fettling/tuning them than allows for using them. A dan-level master just about breaks it even. You know, like Harley-Davidsons...more time in the shop than on the road.

   Best wishes,

   Metod

   Edited 5/4/2007 9:25 pm ET by Metod

6. 
   Sean2112 | May 05, 2007 08:21am | #8

   Can you see light through .003"? 

   I love LV planes

   I love LN planes

   I have had to re-lap more LN planes than LV planes.

   Regards, Sean

1. 
   philip | May 05, 2007 11:11am | #9

   Sean, as a matter of interest: are you doing the lapping you refer to via abrasive papers and some form of flat surface?
   Or are you lapping on a cast iron grooved lapping plate charged with abrasive grit?Philip Marcou