The recent article “Every Handplane Needs a Tuneup” and accompanying video are seriously incomplete and misleading in some matters, posing a real risk of harming or even ruining the tool. This is particularly true for folks starting with high quality handplanes like Veritas and Lie-Nielsen, which are a) very unlikely to need several of the recommended procedures, and b) very likely to be harmed up if you don’t know a good deal more than is presented in the article and video. 

The following YouTube video points out the most serious issues and recommends an alternate tuneup: 

No disrespect is intended to the author, who responded quickly and kindly to my concern, or to FWW, both of whom have taught and inspired many woodworkers. Tommy felt his high end planes needed (at least some of) this work. That may be so, but the idea that quality planes in general need this work is simply false, like lumping together Yugo and BMW. As in most manufactured things, there is a wide range in quality among planes, from junkers to ooh-la-la and everything in between. Before you start filing and sanding metal, It’s essential to SEE and UNDERSTAND well…then respond smartly to the particular situation you face.

I have set up many planes for friends, students, customers, and myself, and while some brands needed everything in the book–or relegation to paperweight–none of the top quality planes needed frog removal, sole flattening, or chip breaker work. After blade prep, honing, and setting the cut, they worked beautifully. And thank God! This is why we get fine tools, and why their makers obsess over every detail–to make something ready to work, a delight in form, use, and result. 

Consider playing the probabilities; do what’s sure to help (super sharp, light shaving) and let the plane tell you if it needs more. If it does, look to a thorough treatment of the subject like Garrett Hack’s “The Handplane Book”.

Best wishes,

Pat Megowan