I have two Record Marples Planes, a # 05 & #07 and I’ve attempted to tune them both with info from FWW articles. I’m having difficulty in getting the # 05 plane to produce that seemingly elusive thin shaving. I’ve been trying to smooth up some quarter sawn white oak without good results. The frog doesn’t really permit a forward adjustment so as to close the gap down to effect that thin wide shaving. Would you recommend elongating the frog slots to enable the frog to be moved forward , closing that gap. I believe a recent tip advised a gap of approx 1/32 or even as close as a 1/64. Don’t know if that varies on different species of wood or not. Would a thicker replacement blade from Lie Nielson be a better approach? I would like to be able to use the #5 to smooth up the wood to provide for a good flat surface for finishing. Maybe the Record Marples planes are not of this capability and I should look at a better quality of plane. I would really appreciate your frank and candid advice.
Thank You & Merry Christmas
Frank
Replies
Get a better plane
A thicker iron and chip breaker will help but the best solution is a better plane. I wouldn't elongate the screw slots on the frog. Tightening the mouth down will only get you so far. I have know idea what your sharpening skills are but a plane setup for smoothing needs to have the sharpest iron possible. You can also try making the bevel on your chip breaker steeper, say around 80 degrees or so and set it as close to the cutting edge as you can.
gdblake
Record Plane
Thank you for responding! I'll try you suggestion with respect to the chip breaker. I may have to replace the Record planes with possibly one from Veritas or L Nielson.
Again I thank you for your help!
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