How to Sharpen a Router Plane Blade

These small blades can be difficult to sharpen. Here are some tips to make the task easier.

By Garrett Hack #218–Mar/April 2011 Issue

Q:

I just bought an old router plane and want to put it to work, but I can’t figure out a good way to sharpen the blade. Any tips?

David Kroenke, Whidbey Island, WA

A:

Because there us a 90° turn in router-plane blades, they can be a pain to sharpen. The trick is to take the sharpening stone to the blade. In other words, to grind and hone the bevel, hold the blade in one hand and the stone in the other. Stroke the stone over the bevel. Be careful to keep the bevel square to the edge of the blade; otherwise, it will cut deeper on one side than the other and you won’t get flat-bottom grooves from the plane.
As for the flat side of the blade, deal with it just like the flat side of a standard plane blade, by keeping it flat on the stone and taking care not to round over the bevel.

blade in hand to sharpen a router plane blade — **Let your fingers do the guiding.**

fingers guide to sharpen a router plane blade — **You’ll have to set aside the honing guide and hold the blade in your hand. Keep a finger over the bevel so it stays flat on the stone.**

Photos: Kelly J. Dunton

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper

The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

Buy at Amazon

Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low Angle Block Plane

With smooth, precise adjustments and wonderful balance, this compact block plane is a joy to use. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but there’s not a better block plane available for the money.

Buy at Direct