Back lash in planes

Backlash usually occures in screws. For example the blade depth adjustment on a stanley plane.
Rotate the knob in either direction and the blade will either retract of extend the blade. When you stop and start to rotate in the other direction you will notice the that it free spins for a little bit before it starts to move the blade in the opposite direction. That is the backlash. It may be 1/8 of a turn or maybe 3/4. The more the more backlash.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Betsy, when you adjust your plane blade, always turn the knob to increase the amount of blade (clockwise, from the back) That way you take out the backlash. If you back the blade out for a thinner cut, the force of making the cut will cause the blade to back out more (because of backlash). So if you want a thinner cut, retract the blade more than you want, then extend it back to the right spot.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

Thanks guys—- I knew someone on here would be able to tell me.

LJs Rock!

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!