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Handplane instruction help, please

2K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  Mambrax 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I just bought a Stanley 920 block plane. The instruction state "Comes with accurate ground edge of 25°; finishing with an additional honed angle of 30° is recommended". Can some one translate in English for me ? I realy don't understand what that mean.
Thanks,
 
#2 ·
I believe that they are saying you are going to need to finish sharpening the blade with a 30 degree bevel, also known as a microbevel. Basically they ground the iron but have not sharpened it. You could certainly sharpen it at 25 degree but you will need to remove much more metal than you would even at one degree higher.

Most planes, outside of LN, veritas, and other high end models, do not come as sharp as they are required to be to work very well.
 
#4 ·
i think i got it. So basically if put the iron on the Veritas honing guide set at 25 degree, give it a couple of polishing stock then click to micro bevel position i should be fine ?
In full learning curve here, so please feel free for input.
 
#5 ·
Figured it was about time I joined this forum. Thanks for the link, Smitty!

To the OP, all you have to do is hone a micro-bevel on the leading edge of the iron (blade). Just about 1/8 of an inch is enough. Think of the micro-bevel (AKA secondary bevel) the same as the small beveled cutting edge of a razor blade, or even a kitchen knife. It's that last fraction of an inch that gets honed. If you're starting with a 25 degree main bevel, the secondary bevel will add a couple of degrees. Don't worry if it's 28. 29, or 30 degrees. Anywhere in there will work just fine.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Quick question, what is the best honing guide? And what about stones? Does anyone know any really good articles or reviews for this?

- Gwjames
There isn't a "best". Most honing guides will do some things well, other things not so much. There is no one size fits all with honing guides. If you are going to use a honing guide, to find the "best" expect to kiss a bunch of frogs on the journey to the promised land. As an aside, by the time the journey is over most folks end up with a cabinet full of unused honing guides and sharpen free hand.

Of course as with all things wood….YMMV.
 
#12 ·
Here my take on the matter. I never used a honing guide before the Veritas. I did practice on some old chisels and in 10 minutes they moved from not cutting butter to be handle with glove as they are so sharp. (using only send wet paper). That's all have to say : no journey, no frog… sharp kick. Love it.
 
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