HNT Gordon - Blade Setting for Shoulder Plane

Step 1

This photo shows a 'blade setting block' which is simply a small piece of hard wood 6" x 1" x 5/8" planed perfectly flat. Some tips:

For a fine blade setting ensure the wood is super hard.
Check the block is perfectly flat over its length and across its width.

Step 2

Sit the plane on the setting block as shown. Place the blade in position and check with your finger and thumb that the blade is flush on both sides of the plane.

Step 3

Place the wedge loosely into position and with a small hammer tap the wedge firmly into position using a series of taps until the wedge takes up. Some tips:

A series of small taps is better than one big tap
Don't move the plane when setting the wedge
Check the blade is secure before use
If blade is loose you need to hit the wedge harder
If the blade sets to deep, your setting block needs to be a harder piece of wood
If your blade sets out of level either your setting block is not flat or your blade edge has been sharpened out of square to the blade sides.

Please note: This is the initial setting of the blade only, and you are not restricted to this method alone. This method will get you going and ensure you are not frustrated as you learn how to use your classic wooden plane. But to get the best out of your plane you do need to learn how to make tiny changes to the depth of cut by tapping the body or blade with a small hammer, which is fully explained in the instructions that come with the plane.