Molly Ayala
Keeping your electric planer blade sharp is essential for smooth and efficient wood planing. While a brand new planer will come with a varnish coating to prevent rusting, this should be removed before use with abrasive paper or a suitable solvent. To sharpen the blade, you'll need to adjust the frog—the bed on which the blade lies at an angle—until the bevelled underside of the blade is level with the back edge of the mouth opening. Once the angle is correct, you can tighten the setscrews and place the lever cap on top, adjusting the cutting iron assembly screw until the lever requires slight force to push back. With the plane set up, you can begin sharpening, always facing the blade away from you for safety.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Always face the blade away from you when sharpening |
| Remove the varnish coating with abrasive paper or a suitable solvent to prevent rusting | |
| Use a file or card scraper to remove any seams on plastic handles, which can cause blistering | |
| Apply shellac for a glossy finish or use sandpaper for a different texture | |
| Sharpening Technique | With the sole face down, rub it on a coarse diamond sharpening plate |
| Check the sole surface with a light and straightedge to identify any abraded areas | |
| Use a file to ease sharp edge corners and adjust the angle for a more rounded corner, reducing potential damage | |
| Remove the lever cap and lubricate the mechanism with light machine oil if necessary | |
| Place the cap iron on the sharpening plate with the hump near the edge to achieve the correct angle for flattening the under edge | |
| Adjust the frog to align the underside of the blade with the mouth opening, then tighten the setscrews | |
| Line up the cap iron assembly, place the lever cap on top, and adjust the cutting iron assembly screw as needed |
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What You'll Learn
Face the blade away from you
When sharpening a planer blade, it is important to always face the blade away from you. This is a key safety precaution, as it means that the cutting edge of the blade is never pointing towards your hand.
To do this, place the cap iron on the sharpening plate with the hump as close to the edge as possible. This positioning allows you to develop the under edge at the correct angle. If the cap iron was placed further back on the sharpening plate, it would sharpen at the wrong angle.
Once you have the cap iron in the correct position, rub it back and forth to flatten the under edge. You want to make sure that the cap iron mates with the blade without any gap. Then, put the cap iron and blade back together by crossing them over and swivelling them together. This will ensure that the blade is facing away from you when you hold the tool.
With the blade now facing away from you, you can begin sharpening. To sharpen a planer blade, you need to restore a flat face to the rounded blunt edge. This requires two grades of abrasive, both in the fine range. The first grade will quickly remove the rounded edge, while the second, finer grade polishes the new flat face. Hold the blade freehand or, for more precise results, use a honing guide to hold it at the correct angle. Sharpen until the edge is shiny and you can feel a tiny burr on the end.
By following these steps and always ensuring that the blade is facing away from you, you can safely and effectively sharpen your planer blade.
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Use a diamond sharpening plate
Using a diamond sharpening plate is a popular method for sharpening electric planer blades. Diamond plates are available in a range of grits, from coarse to fine, and can be used with oil or water as a lubricant. They are also available in single-sided and double-sided options.
To use a diamond sharpening plate, it is important to first create a flat surface on the back of the blade. This can be done by using a honing guide or jig to hold the blade at a consistent angle while sharpening. The angle of the grinding bevel should be about 25 degrees for a planer blade. It is important to apply pressure on the push stroke only to prevent a thin wire edge from forming.
When using a diamond sharpening plate, it is important to make the same number of passes on each blade to ensure they are sharpened evenly. This can be done by using a jig or guide to hold the blade in place. A diamond sharpening plate with a fine grit can be used to create a polished, reflective surface on the back of the blade.
It is also important to note that diamond sharpening plates may not cut as quickly as other options, so flattening the back of the blade may take some time. However, the end result is a solid, sharp and polished blade.
Overall, using a diamond sharpening plate is a effective way to sharpen electric planer blades, but it requires patience and precision to ensure an even and sharp edge.
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Adjust the frog
Adjusting the frog is a crucial step in setting up and sharpening an electric planer blade. The frog is a vital component of the planer, as it holds the blade in place and allows for precise adjustments to the cutting angle. Here is a detailed guide on how to adjust the frog:
Accessing the Frog:
To begin adjusting the frog, you will need to remove the cap iron and the cutting blade assembly. Once these components are removed, you will be able to see the inside face of the frog. It is important to be cautious during this process, as the blade and surrounding areas will be sharp. Always ensure that the blade is facing away from you.
Adjusting the Frog's Position:
The frog can be adjusted to move back or forward, which in turn adjusts the mouth opening of the planer. Locate the adjustment screw at the back of the frog. By turning this screw, you can control the position of the frog. Make sure that the underside of the blade, which is the bevelled side, sits in line with the back edge of the mouth opening. This alignment can be checked using a straightedge, such as a steel rule or the edge of a square.
Fine-Tuning the Angle:
After you have achieved the desired position for the frog, it is important to fine-tune the angle of the blade. Ensure that the bevel of the cutting edge is never more than 30 degrees, as this can weaken the edge. You can use a straightedge or a square to check that the blade is at the correct angle before tightening the setscrews fully.
Lubrication and Maintenance:
To ensure smooth operation and prolong the life of your planer blade, it is recommended to periodically oil the moving parts, including the face of the frog. A light machine oil, such as 3-in-One, can be used for this purpose. Oiling the frog will ease the swivel action when adjusting the blade edge alignment via the lateral adjustment lever.
By following these steps, you will be able to successfully adjust the frog of your electric planer blade, ensuring accurate and efficient cutting performance. Remember to take your time and work carefully to achieve the desired results.
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Remove the lever cap
Removing the lever cap from a hand plane is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
First, it is important to understand the function of the lever cap. The lever cap, patented by Leonard Bailey in 1858, serves to secure the blade assembly tight to the bed of the frog, preventing the thin blade from flexing and vibrating during use, which is known as "shatter". By pressing the lever down evenly, the cap iron, plane iron, and lever cap act as a single solid wedge. This ensures a stable and controlled cutting action.
When removing the lever cap, the first step is to release the tension on the cam. This can be done by simply undoing the cam lever. The tension on the lever cap should primarily come from the cam, and releasing this tension will allow you to remove the lever cap without adjusting any screws. Be cautious when handling the spring attached to the lever cap, as its purpose is to keep the lever cap from sliding when the cam lever is undone.
If your lever cap feels stiff, it is recommended to use light machine oil to lubricate the mechanism. Gently move the lever back and forth to ensure that the oil is distributed evenly among the moving parts. This will help loosen the lever cap and make it easier to remove.
In some cases, you may need to adjust the screws to remove the lever cap. Loosen the cap screw with the appropriate screwdriver to release the tension. Be mindful that the central screw that screws into the frog should be tightened securely, as this holds the iron in place. Once the tension is released, you can carefully lift and remove the lever cap.
It is important to note that the process of removing the lever cap may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your electric planer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek guidance from a qualified technician if you are unsure about any steps.
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Check the sole surface
The sole surface of your electric planer is an important component of the tool. It is also known as the sole plate or shoe. Before you begin sharpening the blade, it is important to check the sole surface for any discrepancies. Firstly, ensure that the planer is unplugged and not connected to any power source. Then, place the planer with the sole face down on a coarse diamond sharpening plate. Rub the sole back and forth on the plate, applying even pressure across the surface. Once you're satisfied, turn the planer over and inspect the sole. Look out for any sharp edges or corners that may have been abraded by the sharpening plate. If you notice any sharp edges, use a file to gently ease and round these corners. This process will help minimise damage if the corners come into contact with your workpiece.
Additionally, you can use a straightedge, such as a steel rule or the edge of a square, to check the alignment of the sole surface with the blade. Place the straightedge along the edge of the sole and adjust the blade until it sits in line with the straightedge. This step ensures that the blade is positioned correctly in relation to the sole. If you own a planer with a depth adjustment feature, you can use a metal ruler to check the depth of the cut. Slide the ruler onto the base of the planer and adjust the depth accordingly. This step ensures that the planer is set to the desired cutting depth.
It is also important to inspect the sole surface for any warping or damage. Cast metal sole plates are less prone to warping than stamped metal plates. If you notice any warping or damage, it may be necessary to replace the sole plate to ensure accurate and safe planing. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional advice for replacing or repairing any parts of your electric planer.
Finally, before using your electric planer, ensure that the sole surface is free from any debris or obstructions. The sole plate should be clear and unobstructed to ensure smooth contact with the workpiece. By following these steps, you can effectively check the sole surface of your electric planer, ensuring it is in optimal condition for sharpening and subsequent use.
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Frequently asked questions
Always face the blade away from you when sharpening. The cutting edge should never face your opposing hand. Be careful, as the tools will become very sharp.
If your plane has plastic handles, you might feel a seam down the middle where the two halves of the handle are joined. If left, these seams can cause blistering. Use a file or a card scraper to remove them.
With the sole face down, rub it back and forth on a coarse diamond sharpening plate. Turn the plane over and check which part has been abraded away. Check the sole surface again using a light and a straightedge.
