How to Sharpen a Router Plane Blade?
A router plane is a versatile hand tool that allows for precise cuts in woodworking projects. It is commonly used for leveling and smoothing uneven surfaces, and it is especially useful for creating joints and dadoes. However, to get the most out of your router plane, you need to make sure that the blade is sharp.
How to Sharpen a Router Plane Blade?
To sharpen a router plane blade, use a honing rod and a sharpening stone. Place the honing rod in the blade’s kerf and use the stone to sharpen the blade.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to sharpen a router plane blade in five simple steps.
Read Also: How to Use a Router Plane?
How to Sharpen a Router Plane Blade? – Guide
A router plane blade should be sharpened at least every six months for optimum performance. Here is a step-by-step method to sharpen the router plane blade:
1. Remove the Blade
Before you can begin sharpening your router plane blade, you need to remove it from the tool. To do this, you’ll need to loosen the knob that secures the blade in place.
Depending on the model of your router plane, this knob may be located on the front or the back of the tool.
Once the knob is loose, carefully slide the blade out of the plane body. Be sure to keep the blade level and avoid touching the sharp edges.
2. Prepare Your Sharpening Tools
Now that you have the blade removed, it’s time to gather your sharpening tools. You’ll need a sharpening stone or a diamond plate, honing oil, a flat surface to work on, and a way to hold the blade in place.
There are several types of sharpening stones available, including water stones, oil stones, and diamond stones. Choose the one that works best for you and make sure it is the appropriate grit for your blade.
A coarse stone (around 400 grit) is best for sharpening very dull blades, while a fine stone (around 1000 grit) is better for maintaining an already sharp edge.
3. Sharpen the Blade
Once you have your tools prepared, it’s time to start sharpening the blade. Place the sharpening stone on a flat surface and apply a small amount of honing oil to the stone.
Honing oil helps to lubricate the stone and prevent the blade from getting clogged with metal particles. Hold the blade firmly with both hands and place it on the stone at a 25-degree angle.
Begin with the coarsest grit and move the blade in a circular motion, applying light pressure. Continue to sharpen the blade, checking frequently to see if the edge is becoming sharper.
Once you are satisfied with the sharpness of the blade, move on to a finer grit stone and repeat the process. Be sure to wipe the blade clean with a soft cloth between each grit change.
4. Check for Sharpness
After you have finished sharpening the blade, it’s important to check it for sharpness. There are several ways to do this, including running your fingernail lightly along the edge or attempting to slice a piece of paper with the blade.
If the blade is sharp, it should easily slice through the paper without tearing it. If the blade is not sharp enough, repeat the sharpening process with a finer grit stone until you achieve the desired sharpness.
5. Reassemble the Plane
Once you are satisfied with the sharpness of the blade, it’s time to reassemble the router plane. Carefully slide the blade back into the plane body and tighten the knob to secure it in place.
Be sure to check that the blade is properly aligned and that it moves smoothly before using the tool.
If you find that the blade is not aligned, you may need to adjust it using the adjustment screw or knob on your router plane.
Why You Should Sharpen Your Router Plane Blade?
If you’re looking for a way to improve the quality of your work, then you should consider sharpening your router plane blade.
By doing so, you’ll be able to make cleaner cuts and achieve a better overall finish. Not to mention, it’ll also help extend the life of your router plane. Here’s a look at why you should sharpen your router plane blade:
- Cleaner Cuts: A sharp blade will allow you to make cleaner cuts in your material. This is especially important if you’re working with sensitive materials that can be easily damaged.
- Better Finish: A sharp blade will also give you a better finish on your workpiece. If you’re looking for a smooth and professional finish, then sharpening your blade is a must.
- Extended Life: By keeping your blade sharp, you’ll be able to extend its life. This means that you won’t have to replace it as often, which can save you money in the long run.
Tips for Sharpening Your Router Plane Blade
If your router plane blade is dull, here are a few tips to help you sharpen it:
- First, remove the blade from the router plane and clean off any debris or build-up that may be on it.
- Next, use a honing guide to hold the blade at the correct angle while you sharpen it.
- Use a sharpening stone to sharpen the blade, using strokes that are parallel to the edge of the blade.
- Finally, test the sharpness of the blade by using it to make a few cuts in the wood. If it is still not as sharp as you would like, repeat steps 2-4 until you achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
Sharpening a router plane blade is a skill that takes practice to master. With patience, proper technique, and the right tools, you can become a master of this craft and create beautiful and precise projects with your router plane.
With a sharp blade, your router plane will become your most reliable tool for any woodworking project. I hope this blog post is helpful for you in understanding how to sharpen a router plane blade.
Related: Do You Need a Router Plane?
