Plane Irons

Plane Irons

Plane irons are the cutting blades of hand planes, which are woodworking tools used for smoothing and shaping wood surfaces. They are typically made of high-carbon steel or tool steel, and are ground to a sharp edge at a specific angle. The angle of the blade, known as the bevel angle, determines the cutting performance and the type of wood that can be worked. The blade is held in place by a cap iron, also known as a chip breaker, which helps to break up the wood chips and prevent tear-out. The quality of a plane iron is determined by its hardness, toughness, and edge retention. High-carbon steel is a popular choice for plane irons because it can be hardened to a high degree and holds a sharp edge well. However, it is also brittle and can chip or break if subjected to too much stress. Tool steel is another option that offers a balance of hardness and toughness, making it more resistant to damage. Sharpening and honing the blade is an important part of maintaining a hand plane. The blade must be honed to a razor-sharp edge, which can be achieved using a series of sharpening stones or abrasive papers. The angle of the bevel must also be maintained, as any deviation can affect the performance of the plane. In summary, plane irons are the cutting blades of hand planes used for woodworking. They are made of high-carbon steel or tool steel, and are ground to a specific angle for optimal cutting performance. The blade is held in place by a cap iron, and must be sharpened and honed regularly to maintain a sharp edge.

hand planes, woodworking, high-carbon steel, tool steel, bevel angle

— Mark Williams