Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Nov 30, 2004 07:56pm | #1

   By hand this is a lot of work, and messy. With powdered silicon carbide and a lubricant such as kerosene or oil, mix this to a slurry paste over plate glass and have at it.Or, if you have 500-800g  flat,repeat flat stones this also works.

   Otherwise, a machine shop can flatten it for you.

   As to cause, most planes are not flat when new and need conditioning. Sometimes the sole is left tensioned after use which can distort the sole. And sometimes excessive unflatness is poor machining at the factory.

1. 
   user-450633 | Dec 04, 2004 01:31am | #5

   If not a heavy bodied plane I put plane blade in and tension all before doing as others suggested though we have surface grinder to speed up process. I would be careful of spray glue on glass with paper as it could get bumpy depending on brand used. You can sand glass with rubber block and 220 wet dry or coarser .Then you can spread Titebond   2 on and squeegee paper onto it. Use hot water to remove. and razor from edges in. Or  use water as suction holdown or tape at periphery.

    

   Good luck

2. 
   mlbfreestyle | Nov 30, 2004 08:04pm | #2

   You can also flatten by hand with carbide paper taped or glued (with spray adhesive) to a stone surface such as a chunk of marble or granite.  Start with something around 120 grit or less, otherwise you will be at it a long time.

1. 
   budreaux | Nov 30, 2004 08:54pm | #3

   I tired this a little bit but it seemed impossible not to rock back and forth on the toe and heel making matters worse or not better.  Holding a straight edge to it there is about 1/32 gap at the toe and heel.  Being a no-name plane is it even worth it? 

1. 
   Sphere | Dec 06, 2004 09:19pm | #7

   be certain it has an iron in place like in use, the sping tension will alleiviate some of the cup you are seeing.Flatten on a jointer bed or TS table with self stick paper..grab a beer, you'll be awhile. 

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

    

    

3. 
   Midnight | Nov 30, 2004 09:16pm | #4

   I've done this quite a few times on Record and Stanley block planes as well as a Stanley #5 and #7... it doesn't take that long...

   I'd a piece of old kitchen worktop laying around, so I slit open some sanding belts in 80, 120 and 150 grit and glued them to the board. Flattening was a simple matter of easing the sole back and forth.

   One point to mention; you must leave the plane fully assembled for this, just retract the blade way up outa the way. The frog and chip breaker will continue to impart their "in use" deflections on the sole while you're flattening it.

   If I remember right, the worst one to flatten was the #7, being out by 1/16th behind the mouth.... it tool a little over an hour before I was happy with it.

   Mike Wallace

   Stay safe....Have fun

4. 
   lwj2 | Dec 05, 2004 07:26pm | #6

   If you've a disc sander (by which I mean a stationary piece, not a hand held), put a piece of 100 grit w/d paper on it, set the table to 90° with a good square and lock it down. (Note that your disc must be FLAT for this to work.)

   Cross-hatch the sole of the plane with an alcohol marker (Magic Marker; Sharpie, etc.), put some oil on the disc and grind until the marks disappear.

   Depending on how finely finished you want the sole, repeat with 220 to remove marks, increasing up to 320 and finer.

   Wherever you decide to stop, do your final finish on a flat plate of 0.250" glass with w/d paper and oil.

   Used 0.250" plate glass can frequently be purchased from a local glass supply, they take them out of broken storefront windows all the time.

   Good luck,

   Leon Jester, Roanoke VA