Hey folks! I've got a question about a Stanley Type 16 corrugated 5 1/2 plane that just won't perform as expected. I've been restoring handplanes for nearly 20 years and I've sharpened countless knives and tools. I typically use high-quality brands like LN and Veritas, and my go-to is a Bailey No. 4 made in Canada, which works flawlessly. However, this particular plane has been a headache. I've ensured the sole is perfectly flat—0.001 feeler gauge can't even slip under it when checked with a straightedge or on a certified granite block. There's no movement in the frog, and I've meticulously lapped the mating surfaces. I'm using a PMV11 blade that is razor-sharp and fits perfectly with the chip breaker. Despite all this, I'm struggling to get consistent clean shavings from it. It seems like the blade is being pulled into the wood, indicating possible deflection issues within the assembly. I've worked with tough rift sawn white oak for years and managed to tune planes before, but this one just doesn't cooperate. Anyone experienced something similar with a plane they couldn't seem to get right? I'd appreciate any insights or tips!
2 Answers
One trick that worked for me was moving the frog all the way back to allow the blade to be supported by the sole plate and mouth. My stubborn Craftsman plane was flimsy, and that fixed it. Also, check your chip breaker—if it’s flat against the blade rather than ground at an angle, you might be missing out on some good shavings. I had the same problem on my Lie Nielsen until I adjusted the chip breaker to around a 45-degree angle.
Have you tried adjusting the frog position to close the mouth? Sometimes, that can really help with the shaving consistency. Maybe consider switching out the iron or trying different wood and changing the direction you're working in. Also, posting a picture might help us see what’s going on!
I adjusted the frog so it's about 1/32" open, but I like keeping it tight. I’ve switched wood direction and had a bit more success with softer woods, but still feel like it's deflecting.