I've been pondering how to square the sides of my vintage metal bench planes to their soles. I know there's been some discussion about this in a previous thread, but I want to hear practical methods. I'm not well-equipped with metalworking tools and my skills with scraping and flat-filing aren't top-notch. A couple of others suggested making a really precise right-angle jig to hold the plane steady while using abrasives. I have several older Stanley models to play with, but I wouldn't risk this on a collectible item. If you've successfully tackled this, I'd love to hear any tips or tricks you might have. And if you're not experienced but have clever ideas for tackling this at home, please share!
3 Answers
To get started, the sole of your plane has to be properly flattened first, as it serves as your reference point. Check for any high points by placing a square against the side. If anything is sticking up, go ahead and carefully file or sand those sections down until it’s all even. You can typically do this sectionally and it might take some trial and error, but it's feasible with the right patience and tools!
Funny you mention using melamine on your shooting board! That's actually a smart workaround to avoid the hassle of squaring the plane itself while still getting decent results. Not everyone has the time or gear for a full square-up, and if it helps you achieve decent joints, then it's definitely a win! Just remember that getting the sides square can help down the line with precision work, but improvising with your setup works too!
The process isn’t overly complicated—it just requires patience. As per the thread, you need to first make sure the sole is flat; then you can work on the sides. Use a machinist square to check for high spots on the sides and remove those with draw filing or coarse sandpaper. Regular checks for squareness are key. It's a bit of elbow grease, but many have done it before. Just remember that it’s more about consistent checking than rushing through.