Reply To: Planing really hard woods
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Matt, Ed, and Luke, thanks for your replies.
I read them yesterday and spent some time today putting 30* bevels on my #6 and #5, and 35* bevel on my #4. The #4 1/2 still has a 40* bevel. All of them are performing well now (smooth surface, no tearout). So the problem is definitely in my freehand sharpening method. Ed – you’re right, I think I am exaggerating the scooping action too much and it is ruining the bevel. And thanks for your description of your actions with the little details that make the difference.
I’ll practice a bit more on a spare #4 1/2 and keep using the honing jig on the other irons. Might even invest in a Veritas honing jig, my Stanley was bought back before I knew what good tools were and is kind of dodgy.
As an aside, I’m not 100% sure why the 40* bevel is working really well on the spotted gum and blackbutt. If I understand correctly, it leaves at best a 5* clearance under the bevel which is not very much at all. Maybe it’s because these two woods are quite dense and hard and don’t compress much?