Surface Planing

The jack plane is about 14" long and is used to "rough out" the work. Its cutting edge (Fig. 19) is made slightly "crowning," hence it will take a shaving that is thicker in the center than at the edges. In use, run the center of the plane over the high spots, holding the sole firmly on the work.

Note: By sharpening the cutting edge about as one would sharpen the cutting edge of the jointer plane, by setting the cap iron close to this edge, and by taking thin shavings, this plane can be made to do the work of the smooth plane and the jointer.

Fig. 22. Board In Wind.

Fig. 23.Board Out Of Wind.

The smooth plane, which is about 8" long, is used to follow the jack plane upon the broad surfaces. Its cutting edge should be kept very sharp and nearly straight (See Fig. 20) with only the corners slightly rounded back. The cap iron should be adjusted very close to the cutting edge and the mouth opening kept small.

The first broad surface planed is called the "working face" (or face side) and is always given a "witness mark" by which it may be distinguished. This working face should be made not only a smooth surface, but also a true plane, i. e., free from warp and wind. It can be tested (a) by laying it upon a true surface, (b) by means of a straight edge held not only lengthwise and crosswise, but diagonally as well, (c) by means of "winding strips." These are strips with parallel edges that are laid across the board near its ends. By sighting across from one "strip" to the other it is easy to tell when their top edges are in the same plane and hence whether or not there is any wind in the board.

In figure 22 the winding strips show that the surface is in wind.

In figure 23 they show that the surface is not in wind.