Thread: Using a plough plane

Hi Rob

I have a Japanese kikai shakuri kanna instead of the Veritas or other Western plough planes, but the principle is the same. If I have to go against the grain I'll tend to start at the far end (near end on the Japanese plane) and work my way back to reduce the slope of the grain slightly if necessary. I'm not concerned about how perfectly smooth the bottom of the groove is because that will be concealed by the piece it is housing. If going against the grain is likely to cause tear-out on the surface next to the groove (and be visible), I'll prepare that area using a marking gauge/knife, or if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I'll set and very carefully use the knives in the kanna itself.

I'll be interested in hearing how other people approach this challenge.

Regards
Des

Hi Rob

As Des noted, the condition of the bottom of the groove is not important, so a lttle tearout would not be evident - except at the exit of the groove.

Where is is important to control tearout, and you cannot reverse the direction of the plane (i.e. you did not plan from this from the outset!), then I use a router plane. Have a look at the link below and go to my webpage for examples contained in the reviews I have written on the LV router planes (large and small).

Getting blades to fit your wooden plough may not be so easy. They all have to match the same wedge, or you may need to make a few of them to hold the blades.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks for the input Derek and Des.
I have the Veritas router plane. I suppose if I need to I will use the Router plane if I can't get any blades to fit.

I will have to measure up my Granddad's pough plane and see what I can get for it.

Rob