Thanks for your reply and suggestions.

I had flattened the back of the blade but not very well. I got in a hurry to try out the new plane. (Senior moment!!)

Watched the video link and then resharpened as the video suggested.
After the resharpen everything worked better. Now as soon as the operator develops his technique I think all will be well.

I’m really enjoying your site.

Jack

Though sharpening really does not have to be difficult, there are many things that can go wrong and so it is hard to say why it’s not working for you. My best guess, especially with a new blade, is that you might have neglected to flatten the back (non-beveled) side of the blade and work it successively through your finest stone.

My second guess is that you might have removed the burr from a coarse or intermediate stone too abruptly, such that it essentially broke off rather than was cut away.

L-N has some videos online with sharpening (and other) instruction:
http://www.youtube.com/user/LieNielsen%20#p/u/14/yzeAsX-09o4

There are good books on sharpening, including one by Tom L-N sold on the L-N site.

One thing is for sure, you will defintely get it right, and soon, so don’t give up! Good luck.

Rob

Oh, one other thing - end grain sometimes gathers and holds abrasive grit if the board was standing on end on a concrete or sandy floor. That would dull a blade. Maybe saw off a fresh end and see how the planing goes.

Rob

Hey, thanks for reading.

Rob

I’m thinking about shooting without a very sharp blade.

In fact, I might even be so bold as to call it “fantasizing about shooting with the back end of a blade.”

NOW what’re you going to do?

You’re welcome. Thanks for reading.

Rob

Thanks for sharing the shooting board plans on FWW.

It’s great to have discovered your blog, as well. I’ll be visiting.

–Jonnie

Thanks for your interest and comment.

Drill very slightly (<= 1/64″) oversize clearance holes through the fence and countersink them. This will allow slight adjustment of the fence to get it as square as possible. The wood screw head will seat into the countersink to snug down the fence.

By the way, as noted above, if I were building a new shooting board, I’d probably make the hardwood platform about 2″ wider, i.e. 8″ instead of 6″.

But above all, built it, use it, and have a great time with your woodworking!

Rob

Tom

If I were making a new one I’d probably make it a couple of inches wider but this one has pretty much met my needs for years.

Rob