How to Tune the Sole of Your Japanese Hand Plane

When the sole of the plane body is not well-tuned, the hand plane will not be able to shave properly. This is why it is important to check the condition of the sole before using a Japanese hand plane, and tune it if necessary. Here we explain in detail everything you need to do to check and maintain the sole of your hand plane. You don't have to be a seasoned craftsman to follow these steps. Nor does tuning and leveling the sole have to be a daunting task.

In this video, we go over these important, easy-to-follow steps to help keep adjust the sole of your hand plane:

- Methods for checking the sole
- Why you shouldn't try to flatten the entire sole
- Checking the sole
- Flattening and leveling the sole
- Tuning the sole

Japanese hand planes require less power to smooth uneven surfaces and correct warping on the wood. In addition, Kakuri uses high-quality carbon steel for the plane's blade to ensure a much sharper and smoother finish and a more enjoyable woodworking experience.

Be sure to check out our other videos for more great tips on how to care for and maintain your Japanese hand planes!

#japanesehandplane #soletuning #DIY #japanesehandplanetutorial

[doedeldidoedelda]

Superb explanation! This is by far the best video for tuning the sole.

[marktalku]

Very nice. I think the video means “co-planer” instead of “parallel”.

[james]

Quite a complex procedure atleast to me, very well clearly explained and demonstrated thank you.I bought an inexpensive Japanese hand plane, Ive probably improved it about 40 or so percent not knowing I had to do this to the sole. It's s still a great useful tool as is though.

[tintan]

Is that procedure applicable for smaller kanna plane too? I mean block plane (30mm/40mm) or for bigger kanna plane only? (50mm/60mm/70)