Abrasive paper and double side tape together for flattening

The abrasive paper attached to a plan surface is a good choice to flatten soles of metal planes for significantly improving their performances. Usually I use spray glue that allows a valid bur reversible bonding so you can easily replace the abrasive when it is exhausted. The only drawback is the glue residue left on the glass plate that has to be cleaned with alcohol every time . An alternative choice is to use double-sided adhesive tape which provides excellent grip and when removed leaves no residue on glass and results in faster replacement operations .

If you cant find a full sheet of sandpaper wide enough then you could join two narrow strips togheter.

. The tape thickness is minimal and does not affect the flatness degree useful to obtain a good levelled surface.

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Safety Loop

 

When we use a block plane with one hand for planing a piece held in the grip, there is the risk of tripping on the edge and see the plane flying to the floor, almost alchoices with tragic consequences for our tool.Of course precautions are taken only after having experienced the event and so my vintage #9 1 / 2  has experienced how hard the lab floor is! Fortunately, the body plane was not damaged: the only consequence was the cap lever breaking.I had the idea for the problem solution from Nintendo Wii remote to wich I removed the safety loop and secured it in the slot created by the mouth regulating lever. In other block plane models it can also be secured directly around the front knobIt does not interfere with the planing action  and avoid any danger of falling.

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