Block plane help

[Jared Cuneo]

I was wondering if someone could tell me what I'm doing wrong here....

I use a LN block plane to flush up the tops of my boxes after assembling dovetails (they are sometimes off 1/64th or 1/32 :rolleyes:), and no matter how I set up the plane I always seem to cut an outward sloping bevel on the box tops (normally about 1/2" thick stock). Any ideas?

Thanks!!

JC

[Bob Barkto]

The edge of the plane sole where there is no cutting taking place is riding up.
This happens when the plane makes contact with the side of the box at the start of the cut, setting up an angle that the plane will follow. Repeat passes can make the problem worse.

You can try cutting in at the corners, diagonally, to get started, and then trim down the length of the edges. Take _very light_ cuts across the corners!

Sometimes angling the blade toward the inside a little bit can help.
Make only one pass around each edge, then repeat as needed. Again take very light cuts and check and correct as needed.

[Alan Turner]

Jared,

For leveling the pins, put the toe of the plane on the box proper, and cut in towards the center of the box, using a diagonal slicing motion. Work towards the center from each end. With the toe held firmly to the carcase, you should not have any dip at the edge. Work slowly, and when you begin to cut the tails, you are done.

[Jared Cuneo]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Alan, the part I am having issues with is leveling the top and bottom edges of the box, no so much the actual dovetails.....but I think I can use that advise as well :)

JC

[harry strasil]

make a temporary fence that you can clamp to the plane, makes it work like a stanley 95