Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
If you own a bench plane, there are two methods commonly used to hold the blade in place. The older method, found in traditional wooden planes, uses a simple wedge. During the 19th century, a new device emerged in metal planes called a frog. The frog not only holds the blade at the correct angle, but it also allows for fine adjustments and reduces vibrations.
One thing you need to be very careful about with the frog is to make sure that it's seated properly. Remove the frog and check for any rust, either on the frog seat or the frog bed itself. High-grit sandpaper should be used, and then the frog should be lightly oiled to prevent rust from returning.
When reinstalling the frog, you'll notice that it can be moved forward and backward. This adjustment affects the mouth opening, which controls the thickness of the shavings. A more open mouth allows for thicker shavings, while a tighter mouth helps with finer, more delicate cuts.
Finally, make sure that the frog is parallel when tightening the screws down. If your edges, or cheeks, are square to the sole or the bottom, using a machinist square can make sure you're precisely lined up, preventing the blade from being askew.
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If you own a bench plane, there are two methods commonly used to hold the blade in place. The older method, found in traditional wooden planes, uses a simple wedge. During the 19th century, a new device emerged in metal planes called a frog. The frog not only holds the blade at the correct angle, but it also allows for fine adjustments and reduces vibrations.
One thing you need to be very careful about with the frog is to make sure that it's seated properly. Remove the frog and check for any rust, either on the frog seat or the frog bed itself. High-grit sandpaper should be used, and then the frog should be lightly oiled to prevent rust from returning.
When reinstalling the frog, you'll notice that it can be moved forward and backward. This adjustment affects the mouth opening, which controls the thickness of the shavings. A more open mouth allows for thicker shavings, while a tighter mouth helps with finer, more delicate cuts.
Finally, make sure that the frog is parallel when tightening the screws down. If your edges, or cheeks, are square to the sole or the bottom, using a machinist square can make sure you're precisely lined up, preventing the blade from being askew.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.
Make Things
#MTbitesize #makethings
