Veritas Iron Edge-Trimming Plane

The edge-trimming plane’s square fence allows the plane to true and remove milling marks at the same time. You can also use the plane to cut chamfers and bevels by attaching an angled wooden sub-fence.

Techniques for Using Your Plane

You can use the edge-trimming plane with push or pull strokes, depending on which you prefer. In either case, ensure the plane is cutting in the direction of the grain.

Photo 1 – To true an edge, keep the fence against the face of the board with one hand, and push the plane with the other.

Photo 2 – In pull strokes, guide the plane with one hand gripping the sole at the front.

Because of the low cutting angle and skewed blade, this plane also works well on end grain. This technique works best on stock wider than the plane is long. Also, be sure to use a backer piece to help prevent spelching, and check periodically for square.

Other Uses

In addition to truing a surface perpendicular to another, this plane can also make angled cuts.

First, attach a wooden sub-fence of the desired angle to the plane’s fence with double-side tape or screws (Photo 4). With an angled auxiliary fence, the plane can be used to cut, for example, staves in coopered work. Boat builders using carvel construction also find this method useful (Photo 5).

Photo 4 – Make the wooden fence longer than the plane’s fence for better registration and control.

Photo 5 – Rest your palm on the plane when pulling the plane.

How To Look After Your Plane

Apart from sharpening the blade, rust prevention is the biggest maintenance issue. Avoid planing wet wood, especially woods with a high tannin content (e.g., oak).

After a working session, take out the blade and use a soft brush to remove lingering shavings and dust. Periodically apply a silicone-free wax to the body to seal out moisture. Boeshield T-9 and Veritas Tool Wax both work well. Every so often, strip the plane down completely to give it a thorough cleaning and lubricate the moving parts.

If there is a risk of the tool jostling about in a toolbox, storing it in a plane sack or wrapping it in an old towel provides some protection.