Paragraph 88. As it is impossible to do satisfactory work with a dull plane, you must learn to sharpen your plane blades. This is not a difficult task, and if thoughtfully approached will give you no trouble. It should be a source of great satisfaction for you to be able to keep your tools in excellent shape. In plane sharpening there are just a few points which you should bear in mind - first, a plane blade should be perfectly square on its cutting edge. Test with the try-square to make sure this is true. The extreme corners should be rounded very slightly to prevent them from scratching the wood unduly when the plane is used. This matter of rounding the blade is such a small point that you need give it but little attention. You should rather take precaution not to round the blade too much. Adopt the rule of testing the blade with a try-square and making it straight while whetting.

The plane blade should be sharpened at a continuous bevel, that is, the angle of sharpening should not vary and should not be rounded in the least. It will require some practice to be able to bevel a plane blade in this manner.