Shop-Made Sharpening Jig for Plane Blades
A honing guide makes sharpening hand plane blades easier by helping maintain a consistent bevel angle. But some plane blades are simply too wide to fit in a conventional guide.
Rather than trying to sharpen those blades freehand, I use this shop-made plane blade sharpening jig. It's made from a few pieces of wood, a pair of nylon wheels, and some basic hardware.
The angled body supports the blade at the proper sharpening angle, while the wheels allow the jig to roll smoothly across an abrasive surface.
How the Sharpening Jig Works
The jig starts with a glued-up wooden block cut at an angle to match the bevel of the plane blade.
To use it, place the jig on a flat sharpening surface and position the plane blade on top with its bevel facing down.
Tighten the threaded knob to secure the blade, then roll the jig back and forth across the abrasive surface.
The wheels guide the movement while the angled body helps maintain a consistent sharpening angle.
If the blade needs repositioning to maintain contact with the abrasive, simply loosen the knob, adjust the blade, and tighten it again.
Build the Wooden Honing Guide
The jig's body consists of several laminated wooden pieces.
Two inner pieces are notched to accommodate the nylon wheels. These are sandwiched between the outer pieces to form the body.
A threaded knob and washers on top hold the plane blade securely in position.
The construction drawing shows how the components fit together and how the blade is held during sharpening.
Use the patterns to shape the body pieces before assembling the jig.
WOODSMITH TIP: Match the Sharpening Angle. The angle of the wooden body determines how the jig supports the blade. Make sure it matches the bevel you want to sharpen, and check that the blade makes full contact with the abrasive before you begin.
An Easy Way to Sharpen Wide Plane Blades
This simple jig provides an economical alternative when a standard honing guide won't accommodate a wide plane blade.
And because it's built from wood and common hardware, it's an easy accessory to make in your own workshop.
With a consistent bevel angle and smooth rolling action, the jig takes some of the guesswork out of sharpening.
Learn How to Sharpen a Hand Plane Blade
A good sharpening jig is only part of the process. Learn how to hone a plane blade, polish the back, and remove the wire edge with a leather strop for cleaner, smoother cuts.
LEARN HOW TO SHARPEN PLANE BLADES → Get a Sharp Edge on Your Hand Plane
