Kunz

The No. 4 smoothing plane has the shortest sole and is used for final surface preparation. The No. 5 jack plane has a longer sole and is used for rapid stock removal and initial board flattening. The No. 6 fore plane has an even longer sole for truing wide panels and long edges. See the full Kunz range including the Kunz Plus 3-piece bench plane set.

Kunz Plus planes offer solid value for woodworkers who want cast iron bench planes without the premium pricing of high-end brands. The grey cast iron bodies are machined for flatness, and the tool-steel blades hold an edge well for general bench plane work. Some woodworkers choose to lap the sole and hone the blade for optimal out-of-the-box performance.

Sole flattening is done on a lapping plate or flat reference surface using progressively finer abrasives. The goal is a flat sole at the toe, heel, and around the mouth — the area immediately in front of and behind the blade opening. A dead-flat sole eliminates chatter and produces cleaner cuts.

Sharpen the blade by honing the bevel on a series of progressively finer stones — from 220 or 400 grit to 1000, 4000, and 8000 grit — then lightly flatten the back (flat side) of the blade on the finest stone. A sharp blade should shave arm hair and produce thin, continuous shavings in wood. Visit the Infinity Tools learning center for detailed sharpening guides.

Hone the blade when it loses its edge but the steel is still sound. Replace the blade when repeated honing has consumed so much material that the bevel angle is difficult to maintain, or if the blade has been chipped or cracked. Replacement blades are available for the Kunz No. 4 and No. 5 and the Kunz No. 6.

A jack plane, such as the Kunz Plus No. 5, is the most versatile bench plane — it removes stock quickly enough for rough flattening while still producing a reasonably smooth surface. Many woodworkers use it with a cambered blade for aggressive traversing cuts followed by a smoother for finishing.

Hand planes can be used on plywood edges to clean up saw marks and square the edge, but the glue and alternating grain layers dull blades quickly. Avoid planing plywood faces with a bench plane, as the thin veneer is easily torn through. MDF is highly abrasive to plane blades and is generally better handled with router bits or sandpaper.

Yes. The Kunz Plus 3-piece bench plane set covers the three most commonly used bench plane sizes — No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 — providing a complete set for dimensioning, flattening, and smoothing solid wood boards.

Yes. All products sold at Infinity Tools are backed by our quality guarantee. Contact us if you have any concerns with your purchase.

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