Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
David

In my email above to Winston, I noted the importance - on WA hardwoods - of achieving a high cutting angle of 60 degrees (60-65, but who is counting). Often 55 degrees is insufficient. I freehand all my BD plane blades, but use a honing guide for BU plane blades because the angle of the secondary micro bevel is central to the final cutting angle.

Close enough is not good enough. Getting close enough faster is just me being silly.

This is not an issue if the wood is straight grained ... but then why use a high cutting angle if it is not needed to control tear out?

Regards from Perth

Derek