When do you clamp your shoulder plane in the bench vise?

[JimReed@Tallahassee]

When you need to set a hoop on a Japanese chisel, of course. I found this set wrapped in a shoprag last month. When acquired, all six chisels were brand new and the largest was missing its hoop. I ordered one from Hida Tools and finally got around to working on it this morning. Needed to take down the top a bit.



Putting the plane in the vise seemed to be the best way to do this. I just rotated the handle over the blade. Then I finished up with some sandpaper. The rosewood sure did smell good. Hope I don't break out in a rash.

Now the hoop is set and ready for a turp soaking and wax. Time for another project.

[Strokes77]

The most clever thing here is the duct tape over the cutting edge while you're working on the tool... Had one bite me the other day; should been doing this.

[mr_skittle]

Blue painters tape works well too. It doesn't leave any residue, like duct tape can, if you leave it on for a long time.

[blackhat]

Leave it there and you'll always have a pencil sharpener in reach.