So, you just got your shiny new MTC hand plane. You unbox it, admire its sleek design, maybe even give it a little pat like a proud parent. The temptation is real—you want to put it straight to work. And technically, you can. Right out of the box, your MTC plane will take a shaving. Will it be the best shaving? Not quite. Think of it like using a butter knife to cut a steak—it’ll get the job done, but there’s a better way.
The Secret to Hand Plane Happiness: A Sharp Blade
If there’s one thing that separates a good planing experience from an absolutely glorious one, it’s a sharp blade. The factory edge is decent, but it’s a bit like waking up with bedhead—it needs a little attention before it looks its best.
A truly sharp blade will:
• Take wispy, gossamer shavings that float away like wood-scented confetti
• Leave behind a surface so smooth, you’ll be tempted to skip sanding (and you probably can)
• Make planing easier, meaning less sweating
Luckily, sharpening doesn’t have to be a grueling task. A few quick passes on a waterstone, diamond plate, or sandpaper and you’re golden. It’s a small effort for a big reward.
A Few Easy Tweaks for Peak Performance
MTC planes don’t need a full-blown tuning overhaul like some other brands (we won’t name names). But a few simple steps can help unlock their full potential:
1. Check the Sole – The sole of an MTC plane is pretty darn flat out of the box, but it never hurts to check. If you’re the kind of person who double-checks that the oven is off after leaving the house, you’ll appreciate this step. If necessary, a light lapping on sandpaper stuck to a flat surface will do the trick.
2. Sharpen the Blade – Again, this is the most important step. Even if the blade looks sharp, treat it like a dull kitchen knife—hone it up before using it, or risk frustration.
3. Fine-Tune the Mouth Opening – A tighter mouth helps prevent tear-out, especially when working on fancy figured wood. The tighter the mouth opening, the more support the cut will have.
5. Give It a Quick Test Drive – Make sure the adjustments work smoothly, and if needed, add a bit of wax (I like parafin) to the sole to help it glide. Bonus: it makes that classic whoosh-whoosh planing sound even better.
Ready to Plane Like a Pro
With just a few minutes of prep, your MTC plane will go from “yeah, it works” to “wow, this is amazing”. A sharp blade and a little fine-tuning will make your planing experience smooth, satisfying, and maybe even a little addictive.
And if you want the full step-by-step breakdown, check out our detailed video guide—because watching someone else do it first always makes things easier!