Shoulder Plane Sole

by jdunbar.4, Monday, February 23, 2009, 07:03

I have attempted to make an infill shoulder plane. When I inserted the wedge to hold the plane blade, the sole bent. I used 3/16" O1 steel for the sole, milled at a 15 degree angle. Is this angle too shallow not leaving enough material? I wanted a low angle for planing end grain on shoulders. Should I heat treat the sole so it wont bend? If I do heat treat the plane will it warp and open the double dovetail joinery? Is there a better material to use for the sole?