When fettleing a plane for the first time a lot of attention is usually paid to the iron, or blade, and rightfully so because no matter what else you do to a plane if the iron is not sharp the plane won’t function at it’s best.

The next most important part in the process is the cap iron, commonly known as the chip breaker. This part must fit the back of the iron perfectly with absolutely no gaps between it and the iron. The slightest gap between the back of the iron and the cap iron will catch a shaving eventually choking the plane mouth.The next operation on the cap iron is honing the face where it meets the back of the iron. Until recently I always honed this angle to 45 degrees, but I have learned differently, and in a moment I will share what I have learned.

When…