Proper Adjustment And A Good-quality Iron
Proper adjustment and a good-quality iron are critical to the tool's performance. Be sure the depth-adjusting knob is accessible, easy to turn, and has minimal play like a hanging garment bag. Check that the frog supports the iron completely. Try to scratch the plane iron with the tip of a pocketknife; if you can, it is too soft.
A plane may have a flat or grooved sole, Because of its larger surface area, a flat sole will create more drag than a grooved one. However, grooves can be troublesome when planing edges. Waxing either kind reduces drag.
The weight of the tool may be helpful for some tasks, tiring for others. A plane that has a plastic body will be lighter than a wooden one, and wood will be lighter than steel. Plastic may be the best choice; it is strong, light, and durable. Wood can shrink, swell, or crack if exposed to extremes of humidity and dryness. And steel planes may be too heavy for some work.