Lie-Nielsen bench plane #3 ductile

The design of this #3 bench plane is based on the Stanley Bedrock type planes. The frog of this type of plane is unique. At the back of the plane, there are three screws. By turning the screws, you can move the frog forward or backward without removing the blade and cap iron. This adjusts the mouth opening, allowing you to increase or decrease it. If you frequently plane hardwood, it can be beneficial to increase the plane's angle. The 45° frog of the #3 can easily be replaced with a frog at a 50° or 55° angle.

The blade of the #3 is made of A2 steel, hardened to Rockwell 60-62 (HRC) and ground at a 25° angle. The blade is perfectly ground and can be used right away. You use the #3 blade 'bevel-down.' It is possible to apply a secondary (micro) bevel of 5 or 10 degrees, which enhances the cutting quality and extends the lifespan of the cutting edge when used on hardwood.

You adjust the depth of the blade using a knob at the back of the plane. Always finish adjusting the plane depth with a forward movement to secure the blade. If you have difficulty adjusting the plane depth, check whether the cap iron screw is not too tight.

The body of the #3 is made of ductile iron. The #3 plane is available in two variants: manganese bronze and ductile iron. Ductile iron is slightly more susceptible to rust than manganese bronze, but it is a harder material. The price is also somewhat lower. Ductile iron can be kept rust-free by brushing off the body after use and treating it with a cloth soaked in camellia oil. The handle and knob of the plane are made of cherry wood.