Spare Irons
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About Spare Irons
Spare irons, also known as plane blades or plane irons, are essential replacement components for hand planes used in woodworking and carpentry. Whether you're a professional joiner, cabinet maker or DIY enthusiast, maintaining sharp, high-quality plane irons is crucial for achieving smooth, precise cuts and finishes on timber. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of spare irons compatible with popular plane models from trusted brands including Faithfull, Stanley and Record.
Our selection includes replacement blades for bench planes (No. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), block planes (60½), rebate planes, shoulder planes and specialist models. Available in both traditional carbon steel and durable tungsten carbide options, these spare irons are precision-ground to fit specific plane models, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your woodworking tools.
Applications
Spare irons are indispensable for various trades and applications:
- Joiners and carpenters - smoothing timber frames, doors and architectural joinery
- Cabinet makers - fine finishing hardwood furniture and fitted cabinetry
- Shopfitters - preparing timber components for commercial installations
- Restoration specialists - maintaining traditional hand tools for period property work
- DIY enthusiasts - home woodworking projects and general maintenance
- Boat builders - shaping and smoothing marine timber
- Luthiers and instrument makers - precision wood shaping for musical instruments
Choosing The Right Spare Irons
Selecting the correct replacement iron is essential for maintaining your plane's performance. Consider these key factors:
- Plane model compatibility - ensure the blade matches your specific plane number (e.g., Stanley 112004, Record 778, Faithfull No. 4)
- Blade width - varies by plane type, from narrow shoulder plane blades to wider bench plane irons
- Material type - standard carbon steel for general use, or tungsten carbide for extended edge retention when working with abrasive materials
- Thickness - heavier blades reduce chatter on difficult grain
- Brand matching - whilst many blades are interchangeable, manufacturer-specific irons guarantee proper fit
MyToolShed.co.uk offers both individual replacement blades and convenient multi-piece sets for workshops maintaining multiple planes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my plane iron?
Replace your plane iron when repeated sharpening has reduced the blade length significantly, or if the cutting edge becomes damaged beyond repair through chips or cracks. With proper maintenance and regular honing, a quality plane iron can last many years.
Are spare irons interchangeable between brands?
Some spare irons are interchangeable, particularly between vintage Stanley and Record planes which share similar dimensions. However, for optimal fit and performance, MyToolShed recommends using manufacturer-specific replacement blades matched to your plane model.
What's the difference between standard and tungsten carbide plane irons?
Tungsten carbide blades maintain their sharp edge significantly longer than traditional carbon steel, making them ideal for abrasive timbers, plywoods and composite materials. Standard carbon steel irons are easier to sharpen and perfectly adequate for softwoods and most hardwoods.