Abrasive paper and double-side tape: together for flattening

Abrasive paper attached to a flat surface is an effective way to flatten the soles of metal planes, significantly improving their performance. I usually use spray adhesive, which provides a strong yet reversible bond, making it easy to replace the abrasive when it's worn out. The only drawback is the glue residue left on the glass plate, which must be cleaned with alcohol each time.

An alternative is to use double-sided adhesive tape. It offers excellent grip, leaves no residue on the glass when removed, and allows for quicker replacement.

If you can't find a full sheet of sandpaper wide enough, you can join two narrower strips together. The tape's thickness is minimal and doesn't affect the level of flatness needed to achieve a well-leveled surface.