Hi Everyone

I've recently gotten into handtools and have bought some used bailey planes....#4, 5, and now looking for a 7 or 8. I also have 2 block planes....low angle and standard angle.

Based on everything I have read about tuning up a plane you need to lap the sole flat...so here is where my power tool brain is not understanding how things work here. A jointer and planer do not have coplaner surfaces. The infeed is lower than the out feed, thus to support the work after its gone past the cutter.

How does the same occur with a handplane if the sole is lapped flat...so that the sole in front of the iron and behind the iron are coplaner? What am I missing here??

TIA

George