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I just bought a small Chinese block plane (1 1/4" x 3 3/4" base dimensions) with a thick blade and a cast body, quite substantially built with a nice, thick, iron and a vernier adjustment, but the sole is as-cast, no leveling or polishing. Any thoughts as to whether I'm wasting my time by sanding the bottom smooth and shiny using sandpaper on my surface plate? Does doing that make the plane work better?

The plane is sold by Temu, 'Mini Aluminum Alloy Hand Planer'.

(I asked a similar question on another forum and the replies haven't yet spoken directly to my question. I think I need to do a better job of asking)

Thanks, folks.

I would not get too carried away with polishing. The plane should be reasonably flat and smooth, but small planes like that are often used more for whittling bracing, quick leveling of purfling, or perfecting neck contours than actually planing a surface flat. Polishing it would help if you were actually doing serious planing. If it is an aluminum body plane, it won't take much work to flatten the sole anyway.I think this a case of "whatever makes you happy".

Bob, those are indeed the general sorts of uses I figured on using it for. Time to sharpen the blade.

Thanks!