After four failed schemes, devise this carpentry tool? (5)
I believe the answer is:
plane
'carpentry tool?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'after four failed schemes devise' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'devise' could be 'plan' (synonyms) and 'plan' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'e' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'this' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plane that I've seen before include "that soars into the sky" , "Aircraft - level surface - carpenter's tool" , "Flat surface; tree" , "Form of transport" , "Smooth" .)