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Question on making a Frame and Panel cabinet door using hand tools

6K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  canadianchips 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi Everyone,

I am a long time power tool user, but I just became interested in hand tools. I don't know why, but planing wood has some kind of theraputic effect on me. Plus, it is much quieter, and I don't have to wear a respirator.

I still use my 6" power jointer, planer and table saw to dimension the wood, but I want to use hand tools as much as possible.

My question is, I know there are router bits (such as the ogee frame and panel set) that create mating pieces so that the profile of the stile meets the mating piece at the end of the rail. Is there a way to do this using hand tools? Perhaps a specialized one? Is there one that can accomodate curves?

I saw on the lee valley site, that there are some asian hollow and round planes. Would these do the trick? Would there be something easier, that can go around curves? Or, is this only in the realm of the router?

Thanks,

-Chuck
 
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#2 ·
There are all kinds of antique molding planes that originally did this type of work. You can buy them or make your own. I would say that fellow Lumberjock Phil Edwards is an expert in this area. Here is a link to his web site

http://www.phillyplanes.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=22

Here is an example of these planes on eBay…

http://cgi.ebay.com/large-mega-LOT-WOOD-MOLDING-PLANES-ohio-sandusky-tools-/200607093520?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb51d5310

There are a number of books on this topic and Lie-Nielson makes blades can be uses for these types of planes.

My favorite book about how to restore and use them is

http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Tuning-Using-Classic-Woodworking/dp/080696670X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259962527&sr=8-2

A recommended book on how to make them is
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Traditional-Wooden-Planes-Whelan/dp/1879335697/ref=pd_sim_b_12
 
#3 ·
For making profiles going around curves you hack away the
excess with knives, chisels and rasps then make the profile with
a scratch stock.

If the curve is constant the profile can be cut with a custom-made
plane for the job. Study coopering tools and you should get the
idea. Also look at coachmaker's planes which were used for
cutting rabbets in all sorts of bizarre curved surfaces.

If you want to make your own profiles on straight stock start
with some moulding planes. Get a few cock-bead planes,
coves and round-over planes. Things like that. They work
best on softer, straight-grained wood. Most lack a chipbreaker
and trying to cut wiley hardwoods with them will have
you pulling your hair and gnashing your teeth.
 
#5 ·
I agree with the molding recommendations above, particularly with Phil Edward's planes. You might also consider a combination plane. Although not as sexy as a wood-bodied molder, the 45 works quite well for some of these cuts. And like Loren notes, it's got some heft. I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. If there's a way to make it by hand, I'd probably rather.
 
#7 ·
Wow, thanks for all the info! It'll take some time to absorb all of this, but it looks like I can buy some old ones, or even build my own. The "Making Traditional Wood Planes" book sounds interesting. I might have to buy that one.
 
#8 ·
You can try using a stanley #48 or #49 for making stile and rails. They are designed for matching tongue and groove boards. I have a wooden moulding plane that will give the profile of the panels you need inside. The old tools are there, just keep looking. (My biggest drawback is I am so outta shape to do to much of this hand work) I do a combination of power and hand tools.
 
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