Planer technique question.

Hello Betsy,

Straightining the edge is done after the board has already been planed.

You will need to joint one surface flat.

Here is one method: http://lumberjocks.com/topics/1992

Another is to use a planer sled with shims or wedges under the board to keep it steady while planing
one surface.

Use the search feature on this website. This has been discussed many times.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I understand that one side has to be flat before it can be planed to thickness. (I learned that the hard way.) However, if you have jointed, either by power jointer, router sled (by the way, Gary, that’s quite a sled!) or hand plane, when is flat, flat enough?

For instance, if the board lying on a known flat surface does not rock, is it flat enough for the planner?

If the board still has rough spots after jointing, but sits flat is that flat enough?

I’m not sure I’m asking this question right – but we’ll get there I’m sure.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Ah, well that’s different. If it doesn’t rock it’s good enough for the planer.

Just make sure that it doesn’t just sit on the 4 corners though. It could be bowed and not rock.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Hallelujah!

That’s what I wanted to hear!

Thanks Gary.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Flat, level, and square are figments of the imagination. Just kidding. I would agree with Gary if you have got one side flat on a jointer you are ready for the planer. You could have a few rough spots after jointing but if it sits flat run it through the jointer. You can always put a straight edge, winding sticks or your other favorite way of making sure that it is flat.

-- Genius is immediate, but talent takes time.