Shooting Board

Not sure why I feel the need to say anything, but I do. Maybe this is for folks who haven’t learned the value of this tool.I made one a while back anticipating needing one while doing my current kitchen cabinet project. Today it proved invaluable. Keep in mind the cabinets are rustic hickory.

Was making the rails and stiles for the doors and to get that ‘just right’ fit I decided to take all 76 pieces to the shooting board. My very nicely tuned and sharpened Stanley #4 Bailey was the work horse. End grain hickory was flying everywhere – more like floating as the gossamer shavings drifted off the board (I kept saying to myself – “this is lekker”). Worked up a bit of a sweat by the time I was done. But surprisingly 76 pieces only took about 35 minutes. How did I ever work without this tool?

If you don’t have one, make one. :D

But – here is a question. I can see that the #4 has a mouth that is too wide relative to the sole to make this work as good as it should. What plane (besides the LN) is ideal for shooting (in your experience)?

- ryan