I've been working with longer boards, specifically 4 to 6 feet, and I'm curious about the best method to run them through a planer, especially when they're warped. I know that for shorter boards, people often use a sled and shim it with a hot glue gun. I planed a cherry board recently, but it ended up thinner than I wanted. Any tips on how to handle longer warped boards?
2 Answers
If you're dealing with long boards like 7'9", the easiest route is to create a sled. Just rip a piece of 1/2" MDF down to size, then attach a 3" foot to one end. Be sure to shim it carefully so any cup or bow is facing up. If the board is warped, you'll need to balance the shims on both sides, or else one edge may end up thinner than the other. Also, make sure the sled is on a flat surface while you're doing this to get a nice flat edge when you're done.
I’ve had a similar issue – remember that thickness planers aren’t meant for flattening surfaces, so it's better to face joint the board before you run it through the planer. That way, you can avoid issues with thickness and get a much more even result!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely try face jointing first next time.