I'm currently struggling to square off the end grain on my table legs using a no.5 plane. It's tough to clamp the legs down securely enough, and leveling them has become a tedious process. I'm on the lookout for simpler solutions that won't require investing in heavy machinery. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Have you thought about making a shooting board? It pairs really well with your no.5 plane and makes trimming end grain a lot easier. You can either buy one or whip up a simple version from scraps you likely already have.
If you're sticking with hand tools, consider using a marking knife and a chisel along with your hand saw. This can help you square it off neatly. Just make sure your saw cuts are as straight as possible to make the finishing easier.
You could also think about getting a low angle plane. They can be pretty affordable and do wonders on end grain! My low angle block plane was quite cheap and has made a big difference for me.
I tried making one too, but I found it even more frustrating than just clamping the pieces. I ended up tossing it because it didn't work as well as I hoped!