I'm a long-time user of hand planes, and I'm really curious about the mechanics of shooting boards. I'm not just looking for tips on how to use them but want to understand how they function without falling apart. Here's my dilemma: if the blade of my plane runs against the edge of the shooting board and fully extends like on a Lie-Nielsen No. 9, how does it avoid cutting into the shooting board itself? Some folks say it only cuts once or that the blade is offset, while others mention fences or ramps. But if the blade reaches from edge to edge and I'm planing against a guide wall, why isn't that wall getting sliced every time? I'm interested in the physical geometry of this setup: does it involve a zero-clearance fence, an initial kerf, or perhaps even a sacrificial piece? I've seen different designs in books, and I'm confused about whether the blade should just touch the edge or completely avoid it. Can someone please explain what's really happening here? Thanks!
3 Answers
You generally don’t want to use a plane that has a blade extending all the way to the side! The piece you’re working with gets lifted slightly from the plane track to account for this, which prevents excessive wear on your shooting board.
To add to what others have said, make sure that the surface your plane runs on and the board’s surface are coplanar, and the plane’s side must be perpendicular to the base. It’s straightforward, but I’ve definitely dealt with wooden planes where that wasn’t the case.
You can still adjust the blade laterally to achieve a better fit, though! Perfectly square sides aren’t always necessary.
Shooting boards can definitely "destroy" themselves if you go with a plane where the iron goes all the way to the edge. It’s better to use a plane where the blade doesn't reach the sides all the way. Initially, the blade will cut into the shooting board, but then it will have a small strip of wood under it that acts as a stop, preventing further cuts into the side. This way, only the areas where there’s a blade cut will make contact, which avoids wearing down the board significantly over time.
Got it—your explanation helps clear things up! I’ve been looking closely at a book illustration with a Lie-Nielsen shooting plane, trying to spot any cuts, and seeing none makes more sense now.
Okay…but what does the lifting reference come into play then?