I'm about to edge joint my first set of boards tomorrow using only a hand plane. I have a big commission due in three weeks that requires two narrow boards to be joined. Since I can't afford power tools, I'm going to give hand planing a shot. I've never used a hand plane before, but I'm a woodcarver, so I can sharpen the plane well. I just need to straighten one edge on each board. I've watched a video by Paul Sellers on the technique, which helped boost my confidence, but I'm hoping to get any additional tips or advice on what to watch out for. Thanks!
4 Answers
Another tip is to take shavings that end an inch from the ends of the boards. This prevents any unwanted curves at the edges. Focus on checking your work frequently—spending more time inspecting than planing is key. Good luck with your project!
First off, make sure your plane blades are sharp—like, really sharp. That makes all the difference. It's much easier to get a clean edge when everything's sharp. Also, try to plane both boards at the same time, and keep the edges facing up. It helps make sure they match up well! Don't force it; start with light passes and gradually go deeper instead of trying to take off large chunks of wood.
And hey, just a reminder: only take on commissions if you're confident about meeting the timelines and budgets. Woodworking can be trickier than it looks, especially with hand tools!
Before you begin, hold a straight edge against the boards to check for high spots. Mark them and just take a few shavings off those areas. And definitely practice with some scrap wood before diving into your actual pieces—it's not as tough as it seems once you get the hang of it! Remember, if a joint ends up slightly concave, that's better than a convex one. You can look up "sprung joint" for tips on that.
Good point! I always remind myself that patience pays off with hand tools. Plus, you get to enjoy the process!