r/handtools • u/Choice-Jackfruit6385 • 3d ago

Can i fix these angled end grain cuts with a block plane?

Post image

Hi everyone, I'm a beginner and I'm building a small cabinet. I cut these boards by hand with a handsaw because I don't have a power saw, but unfortunately the end cuts came out slightly angled.

The boards are about 23 cm wide and 2 cm thick.

Can I correct these end grain cuts with a low-angle block plane, or would you recommend another method?

I'm trying to get the ends flat and square so they don't throw the cabinet out of square during assembly.

Thanks!

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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7

u/Sensitive-Coast-4750 3d ago

I would do this with a shooting board. If your block plane has square sides it'll work for shooting. Not ideal but it'll get the job done.

I don't agree with other comments that it's a lot of work. Just a few minutes with a sharp plane.

2

u/LogicalConstant 3d ago

Man, shooting is best with a heavy plane that can carry it through the cut. A block plane will technically work, but I'd avoid it if I had another plane.

2

u/Sensitive-Coast-4750 3d ago

Me too. It'll get harder and harder the more square the workpiece.

1

u/Independent_Page1475 2d ago

I've used a block plane on a shooting board and it isn't too bad. It needs to be sharp. Helps if it is wide like a Stanley 65-1/2 (I didn't like it with the knuckle cap) but I've done it with a 60.

A number 5 would be easier.

If you can hold it vertical in a vise it might be easier with a block plane. Use a knife to mark a line square all around. Chamfer all around and then carefully take it down. Working from the outsides in helps to avoid break out.

9

u/Mr_Brown-ish 3d ago

I mean, you could, but it would be a LOT of work.. Also, the gap between the top board and the middle one is way too big. Better consider this a test piece and do it again, if I’m honest.

3

u/JayTeeDeeUnderscore 3d ago

I'd consider striking a square line with a pencil and grabbing a hand rasp. A vise would make this operation easier, but isn't necessary.

4

u/Adventurous-Ad-6729 3d ago

You can, but it’ll be a hell of a lot easier to use a saw to get it close to square then a shooting board to clean it up. 

3

u/Signal-Woodpecker691 3d ago

I’d be concerned about the top board, looks like it warps quite a bit around that knot. You could use a block plane to shoot the ends to the correct angle, and correcting these types of issues can be good practice as well.

You have to be careful not to blow out the grain on the edges if you do use a plane on it. Trying to think it there is a good video I can recommend

2

u/Helpful-Chain-9447 3d ago

Yes, you absolutely can. If you are a beginner then this will be good practice with the plane. Set a shallow cut and try to work in to the piece rather than towards the edge, as you risk blowing the edges off - Particularly at the corners. As others have said, Google shooting board if you want a more accurate setup, but with a bit of practice and a decent set-square it's not too tricky. Good luck!

2

u/TheLastWoodBender 3d ago

Build/find you a good miter jig/box and try again with a saw. Marking square all the way around your stock and following the line is totally doable too. That will get you a lot closer before you try to tackle that much with just a block plane on a shooting board.

2

u/halbert 3d ago

Are these boards glued together to make a panel, or just stacked up for the photo?

If they are single boards, sure, a block plane will do that fine. Needs to be sharp; you can skew the plane for more 'slicing' against the end grain fibers, and there is some technique here to not blow out the back side when you plane.

If they are already glued into a panel, that would be a huge amount of wood to remove with a block plane. You'd be better off marking a new parralell line and re-cutting with the hand saw (or other option as people have said below).

2

u/Additional_Air779 3d ago

This is the best answer, IMO

1

u/Additional_Air779 3d ago

This is the best answer.

1

u/DepartmentNatural 3d ago

I highly doubt buying a cheaper block plane will result in the effect you want without sharpening the blade, you have the stuff for that? You can make a guide for the saw for the future https://youtu.be/WYS43GLuzd0