Joint Rough Lumber with a Planer

I came across some wonderful oak boards for a small table I wanted
to build. The problem was the boards were too wide for my jointer and I
didn't want to rip them any narrower. I solved my dilemma with this
planer sled that allows me to use my planer as a jointer. The trick is
to keep the board from rocking during planing. A wood shim under the
high corner is all it takes. I add hot-melt glue to the shim and all
four corners of the board to keep them from shifting on the sled during
planing. Once I have one side planed flat I take the board off the
sled, flip it over and plane the other side. The boards for my table
were only 4-ft. long and the sled is about 6-in. longer. This technique
works equally well for longer boards although you will need a longer
sled and you may need additional shims along the sides.

Click any image to view a larger version.

This story originally appeared in American Woodworker March 2004, issue #106.

March 2004, issue #106

Purchase this back issue.