Pure Fun

[Birdhunter]

I’m building a large complex reception desk using 3/4” Baltic birch with 1/4” thick oak edge trim. The trim is slightly wider than the plywood (by plan) and has to be pared down flush. 

I didn’t want to use a router due to possible blowout.  I tried sanding and that was too slow.

I ended up using a very sharp Lie Nielsen block plane. It’s a lovely fun feeling to see paper thin shavings boil out of that plane. I can get close enough with the plane that a quick sanding with 180 grit finishes the job.

I also bought a bunch of edge clamps from Rockler that have made the trim job far easier. The clamps act like a large clothes pin with a rubber band stretched between the jaws. They work far faster than the blue tape method I was using.

 

[mike_aa]

I also bought a bunch of edge clamps from Rockler that have made the trim job far easier. The clamps act like a large clothes pin with a rubber band stretched between the jaws. They work far faster than the blue tape method I was using.

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]  If you need more of those edge banding clamps, here's a way to get more cheap.

Hope this helps!

Mike A.

 

[gunnyr]

I recently started carrying a block plane in my tool bag.  It is indeed VERY satisfying to see those wispy thin shavings curl out of the plane!

 

[Rob Z]

Birdhunter

I am working on refining hand tool skills as often as possible, and continue to be amazed at the results  with something like a basic block plane. I use the LN low angle block plane in the same way you are and it's possible to trim the edging so flush that there is just a "fuzz" taken off the surface of the plywood. As you say, just a quick pass with a sander or sanding block finishes the job.

 

[Birdhunter]

I had to learn how to sharpen plane irons and chisels before hand tool became truly enjoyable.