Newbie, not sure what tool to use (pics) - Woodworking Talk

rdiggidy · 10-22-2009, 11:44 PM

I'm working with wood for the first time and I've been stumbling through my first project; which is building a work bench. (Side note, you really need a work bench to build a work bench!)

I'm a little off on the edges of my work bench (where the horizontal shelves meet the vertical posts). It is obviously suppose to be flush, however the horizontal shelves protrude past the vertical posts. The bench is going to be wrapped in MDF so I need to make these edges flush with the vertical posts so the MDF is flush against the vertical posts. However I end up making the horizontal pieces flush doesn't need to be pretty as it's not going to be visible.

The problem (besides the fact that I messed up and didn't get it flush the first time) is that I'm not sure what tool I need.

Should I get an electric hand planer or a belt sander (or other?) to make those edges flush?

Thanks for any help!

lucas.j.dunton · 10-22-2009, 11:50 PM

I think the belt sander would be a much easier route. Just be careful because it will take the material off very quickly if you use like a 60 or 80 grit belt. Just take it slow and don't keep the sander in one spot, keep it moving and you should be able to keep it straight and take the excess material off, just remember you can sand it off, but if you take off too much say, in the middle then you wont be able to put it back on. Just go slow and check it out with a straight edge as you go.

woodnthings · 10-22-2009, 11:56 PM

Should you go out and buy one?
quote "Should I get an electric hand planer or a belt sander (or other?) to make those edges flush?"
I assume you don't have a hand power planer, so yes. That would make quick work of it. I use my hand power planer all the time.... to taper wedges, remove humps before jointing, and all sorts of times when a hand plane would take too much time and energy. You can develop a keen eye for when things are straight by using it often.
Not quite certain from the photos what the issue is except the shelf protrudes about a 1/16th...and you say it will be cased in MDF so appearance is not an issue, just flat and true. A belt sander will also work. You just need a coarse grit 36 to 50 to remove a lot of material at first. Then switch to 80 or 100 if you want a smoother finish.
If you are just starting out you will acquire both of these tools at some point, so either will work. Otherwise a hand plane will do fine.

bill

rdiggidy · 10-23-2009, 12:15 AM

Thanks for the replies.

The protruding shelves are indeed the issue. The sheets of MDF are suppose to mount flush with the vertical posts, but can't because of the protruding shelves.

I am indeed going to need to buy either the planer or the belt sander (don't have either). I was wondering which to buy. I'm sure I will eventually buy both, but I'm wondering which would be most effective for this particular situation (having never used either).

This workbench project is getting quite expensive (so far I've purchased a: table saw, router, drill press) and used all of those items for the first time. I'm hoping I can complete the project with the purchase of only 1 more tool! It sounds like you are both in agreement that a belt sander would do the job. Unless I hear a different opinion I think I'm going to plan on going that route.

BHOFM · 10-23-2009, 12:48 AM

First, welcome to the forum. And yes it is hard to
build a work bench without having a work bench.
Sort of the egg and chicken question.

The belt sander is the safest of the two. You need to
practice on a scrap first and get the feel of it. This is
true with any tool you get. Learning to hold it true
with the piece you are working on is the first rule.
Don't force the tool, if it isn't cutting, replace the
belt. Removing excess glue before using the belt
sander with greatly extend the belt life. Avoid nails
and screw heads. Go gently on the edges and watch
where the cord is. You can cut the cord with the belt
or get it under foot and do worse.

The hand planer is just a belt sander with an attitude.
It will leave a smoother truer surface.
It will also do more damage very quickly.

Learning to use the tools is the main object here.
Safety is the first rule in every tool. Safety glasses
are rule one A!

John in Tennessee · 10-23-2009, 12:58 AM

and measure twice or even three times. Go for a dry fit? before you nail,screw or glue anything. Just think through everyting before you cut. Don't get discourages. I have seen pic of workbench of the guys here. Heck they look like fine custom furniture. I'm in the middle of building Momma a wishing well. When I get it done I'm going to build a new bench.
Good luck and SLOW DOWN...

GeorgeC · 10-23-2009, 07:16 AM

I agree on the belt sander. It will take material off in a hurry when needed and can do relatively fine work with the correct grit paper. I have lived all of my life without a hand power planer and have never really waned one for any job.

G

woodnthings · 10-23-2009, 10:08 AM

If you've lived all your life without a hand power planer, then you have had no experience with one. It's one sided advice based on only using a belt sander. Maybe you'd really like a power planer if you tried one. They sell millions of them, so obviously a lot of people do use them, I only have 4 of them, 2 Craftsman, 1 Dewalt and 1 Metabo. So I account for a large portion of sales myself!

I wouldn't be without one, personally.
You can make a tapered wedge 4' long by 6" wide from straight stock for installing between the casings on studs in a door installation in about 3 minutes. Can't be done any other way that quickly except with a bandsaw. I just bought a used Craftsman at a garage sale for $45.00 even though I already had an older one that I use exclusively for ROUGH carpentry and mentioned above. Check them out you may like it.

bill
BTW I'm not saying it's the only tool for this question as I posted that above, eventually he will have both if he does a lot of installation work OR doesn't get a stationary floor planer for a while.
It saves a ton of work to rough out a board with twist, cup or bow in preparation for sawing, planing or jointing. Photos below show how to create a flat surface in less than 1 minute with a spud and a power planer to make the log ready for the bandsaw.. Not every needs one for this operation, but this sure make it safer to saw the log with flats on 4 sides.

BTW part 2: The log is Box Elder and should have Flame inside!!!

Gerry KIERNAN · 10-24-2009, 10:32 AM

Actually, a hand plane [non-powered] would make short work of that protruding edge.

Gerry

ACP · 10-24-2009, 12:28 PM

Rdiggity, follow the advise of the others here but also don't see the purchase of tools as a burden but a joy to be shared. As in share what tools you have and what you think of them! Also, the tools you listed, if you plan to make this a hobby or more, will all be used with almost every project, so they are not just an investment in your bench but in the future of your hobby. Good luck with your bench and pleasee let us see the finished product.

dbhost · 10-27-2009, 12:42 PM

Another vote for a hand plane.