When handplaning the edge of a board for the purpose of edge-gluing, a timehonored technique is to plane a slight concave curve into the edge over its length. If done properly, the curve assures the whole edge will be tight when glued. It also reduces the number of clamps needed. The problem is how to plane a predictable curve that closes uniformly under clamping pressure.

Here is a simple solution: Stand the board on edge between a benchdog and the dog in your woodworking vise. Now put pressure on the board until the top edge curves upward. The curve should be quite slight, no more than 1⁄32 in. or so for a 2-ft.-long board. Plane the edge straight and square. When the pressure is released, you will have a uniform concave curve that will work perfectly for edge-joining the board. The curve should be slight so that you don’t build unwanted stress into the glued joint.

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Jim Richey

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