Replies

1. 
   eric1954 | Feb 10, 2011 10:26pm | #1

   Please pardon my typing - plane not plan. 

2. 
   hammer1 | Feb 10, 2011 11:38pm | #2

   I grew up in the trade as a carpenter back before there were such things as electric miter saws. A low angle block plane was our "right hand tool". It takes some pratice to hold the plane tightly and evenly during the stroke. The blade must be very sharp and set for a fine cut, but no too fine. Don't hold your fingers in the blade slot, spliters under the fingernail! I have a pic where I had to take a shot or two off a miter, you can see the remainder of the saw cut at the top 1/8". It was a nice cut but in position, the miter was open on the top. In this case I just held the plane at a light angle, I could have tilted the blade but then I'd forget, I usually set them even across the shoe. If I needed to change the angle, I'd start with just a short stroke on the end that needed it, then another a bit longer from that end, then bring them together with full strokes on the entire length. The trick is to go light and don't take too much off, especially where you don't need any off.

   
3. 
   Frank Vucolo | Feb 11, 2011 07:36pm | #3

   It's the same way you get to Carnagie Hall...

   Practice!

   I've seen Phil Lowe fit a miter joint with a plane. What's most amazing is that he does it with a smoother and not a low angle block plane. I asked him "Are you actually using the camber in the iron to take a little more off one side than the other/?" He looked up, grinned and said "yes". 

   I think it's just a matter of amazing talent and a lot of experience. 

   Frank

4. 
   eric1954 | Feb 12, 2011 07:37pm | #4

   Miter

   I guess I just need more (considerably more) practice.