I am going to make some workbench tops that are wider than my planer and sander. These are made of soft maple glued together (with edges up). I expect to make multiple tops in 2 sections (width wise) and then attach them together. At the attachment, although I will try hard, I do not expect to have it dead on smooth. I have seen many posts and items about planing, scraping, winding sticks, straight edges, ...
This leaves me wondering what is a good, efficient way to get this straight. The following lists the process I think I am going to use but any experiences people have to revise this list would be appreciated.
- plane/sand the two sections so they are smooth
- using a PC bisquit jointer, join the two major sections together. Note that if this does not seem flush, will try to make it flush with just clamps. If it is not flush, probalby something wrong with my technique (and since this is the first time I am trying this probably will meet at a right angle).
- The clamps will be clamped bottom/top alternating to avoid curving the table top - it will be checked with a straight edge when it is clamped and before it sets to see if it is twisted. What if it is not straight, what do I do?
- When dry, unclamp and remeasure with straight edge. mark with pencil all high spots.
- Now what? Should I plane the high spots or scrape them.?
- How do I avoid taking off too much material?
- What plane should I use (buy)
- What scraper should I use (buy)
- If I buy those, I need a sharpening system. I planned on getting japanese water stones. What do I use before them?
- scrape - scrape - scrape - plane - plane - plane
- sand - sand - sand ????
- arm and sholder traction with bed rest
- Now square off ends and attach to the next section of the table
Did I forget anything? Since I have a lot of these to make, I did not want to make it too difficult