If you’re a hand tool woodworker without access to a bandsaw, a kerfing plane could be a highly valuable addition to your toolbox. This tool is particularly useful for resawing timber, allowing you to achieve straight and precise cuts with ease.
You may recall the kerfing plane I crafted some time ago. While I was initially enthusiastic about using it, I hadn’t found much reason to resaw timber lately. Consequently, my prized tool ended up at the bottom of my toolbox for many months.
However, that changed today. I needed to resaw some timber for a mockup and finally had a chance to put the kerfing plane to good use. One challenge I encountered was fine-tuning the fence to align the blade perfectly with my knifed line. This required small adjustments, and I quickly realised I needed shims to incrementally nudge the fence.
A trip to Bunnings revealed a solution. Although they didn’t have washers larger than an M16, a helpful young employee suggested checking the plumbing section. There, I discovered rubber shims that fit perfectly over the rods of my kerfing plane. They worked brilliantly, allowing me to make precise adjustments. These shims have proven so effective that I’m considering picking up more for future projects. For now, though, I’m thrilled with the results happy as Larry, as they say!
What makes my kerfing plane truly unique is the innovative design of its teeth. Every cut made with this plane is demanding, as the teeth are highly aggressive by design. Unlike standard saw teeth such as those found on a typical handsaw, which clog consistently when run lengthwise along the edge of a board my kerfing plane’s teeth excel at clearing shavings and avoiding clogs. However, to successfully use this tool, it’s crucial to start gently by “kissing” the surface. This light initial touch allows you to establish control and avoid biting too deeply into the wood. Once the cut is started, the plane glides along smoothly, delivering exceptional performance unmatched by conventional tools.
These teeth will clog when used along the length of the board.
A kerfing plane truly shines in situations like this. No regrets for making it.
