Planing a door is a common technique used to adjust its size or fit within a frame, often necessary due to swelling, settling, or minor fitting issues. This process involves carefully removing small amounts of material from the door's edges using a plane.
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved in planing a door, ensuring a proper fit:
Tools Needed
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. While specific tools may vary, a basic setup for planing a door typically includes:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wood Plane | The primary tool for removing wood |
| Measuring Tape | For accurate measurements |
| Pencil | For marking areas to be planed |
| Sanding Block | For smoothing the planed edge |
| Sandpaper | Various grits for smoothing |
| Sawhorses | To support the door securely (optional) |
Having the right tools ensures the job is done efficiently and accurately.
Measuring and Marking the Door
Accurate measuring and marking the door is crucial. First, determine exactly how much material needs to be removed and where. Often, this involves placing the door in the frame to see where it binds or doesn't fit properly. Use a pencil to clearly mark the sections of the door edge that require planing. Measure the required removal amount carefully to avoid taking off too much material.
Choosing the Correct Plane
Selecting choosing the correct plane for the job is important. Hand planes come in various types and sizes. For trimming door edges, a block plane or a jack plane is often suitable. Ensure the plane is sharp and in good working condition for smooth cuts.
Adjusting the Blade Depth
Properly adjusting the blade depth on your plane is key to controlling how much material is removed with each pass. For door planing, it's generally best to start with a very shallow cut. This allows you to remove material gradually, check the fit frequently, and avoid mistakes. Most planes have an adjustment mechanism (often a knob or lever) to control the depth and lateral position of the blade.
Setting Angle and Planing Side-to-Side
When planing, focus on setting angle and planing side-to-side. Position the plane flat on the door edge and push it forward, applying even pressure. Plane along the marked lines, removing wood in smooth, controlled strokes. Planing with the wood grain helps prevent splintering. For wider edges, you might plane from one side to the other, overlapping your strokes slightly. Make multiple shallow passes rather than one deep cut, regularly checking your progress against the marked line.
Sanding After Planing
Once you have planed the edge down to the desired measurement, sanding after planing is necessary. Use a sanding block and sandpaper to smooth the newly planed edge. Start with a coarser grit (like 80 or 100) to refine the shape and then move to a finer grit (like 150 or 220) for a smooth finish. This step removes any plane marks and prepares the edge for finishing.
Refitting the Door
The final step is refitting the door into its frame. Carefully place the door back into the opening to test the fit. Check for any remaining tight spots or binding areas. If the door still doesn't fit perfectly, take it down and repeat the planing process on the specific areas that require further adjustment. Continue this cycle of planing, sanding, and testing until the door swings freely and closes correctly.
By following these steps, you can effectively plane a door to achieve a perfect fit within its frame.
