I took on a project at my summer cottage to make 90 ft. of window trim. My options were limited because I was able to bring only a few basic hand tools. The design called for chamfered edges. On a test run I marked the top and sides of the stock and planed down to the pencil lines. The results weren’t too bad, but they just weren’t consistent enough for the longer boards I needed.

To solve that problem, I built a chamfer guide to attach to the sole of my jack plane (see the drawings). I first planed the edge of a length of scrap to and then cut it in half lengthwise, to make two pieces for the base. To the tops of those I added a couple of side blocks screwed on tightly to fit against the body of the plane. I cut slotted mounting holes in one of the base pieces to allow for adjustments.

I clamped the guides to the sides of the plane ahead of the mouth where there is a support rib so that I wouldn’t crack the casting. Loosening the screws on the adjustable guide and sliding it one way or the other controls the width of the chamfer. Once I had the size of the chamfer set, the planing went very smoothly.

Darrell LaRue, Oakville, Ont., Canada

Fine Woodworking Magazine, October 2001 No. 151

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

MicroJig Matchfit dovetail clamps

These unique clamps have angled tips that hold templates and fences in place without getting in the way.

Buy at Amazon

Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner

This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for so many. There is no easier way to get mortise and tenon joints—but it comes at a cost.

Buy at Amazon

Bessey EKH Trigger Clamps

Bessey EKH series quick-release trigger-style clamps are simple to use and maintain consistent pressure. Trigger clamps that perform the way you've always wished they would!

Buy at Amazon