Here’s a way to joint those monster wide planks that are impossible to true on a jointer, no matter how strong you are. Clamp your raggedy-edged board over a long, straight guidestick and trim the edge square with a big (1-1/2-HP, 1/2-in. collet) router fitted with a flush-cutting spiral trimmer. Position the workpiece to overhang the guide-stick slightly so the whole edge gets machined in one pass. With a hardboard template the same setup can be used to smooth contours. Ocemco (1232 51 Ave., Oakland, Calif. 94601) makes a dual-bearing, 1/2-in. diameter, flush trimmer with two spiral flutes that’s ideal. The trimmer, which sells for about $30, is 1-1/2-in. long, limiting its use to 6/4 stock.

Patrick Warner, Escondido, Calif.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, February 1982 No. 32

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