I often resaw thin boards from thicker stock, and then handplane them to the desired thickness. These boards can be as thin as 1⁄8 in. or even 1⁄16 in, and are difficult to secure for handplaning using a standard vise and benchdogs. And if the piece is not fully supported on a flat surface it can flex, making planing almost impossible.

To get the job done, I use a 3⁄4-in. plywood base held on the workbench between my vise and benchdogs. I drill 1⁄4-in. holes in the plywood around the workpiece and insert “mini-dogs,” which are simply 1⁄4-in. dowels. When planing thin panels or thin, flat parts for knife handles, I place several mini-dogs in existing holes, and drill new holes if needed. The holes pass completely through the plywood base so I can easily remove the minidogs later.

Jim Richey

Alejandro Balbis, Longueuil, None

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Hedgehog featherboards

The Hedgehog's unique spiral shape and single knob make it easy to set up and fast to adjust.

Buy at Amazon

Woodriver Circle Cutting Jig

The WoodRiver circle jig, which produces cuts up to 32-1/2 in. dia., and I can confidently recommend it. Unlike similar jigs that can pop off of their pivots mid-cut, ruining a panel in the process, this one has a robust pivot point that registers securely in the jig and workpiece.

Buy at Amazon

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon