Replies

1. 
   macalex | Apr 30, 2004 12:46pm | #1

   Build confidence with a piece you can sacrifice.

   The key might be what happens after you've finished either scraping or planing - how are you going to finish the surface?

   If you want to leave it as it comes from the tool, then a cut surface will usually look nicer than a scraped surface. But if you're intending to sand, then apply a built-up finish like polyerethane, it might not matter.

1. 
   wanabe | Apr 30, 2004 09:11pm | #3

   the finish is going to be tung oil mixed with varnish

1. 
   Alan | May 01, 2004 02:27am | #4

   D___

   I'll simply combine the two bits of advice already given you above.

   First is to practise on some scraps.  This will help you gain confidence that you can easily retrieve that gorgeous surface left by a well tuned and sharpened plane.  This will also allow you to observe the first rule of finishing:  There should be NO SURPRISES!  Always, always, always try everything out, finishing wise, before you do it to that article on which you slaved so long and so hard.

   The other bit of advice is to stop worrying!  With your Lie-Nielsen #4, well tuned and sharp, you can get gossamer shavings that are thinner than a human hair; shavings so thin you can read through them (this is NOT an exaggeration!).  Shavings 1/1000" or 3/1000" are a long way from the thickness of your veneer--and that is all it usually takes to make that almost magical transition.

   Plane away!

   Alan

   Edited 5/1/2004 6:05 pm ET by Alan

2. 
   MarkRoderick | Apr 30, 2004 07:04pm | #2

   I was just using my #4 L-N last night and taking whisper-thin shavings. So my personal opinion is that with 3/32" veneer you're not in danger of cutting through. As was said above, depending on your choice of finish it might not matter whether your final "cut" is with a plain or sandpaper.