Tips & Techniques

Edge-Planing Windows on a Workmate

Issue 214

I’m a volunteer helping to restore a 1930s WPA log cabin on Bainbridge Island. I built the windows, and I made the stiles a bit wide to accommodate any variations in their openings. To hold the windows at a convenient height for planing the stiles, I built a drop-in benchtop for my Workmate out of 3/4-in. plywood. It has a tapered hook for the window to rest against, as shown in the drawing above right. I added two 24-in. by 1/2-in. black pipes hung vertically from modified floor flanges. Each pipe has a Pony Clamp tailpiece, which can be adjusted up and down to support the windows at a comfortable planing height.

Richard Culp, Bainbridge Island, WA

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #214

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