Using a Luthier's Shooting Board

[hottyblond2000]

what kind of clamps are those?

[MDLuthier]

@hottyblond2000 Standard luthier's cam clamps...Woodcraft carries them, as well as Stewart McDonald.

[peakhouse]

Many thanks MD .i am from UK. like the slope.spread wear across blade.blade cuts at slight angle so less friction and binding in the cut.slope gives available friction translated into downforce component to keep timbers together and in place.great stuff Guv'nor.

[MDLuthier]

@peakhouse Thank-you - much appreciated, and excellent explanation of the additional benefit of the ramp.

[goattreeanimals]

Hi, great stuff! I'm a first time builder, and i was wondering, what model planer are you using in this video? all i can seem to find are tiny block planers

[MDLuthier]

@goattreeanimals The plane is a Lie-Nielsen Tools #5-1/2, but just about any well-adjusted jack plane will work.

[hier0phant]

Thank you for this.

[thirteenfingers]

Hi, I've just watched this video and the "making a luthier's shooting board" one and would like to thank you for a couple of really clear and easy to follow videos.

I do have a question though, I've seen a fair few shooting boards, but this is the first one I've seen that has an incline like this.

Can you explain why you have the platform inclined like that? I'll be making some boards soon so knowing that could well affect how I make them.

Thanks again.

[MDLuthier]

Thanks, Fingers - much appreciated. There are two reason for the ramp: spreads the wear and tear over a larger portion of the plane blade (the exotics we use for lots of guitars are pretty abrasive), and the tilt of the platform into the stop makes it easier to use hand pressure to keep things in place. The shooting board will work well without the ramps, so go ahead and build without them if that's what you want to do - not a problem.

[thirteenfingers]

It's always nice to get a quick response, even more so when it's a useful one too!

I'd half-guessed it would have something to do with using more of the blade but hadn't quite squared it away. Using hand pressure sounds good to, particularly on jobs where you just need a quick lick with the plane rather than attacking a bigger bit of wood.

I've got another question but it's off-topic to the video so keep an eye on your youtube inbox. I'll send it now.

Thanks again for the reply.

[ed677]

Very helpful indeed, thanks much

[MDLuthier]

And the best part about the vid is that it's a sure cure for insomnia.

Ed? Ed? Still there? Is that you snoring?

[ed677]

Well call me an insomniac. Help me out with some more vids doc!

[chrispaulick]

My board is made from malamine so that's not a problem. I need to get the camillia oil for my plane blades also.

[chrispaulick]

Thanks Todd.

[MDLuthier]

You are welcome, Chris. One thing to consider is waxing the area of the shooting board where the plane rides if friction makes things a bit difficult. Another alternative is to lubricate the shoulder of the plane with camellia oil as is often doneto the sole for face planing of stock.

[psychodelicdragon]

very helpful!!