How to flatten a large butcher block table top?

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:13 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:( I still can't think of what they are called when used this way)

Ya mean WINDING sticks?

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:42 pm

I have a four foot and a five foot level. I use those in combination with a portable belt sander. I usually start with a fairly course grain paper if I have an extremely uneven surface. Then go with a fine belt, to finish the job I use a vibrating sander and finally a hand sanding block with paper wrapped around it. I recently purchased the new Shopsmith sanding block and hand papers. They are terrific. Okay lest I mess with someones mind here; that aforementioned block and paper are available at Lowes (at least those stores who have hosted demos' for the new Mark 7. If the table top were smaller I would use my Sand Flee. Fjimp

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:54 pm

Winding sticks they are. The belt sander idea works. I just love my planes. Now, since the questions was posed by a Newbie, planes may not be in their arsenal. There is just something about the way I can take the plane to the work and do it just like it was done long ago (besides the excellent job they do). Again, tear out is a non issue with a toothing blade but some of the things I mention are not in the tool boxes of most. I think I've collected 20 or 30 planes, from all bench planes (except a 1) to carriage, moulding, rabbett and block to my secret weapon, the 62. Some were my great grandpas so they have a bit of heritage for me. Mastering sharpening was a chore but once I got the sharpening jig and board I am set.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 3:48 pm

If you wish to prevent chip out or splintering when routing end grain on the butcher block top, you'll need to clamp a piece of wood to the outside edges of the stock to act as a sacrificial surface. You should have no problem routing the interior areas of the end grain of a butcher block style table top. It is only the edges where chipping or splintering is possible because the wood grain is not supported. That assumes that you're using a sharp router bit.

wannabewoodworker · Post by **wannabewoodworker** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 10:04 am

This sled is pretty slick and seems to not break the bank too bad.

http://www.woodhaven.com/Planing-Sled-Router/b/3026347011?ie=UTF8&title=Planing%20Sled

BigSky · Post by **BigSky** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 11:11 am

wannabewoodworker wrote:This sled is pretty slick and seems to not break the bank too bad.

http://www.woodhaven.com/Planing-Sled-Router/b/3026347011?ie=UTF8&title=Planing%20Sled

You bet. It looks like a good sample from which one could make his/her own. But, after saying that, I must add that I have some Woodhaven products and they are quality items.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:33 pm

Assuming the table top has already been finished and used, I agree with those recommending a router with a sled. After that you'll probably want to go at it with a random orbit sander - using plenty of sandpaper. If you can get Shopsmith's green sandpaper, I recommend using that.

If the table has been finished, sandpaper will fill up quickly and will have to be thrown in the trash.

Whatever you do DON'T try to level that heavy piece with the Shopsmith Belt sander. I know this from experience!:eek: Lots of grooves!!:mad: Also the heavy weight of the wood, heated the platen enough to warp it - needing replacement. Just couldn't keep the weight off of the sander and keep the wood moving at the same time.

As said above, by others, a hand held belt sander is a good way to smooth the table, but more difficult to make it straight and level. You need to do the pencil marks and sand until they disappear. With pencil marks, they will quickly vanish from the high spots then it is time to draw some more. The real trick is to keep the sander moving.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 1:05 pm

I agree on using the bench planes. This sounds like a great project to get to know bench planes intimately. While the requisite bench planes may not be in your arsenal currently, they are available and a project like this would be a great learning experience. In terms of using new to you tools/techniques, the finished product, and the brag rights when finished.

Just my thoughts.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:11 pm

I don't think I would select a Christmas present as my learning project for "How to Use Your Hand Plane"; not with this few days to go til Christmas.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:45 pm

[quote="dusty"]I don't think I would select a Christmas present as my learning project for "How to Use Your Hand Plane"]

I must have missed or not paid much attention to "Christmas Present".

I stand corrected.

Find a cabinet maker in your area to assist in flattening this piece.