This is the end result of not using a finger board while ripping on the table saw. By the time I saw it coming, I was too late.
Without an actual metal brake I had to get creative.
Building a deck around a half moon chimney was a bit of a challenge. After a few go arounds with Trex decking, I figured out the instructions using forced hot air to form the decking was wrong. So... I thought outside the grid and built a steam box. Figuring a percentage of the material was wood byproduct, why-not. Sure enough it worked. Had to keep up with the water and timing. After some trial and error the railings, trim and front trends went together pretty well. The finished deck is posted under home projects.
So for those of you out there who have just bought a new electric planer, here's my version of getting familiar with it. First, cut down a standing dead wood (or the like) then, go to work. I'm thinking by the time you've finished a new flag pole or spar you'll be a real pro. Here on the left you can see how I plane across with a slight angle to cut in and down quickly. On the right you can see after I've cut it down to size some, shaping begins by planing with the grain. All the while working the depth knob, mostly to get a feel for it also.
A couple other things I learned along the way was marking the high areas with chalk after site'n it. An old trick I might add. The other thing was when cutting in cross ways the planer will clog up quicker. I'm sure how I got quick at cleaning it out is not recommended so I'll leave my idea out. However shaping is'nt all that bad. Anyway have fun and let the chips fly.
