I’ve got an upcoming project where I’ll need a shooting board, and I’ve always wanted to make one. So while waiting on some finish samples to dry last night, I jammed one out. It’s made from 3/4” and 1/2” baltic birch for the base and quarter sawn cherry for the fence. Overall size is 12” x 20”. Here are a few pictures:
The fence is secured by a screw on one side and a t-bolt and star knob on the other. This makes it adjustable so I can always square it up.
Here’s the under side where I just counter bored a hole for the t-bolt head.
I also made a miter block so I can dial in 45’s. After shooting a couple of boards with it I’ve got it dialed in perfectly. Now I’ll be able to shave thousands of an inch for a perfect fit. The board is finished with my go-to for shop fixtures and furniture: 50-50 mix of BLO and mineral spirits.
Thanks for looking.
Cory
-- The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
2 comments so far
DonH
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495 posts in 3822 days
#1 posted 04-27-2011 04:35 PM
Great job! shooting boards are underrated today. They are the best way to square up end grain and along the edges for smaller pieces such as boxes etc.
Have fun with it
Don
-- DonH Orleans Ontario
Dan
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3653 posts in 3885 days
#2 posted 04-27-2011 07:29 PM
Nice board. I have built several shooting boards and use them so often that I pretty much keep them on my bench all the time. I have never been able to tune my power saws so that they were dead accurate. So for most all the work I do I will make the cut on the power saw just a tad longer and then I just bring it to the shooting boards. Takes a min or two with a plane to square the cut or miter.
You should also build a attachment or another shooting board for beveled cuts. I think its called a donkey ear shooting board?
-- Dan - "Collector of Hand Planes"
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