How to Plane Cedar Planks Like a Pro

How to Plane Cedar Planks Like a Pro

Hey there buddy! So you wanna learn how to plane cedar planks, huh? That’s awesome! Nothing says “I’m a lumberjack” like perfect flat boards. Plus, you’ll get to impress your friends with your woodworking skills. They’ll think you’re basically the Bob Ross of the plank world. Ok, maybe not that good but still!

So grab your safety goggles (seriously, those splinters are no joke), and let’s jump into this wild journey of planing cedar like a pro. Or at least like someone who watched a couple videos online and is now way too confident about it.

Step One: Gather Your Tools

First things first! You need tools! But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a millionaire. Just get yourself a planer. You know, the thingy that makes wood all flat and smooth? Get a hand planer or an electric one depending on how fancy you feel. Also grab some clamps, safety goggles, and maybe even some earplugs if the noise annoys ya.

Step Two: Choose Your Cedar Plank

Now pick out your cedar plank. This is super important cause not every piece of wood is created equal. Look for one that doesn’t look like it survived a tornado or something. It should be straight and not have too many knots. Knots are like those weird spots in pizza—you don’t want them messing up your plans!

Step Three: Set Up Your Workspace

Find a space where you can actually work without getting yelled at by your mom or partner for making a mess. You don’t want sawdust everywhere unless you’re aiming for that “my house looks like a woodshop” vibe which might be cool? Lay down some tarps or old blankets—get creative, it’s like arts and crafts for adults!

Step Four: Measure Twice, Cut Once

You’ve probably heard this before but it’s so true! Measure everything precisely before planing it. Use one of those tape measures that seems impossibly long when you’re trying to hold it—yeah that one! Mark where you wanna plane cause if you don’t, it’s gonna be chaos.

Step Five: Start Planing Like You Mean It

Time to get down to business! Make sure your board is secured with clamps so it doesn’t try to escape while you’re working hard on it. Then, take your planer and start planing in long strokes from one end to the other—think of it as giving the plank a haircut but without the awkward small talk.

But wait! Don’t rush please…this isn’t race day! Take your time cause if you rush you’ll end up with more curves than Taylor Swift’s music career!

Step Six: Check Your Progress

After planing for a bit stop and check how flat it is do this often okay? If it’s looking good keep going but if not maybe adjust how you’re using the machine or switch directions for better results. It’s kinda like playing video games—you gotta adjust your strategy sometimes!

Step Seven: Sand It Down

Okay now comes my favorite part… sanding time!! Grab some sandpaper or use an electric sander if you’ve got one (if not just pretend you’re in a rock band). Sanding will make your cedar plank super smooth and ready for whatever project you’ve got next. Just remember – don’t over-sand unless you wanna turn that board into hardwood confetti!

FAQ Section

Question: Is planing dangerous?
Answer: Only if you’re bad at multitasking! Keep fingers away from blades and wear those safety goggles so splinters don’t become flying missiles.

Question: Can I use any kind of wood?
Answer: Sure, go wild—but cedar smells nicer than most woods when you’re working with it!

Question: What’s the best thing to install after planing?
Answer: Anything!!! Shelves, furniture items – basically anything that needs wood that’s not wobbly!

Question: How long does this whole process take?
Answer: Depends on how much coffee you’ve had and how distracted you get by cat videos on YouTube.

Question: Do I have to clean up after myself?
Answer: Ehhh… yes unless you want your pets becoming little dust bunnies running around everywhere.

Question: Can I blame my mistakes on my tools?
Answer: Duhhh yes!!! But only until they actually start talking back to ya…

Question: What if I mess up really bad?
Answer: Just turn those planks into wall art!! There’s no wrong way in DIY world!!

And there ya go! Now you’re equipped with knowledge that’ll help ya plane cedar planks like it’s nobody’s business (or at least fake it till ya make it). Just remember practice makes perfect…that and watching lots more funny videos is also helpful cause who doesn’t love laughing while learning right?! Happy woodworking mate!!