Flattening 8/4 Maple without Jointer??

[Brian Fulkerson]

I am currently working with two pieces of 8/4 hard Maple measuring approximately 7 1/2 inches wide and 48 inches long. I need to flatten them perfectly, however I don't own a jointer. I do however have all the other major tools. Benchtop Planer, table saw, bandsaw, router (+ table), etc... (A jointer is on my "next tool list"!!)

My question is how I can "Jerry-rig" a way to flatten one surface before sending throgh my planer? The edges are easy as I clamped a straight edge and used a flush trim bit with my router. I have heard of a sled system for the planer, and I was hoping one of you can elaborate on this process. Otherwise, I know that I can use router rails, hand planes, etc... though I am hoping to discover an easier method. I usually don't have a git-er'-dun' attitude with woodworking. This is a quick side-job that I took on and I would like to keep it that way.

Thanks for the support...

Brian

[Eric Gustafson]

Here is an example:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=49915

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

Routah Bridge~!!

[Sean Kinn]

Yep, planer sled would be the first thought, second would be my trusty #7 jointer plane.

[Sam Yerardi]

The router bridge is a good way to do it if it is too much for your planer. Make sure you use a new sharp carbide cutter and maintain a good feed or you'll burn the maple.

[Scott Pearson]

You can use a planner sled. Fine Woodworking has a nice PDF on it. Here is a like to some router rails, router bridge or whatever name you choose.
http://www.leestyron.com/sled.php

Scott

[Gene Michael]

if there's a source for hardwoods near you that planes their own lumber, call them and ask how much it would cost to run your preces through. in the long run, this could save you a tremendous amount of time.

[Rob Will]

I vote for router bridge.

Rob

[Joe Chritz]

My first choice would be find someone with an 8" jointer to use for 5 minutes.

Any schools still have woodshop or maybe a votech place?

Your welcome to use mine, how long til you can be here? Mapquest calls it 2407 miles.

A planer sled is good to build for those wider boards you can't get through the jointer you will eventually probably purchase. No time like the present.

Joe

[Randy Klein]

I guess I'll be the first to say it: Use a handplane to flatten one side enough to make it stable so you can then run it through the planer to make it the other side flat. Then proceed as normal. And just in case you don't have (or have an aversion to) handplanes, a powered hand planer can do the same. FWW online had a video describing this.

[Wade Lippman]

Depends on what is wrong with it.
If it is straight, simply putting it through the planner will be fine. Obviously that won't work if it is bowed or twisted.

[John Michaels]

I use a planer sled. See my post on this thread,

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=75494

[glenn bradley]

This will do it: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=58735&highlight=Planer+Sled

The link to the FWW article and video are also in the thread.