Trimming a window

[mmelton005]

I am in the process of trimming out my doors and windows from a recent remodel. I am building window stools for the side casing to set on top of. I am using a pine 1x4 and I am needing it to be around 1/2 thick because the 3/4 board is almost even with the bottom of the window sash. i went and purchased a porter cable planer (electric) and attempted to plane the boards. Unfortunately they came out very uneven (first time using the tool). Do you guys think that I could take a board and run it down my table saw and knock of 1/4 off of a 3/4 thick board? These boards run about $9/ea so I don't want to screw up too man cuts

 

[padroo]

I think a shop planer is what you need to plane them down so you get the consistency you want.

 

[Dirtydan69]

They do make window stool material. Yes you would need a shop style planer. Not a hand planer. Although if you got creative with a way to hold the material on your work bench I'm sure you could make it work. Woodwork supply stores sell a gripping material that you lay on your bench and it keeps your work piece from moving. Barring that big box stores sell non skid carpet mats for throw rugs. Works the same way.

 

[ard]

Agree, planer

Know a shop that would run them through for a few $$?

 

[Dirtydan69]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Woodgrai...gclid=CNLNvcTN0tECFZSIfgodAwYPSA&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Fyrme]

I'm not sure why your planer wouldn't achieve your goal of 1/2", unless you tried cutting off too much material at a time, or the board was really bowed or cupped. The faster way to use the planer method is to run the board through the table saw first to get them within 1/16" or so and take the rest off with the planer. However, unless I was building cabinets or something, a quick run through the table saw set at 1/2" from the fence to the edge of the blade would get you the dimension you want, if the board isn't cupped or bowed to start with. I do it all the time for trim and such with near perfect results.

 

[OldToolz]

Planner or table saw done both ways

 

[Fyrme]

It's funny, I've been around construction all my life and have done many remodel jobs for my self and others. Until today, I'd never heard the term "window stool". I had to look it up. It's always been called a "window sill" around here, in which you have a inner and outer. I didn't realize that a sill was just the outer part. I learned something new today and it's only 6:20am!

 

[mmelton005]

Thanks for all the help guys. I found a friend/coworker who builds cabinets on the side that had a bench planer. Zipped them down in about 6 passes! Now time to cut to lengt and router the edges. Let's hope I don't screw up and cuts ��

 

[OccupantRJ]

You could have cut a rabbet with the table saw on just the part that sits on the lower framing member and let the rest overhang the wall. This would give you a more "normal" thickness on the exposed edge. Factory window stool has this rabbett on an angle to match the sill of an older style window, and usually the exposed edge has a rounded contour to soften the look. I will be starting on some myself in a couple days and I may have to rabbet the piece to relate it properly to the window also.