Step-by-Step Door Planing Guide

• Safety glasses and ear protection
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Sturdy workbench or sawhorses
• Clamps
• Sharp, adjustable hand plane
• Straight edge or T-square
• Sandpaper

Measure and Mark: 

Use the measuring tape to measure the door frame and compare it to the door. Use a pencil to mark the areas on the door that need to be planed. Typically, you’ll need to plane the sides of the door, and possibly the top or bottom.

Secure the Door: 

Place the door on a stable workbench or sawhorses. Use clamps to secure it in place to prevent movement while you work.

Adjust the Plane: 

Set the hand plane to take off a very small amount of timber at a time. It’s better to make several light passes than to remove too much wood at once.

Plane the Door: 

Start planing along the marked areas. Use long, even strokes and apply consistent pressure. Always plane in the direction of the wood grain to avoid tearing the wood.

Check your Progress: 

Frequently check your progress by fitting the door into the frame. This helps ensure you don’t remove too much material.

Check for Straightness: 

Use a straight edge or T-square to check that the edges of the door are straight and even. Adjust your planing technique as needed to correct any uneven areas.

Smooth the Edges:

Once you’ve achieved the desired fit, use sandpaper to smooth the planed edges. This helps to remove any rough spots and ensures a clean finish.

Final Fit: 

Fit the door into the frame one last time to ensure it opens and closes smoothly without sticking. Make any final adjustments as needed and install the door .

Take Your Time: Planing a door requires patience. Rushing can lead to mistakes and uneven edges.

Check the Grain: Always plane in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the door.   

Test Frequently: Regularly test the door in the frame to ensure you’re removing the right amount of material.