Squaring the Faceplate End

[Bob Gleason]

Here is another shop tidbit. Probably most people already know this one. Squaring the faceplate end at the nut is commonly done with some kind of sander, often a disc sander. It is very easily done with a plane , which produces a clean edge that is at the correct angle, with no dust! Photos show the process. The piece of tape on the faceplate helps prevent the wood from splitting out when the plane exits the wood.The head is first cut and planed smooth to the final angle. The plane will register on it's side on the head. A line is drawn on the faceplate at right angle to the centerline. The faceplate is cut close to the square line and is reversed and clamped on the flat of the neck with enough overhanging the headstock so that the plane blade can do it's job. Then plane to the faceplate square line. It's easy. A low angle plane works best. Most block planes will work. Oh, and the plane has to be sharp.