Build an Adjustable Shooting Board for Gap-Free Joints
Getting perfectly fitting miter joints can be a challenge. Even when your table saw is set accurately, a small variation in the angle can leave an unwanted gap when the parts come together.
One of my favorite ways to fine-tune a joint is with a hand plane and a shooting board.
A shooting board supports the workpiece while the plane removes thin shavings from the end, allowing you to sneak up on a precise fit.
But this version has a useful twist. Instead of a fixed fence, it uses the miter gauge from your table saw. That means you can adjust the angle to match almost any miter joint.
And best of all, the jig is easy to make from a few pieces of MDF.
Build the MDF Shooting Board
The base consists of three pieces of MDF.
Start with a large piece for the bottom layer. Then glue two narrower pieces on top.
The first upper piece provides a guide surface for the hand plane.
The second is spaced away from the first to create a slot that accepts the miter gauge bar.
Here's an easy trick: Use your miter gauge bar as a spacer when positioning the second piece. This helps create a slot that fits your gauge without excessive side-to-side movement.
Finally, install a dowel stop to keep the miter gauge from sliding out of position during use.
The result is a simple shooting board with an adjustable fence that can be set for square cuts, miters, or other angles.
Add an Auxiliary Fence to Prevent Tearout
Before using the shooting board, I attach an auxiliary wooden fence to the miter gauge.
This provides backing for the workpiece as the plane exits the cut, helping prevent tearout along the back edge.
For mitered workpieces, bevel the end of the auxiliary fence to match the cutting angle.
I also like to apply pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sandpaper to the fence face.
The sandpaper adds grip and helps prevent the workpiece from slipping as the plane moves across the end grain.
Fine-Tune Miters and Square Board Ends
Once the jig is assembled, apply a little paste wax to the surfaces where the plane rides. This helps the plane slide smoothly during use.
To trim a workpiece, set the miter gauge to the desired angle and secure it.
Hold the workpiece firmly against the auxiliary fence and make light passes with the hand plane.
The goal is to remove just enough material to create a clean, accurate end without changing the length more than necessary.
For miter joints, check the fit frequently and take additional light passes until the joint closes without gaps.
The same setup works for squaring the ends of boards. Simply set the miter gauge to 90° and use the shooting board to trim the end square.
With an adjustable fence and a sharp hand plane, you can make the small corrections that turn an ordinary joint into a great-fitting one.
How to Use a Block Plane: 5 Essential Woodworking Techniques
A shooting board is only as effective as the plane you use with it. Learn five practical block plane techniques for trimming end grain, easing edges, and fine-tuning woodworking joints.
These essential skills will help you get cleaner cuts and more accurate results on your next project.
LEARN 5 BLOCK PLANE TECHNIQUES → Get More Precision from Your Hand Plane
