planing doors

[jimboc]

I've just had new carpets fitted and the fitter removed the doors as they would have snagged the carpet. obviously I'm going to have to shorten the doors, can anyone give me advice as to the best way to do this, e.g. saw or plane? I have a new electric plane which I haven't used yet but a mate of mine reckons a jack saw would be better. I reckon I need to take about 5 mm off. thanks in advance

 

[2scoops0406]

For that kind of trim, I reckon a straight edge and a circular saw.

 

[jimboc]

Thanks eddie, I think I overestimated in my first post, up to 5mm would suffice, still the same advice?

 

[masona]

Using a circular saw will give you one side of rough edge unless its score with a stanley knife, a planer is easier

 

[2scoops0406]

5mm, yes a planer would probably be better. A circular saw with a fine cut blade minimises any breakout / chipping but you would generally use this method when you were taking a fair amount off. Also, if you are really taking a lot off, you need take off both the tope and the bottom of the doors, and have to reposition the hinges, which is a pain.

 

[markie]

I've just had new carpets fitted and the fitter removed the doors as they would have snagged the carpet. obviously I'm going to have to shorten the doors, can anyone give me advice as to the best way to do this, e.g. saw or plane? I have a new electric plane which I haven't used yet but a mate of mine reckons a jack saw would be better. I reckon I need to take about 5 mm off. thanks in advance

Have u used a electric plane before, if not don't press down too hard and keep it streight.

 

[oilman]

You haven't said what the doors are made of, and how they are made. If they are hardboard doors, the panels are usually pinned onto a strip across the bottom. When you plane it, you will find the pins

If they are solid wood, you may split the wood as the plane reaches the edge of the door

Hand tools are often better for the non-expert.

 

[joe-90]

I prefer a circular saw myself, you get a better line.

If you do usew a planer then draw a line first that you can plane down to or it'll all go awry.

 

[sedgey]

Moderator 3, please read Forum rules 7 & 12

 

[Richard C]

I have both an electric planer & circular saw; if the amount being removed is greater than the thickness of the saw blade, I’d go with the saw every time & cut against a clamped straight edge. it’s quicker & only needs a light polish with the planer to finish it off & chamfer the edges. There is more risk of going off square or bowing when removing large amounts with the planer; also helps the blade last longer!