Essential Bench Jigs: V-Block Stop for Planing

Get a Grip on Legs and Other Thin Parts

To plane long, narrow parts, which have a tendency to pivot, I use a stop that provides lateral support as well. Attach two thin strips to a plywood base at right angles and add a cleat on the bottom so it can be clamped in the vise. The stop keeps the work from pivoting, even when you skew the plane for a smoother cut. When chamfering or shaping legs, add V-blocks to the stop to support the stock at 45°.

Easy to build, easy to use. Pekovich glues and pins the thin end stop and fence to the plywood base. He also glues a cleat to the bottom of the jig, which allows it to be clamped in place. The fence prevents long parts like table legs from pivoting during planing.

V-blocks support stock at an angle. For shaping or chamfering long, narrow parts, screw a pair of beveled blocks to each end of the jig. The front block has an end stop screwed to the face to hold the stock in place while shaping.

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