I was planing down some lams last night for all wood r/d bow for my daughter.  I use a harbor freight 12" planing and always thought it was a great little machine.  I usually run the wood on the outside end of the planer because it is easier to stand there and run the pieces back and forth.  Found out last night that by running the pieces on the end of the planer, it doesn't cut evenly.  It would be off quite a bit actually.  When I run them right now the middle, it works fine.  I must have been measuring the small side on the last couple bows because my weights always come out a lot higher than I was shooting for.    Another lesson learned in the world of wood working with cheap tools.

Lots of lessons to be learned with expensive tools too.  If I had but one wish I would wish to stop learning things "the hard way".

Good to know. Thanks for sharing this information.

QuoteOriginally posted by 7 Lakes:
If I had but one wish I would wish to stop learning things "the hard way".

You got that right!

Guy

haha, If I don't learn something the hard way, then I quickly forget what I learned.  Fixing something you did the wrong way by doing it the right way is my way.

I have been building laminated bows for going on 2 years and have made each mistake alteast once. One bowyer I know told me I can explaine it the best I can but you are going to have to make mistakes to learn and he his right. I just keep taking notes and moving on... Its a blast.
Terry