Like when you want to do a band that’s wider than the planer. What’s the technique to keep everything flat/straight? (So far, I’ve only used a surform for such things.)
Let’s say, for instance, you want to put a fat band on the edge of a flat deck to start doming it. Call it six inches wide at the wide point of your shape.
I’m guessing maybe start with multiple little bands that make up a composite “band” that’s curved in profile? And then you go over the whole area again but starting at the top of the curve and keep planing down/flat until you get to the borders of the original composite band? (I hope this makes sense LOL)
First of all; You need to start by using a planer. Learn to properly use a planer or stay with a Surform. No need to theorize about how to cut a six inch band with a planer when you have yet to cut a planer width band with a planer. Stick with a Surform. A Surform is 10” wide. You should be able to get a six inch band out of that. Doming the deck infers that you are probably using a slab cut EPS blank. Stick with a Surform or a sanding block and 60#.
Oh, I’ve been using a planer. I’ve shaped two boards already. I’m getting more and more comfortable with the planer every day. I don’t really like surforms as well, especially now since the ubiquitous Stanley ones seem cheaply made.
I’m just hesitant with wider bands, as I’m not sure how you keep them flat, straight, and tidy. And I’ve never shaped EPS. PU US Blanks–all day, every day.
I have a little bit of experience, like you I have shaped a couple of boards and have seen a few pretty good shapers do their thing. I have never seen a shaper cut a six inch band with a three inch planer. I am sure that somebody here will tell me that Joe Blow does it all the time. I would think that a six inch band would give you a tremendous flat spot. Do me a favor; When you get it figured out, post a YouTube video. You’ll probably get more views than Kazuma.