How to Plane End Grain

Planing end grain requires specific technique to prevent catastrophic tearout at the far edge.

Three Methods

1. Chamfer the Far Edge

Plane a small chamfer on the exit edge. Now tearout occurs in waste material.

2. Plane from Both Ends

Plane halfway from one end, flip the board, plane from the other end. Meet in the middle.

3. Use a Backing Board

Clamp scrap flush with the far edge. Fibers tear into the backing board instead of your work.

Best Plane for End Grain

Low-angle block plane or bevel-up bench plane. The acute cutting angle slices end grain cleanly.