1 - Choose best side.

Place on bench against bench stop.

Take appropriate plane (usually your largest).

2 - Plane the face side straight and true. this can be tested with a straight edge but it is best to get used to sighting along it by eye as this is much the quickest way. Some people use the corner of the plane as a straight edge. This is an economical method as one does not have to put the plane down.

3 - When it is correct to your satisfaction mark the face side.

4 - Choose the best edge.

5 - Plane straight and square . sighting along the edge and testing with the try square. If you can see light between the try square blade and the wood then move the plane over to the high side ands remove a shaving or two and check. Try to finish with one complete shaving.

6 - Mark face edge.

7 - Set the marking gauge to the finished width . With the stock of the gauge against the face edge mark a line down both sides of the wood.

8 - Carefully plane down to the lines.

9 - Check for squareness before you reach the lines. When you reach the lines one side of the gauge line should be just visible along both edges of the planed face.

10 - Set the gauge to the finished thickness and with the stock of the gauge against the face side of the wood mark a line along both edges of the wood. If the wood is wide you can mark a line across the ends too.

11 - Carefully plane down to the lines checking for accuracy as you get near to the lines.

12- Check finally for flat and level.

2 - Plane straight and true

3 - Mark face side

4 - Choose best edge

5 - Plane straight and square

6 - Mark face edge

7 - Gauge to width

8 - Plane to gauge lines

9 - Check

10 - Gauge to thickness

11 - Plane to gauge lines

12 - Check