: Don't worry about using the plane, it will work fine if it is sharp
: and a lot of professionals do that.

: I prefer to scarf across the thickness because it is less work,
: wastes less wood and is easier to clamp. It's also a stronger
: joint because - for the same ratio - there is more glue area. An
: 8:1 joint across the thickness of a 5/8 piece would be 5"
: long.

: Reasons to go longer are:
: The scarfed member will be bent severely at the joint
: The 2 pieces slide apart when the joint is clamped (or you can use
: a panel pin)

: Reasons to scarf across the width are:
: The joint may be less visible viewed edge-on than at an exposed
: feather edge (not everyone will agree with that)

: If you want to scarf across the width the same ratio will work, but
: if the plank is bent the glue may creep due to shear forces. You
: may more glue area for strength; increase the ratio by x
: root(width/thickness)

The scarf can be in either direction, doesn't matter. The glue area is exactly the same for thru the thickness vs. thru the width.

I do thru the thickness because it wastes less wood.

Bill H.