: Calling all master woodsman,
: I am needing a bench planer but do not have one or the money for
: one. So what alternatives are there? My project is wooden XC
: skis which will require a hardwood sandwich of 1/8 inch thick
: plys.
: Would a power hand planer work? Another thought for me is a drill
: press acting as a drum sander with a fence. I do not have either
: one of these but am willing to spend 150 dollars towards a new
: tool (less would be better). I do have the basics, table saw,
: miter saw, router (but no table).
: Please educate me on what I can do and what I might need for it.
: thanks,
: Scott

With a brand new thin kerf ripping blade (and not an expensive one either) I found it easy to cut consistent strips off a short plank of oak, 2 inches thick. The new blade gave each strip an outstanding face and it was easy to cut thin strips (mine were about 3/32).

Cheap table saw too. Just needed a good fence (a straight edged piece MDF, of all things!)