How to Cut the Lid Rebates

If I were to recommend one tool to do this job, it would be the shoulder plane. It’s an incredibly versatile tool that will not only complete this job to a brilliant standard, but also be incredibly versatile for your future projects. My plane of choice is the Veritas Medium Shoulder Plane.

It has many great features that set it apart from traditional shoulder plane designs. Most notably, the redesign of the level cap means that the ergonomics of the tool promotes your hands pushing it forward and down. As opposed to just downward like you would find on the curved lever cap of a Lie-Nielsen, Record or Stanley Shoulder Plane.

The small brass knob on the top of the plane looks out of place to begin with, however can be tilted both left and right. This means it can be hooked between your thumb and index finger when being used on its side. In addition, your index or middle finger can then be looped through the conveniently positioned hole in the side of the plane. Making it incredibly easy to hold and control when using horizontally.

These are very subtle differences that words do not do justice. If you live within travelling distance of a woodworking store that stocks Veritas, I encourage you to try one out. It will all make sense when you pick it up!