Paul Sellers | How to make a Shooting Board

In this video Paul Sellers shows how to make a simple shooting board from pine. This is an important piece of equipment for woodworking in the hand tool shop as it allows you to make sure the end of a board is either exactly square or exactly forty-five degrees. It also allows you to plane the end of a board straight across without 'break-out' on the far side.

At 1:47 the middle measurement should be 12 1/2" or 320mm. Sorry for the confusion.

[noelwrightpersonal]

Oh why haven't I found this channel before. I wish I could learn from Paul in person, what a guru!! Imagine if he was your dad or granddad...

[Archivist]

A refreshing antidote to watching people with immaculate workshops full of ruinously expensive Festool equipment.

[cffellows]

There's something cathartic about your videos. No annoying music, just the sound of your tools precisely working the wood with the occasional, reassuring comment...

[steverochon]

I was an educator for 38 years in the public schools in America, so I appreciate your skill as a teacher, as well as a woodworker. I've learned much from you since discovering your videos and wanted to thank you.

[chrisalan]

Paul, your videos are a treasure trove of information, teaching me stuff A-level woodwork didn't teach in 1979! Thank you!

[TitusLivy]

Absolutely the best woodworking tutorials on the internet...bar none! No one can teach the skills of a trade better than a master craftsman who made his living using them.

[Paul.Sellers]

Hello Sammy and everyone else. We want to thank you all for your kind comments and encouraging words. We all appreciate your support on every front.
Paul

[sethwarner]

True greatness is the ability to lead others in the ability to be great in what their life stands for. And that is what you do, sir, quietly, and simply!!

[chucklesflame]

I made mine today and it's working perfectly. Paul your videos have had a tremendously positive impact on my life, thank you for all your efforts

[paulorchard]

So refreshing watching someone who knows how to use hand tools! You finished that task in under 45 minutes, if you set up power tools to perform this task it would have been over an hour. When I did my apprenticeship it was a standing rule that first year apprentices worked only with hand tools, second year could use the bandsaw and thicknesser only and third year could use the full range of power tools! Certainly taught me how to use hand tools, lots of the older guys would lend you tools and teach how to use and sharpen so I got a complete education. Pity it’s not happening now!

[holeHeartless]

I just picked up woodworking and every time I search the net for an answer, there is Mr. Paul Sellers. Therefor I am now a subscriber and a fan. Thank you so much for these instructional videos, sir.

[Jan-S-Simonsen]

I finally made myself a basic shooting board 2 weeks ago. I never realised how useful they are. It gets used daily. Thank you again Paul.

[danielgrabske]

When I was being trained to be a carpenter, I had great teachers, such as Paul. I ve learned so much from people like him. It's a great thing to pass on experience to the ones just starting out and ones getting more knowledge on different aspects in wood working.

[barrystraughan]

Don't know if you were a teacher or not but what an excellent job of teaching. No Questions remain and a very successful job. Thank you.

[lloydwilliams]

Such a great repository of traditional skills! You are rewarding to watch

[henrysiegertsz]

The old ways are sometimes just better, not because they work beautifully, are inexpensive and very quick.
But because the satisfaction of working with hand-tools is rewarding and inspiring. I've moved from almost exclusive use of power tools to at leas 70% hand-tools.
The slower pace forces me to think more about what I'm doing and has improved my woodworking skills immensely.
Thanks to people like Paul, and young Matt Estlea, I actually look forward to getting up each day and turning on the workshop lights.

[laxm]

Thanks again Paul! I followed the steps to make this project and am super happy with it. I have seen numerous other fancy shooting board videos using power tools, which I feel defeats the whole purpose! This is very simple, does everything and is fancy too!

[NicoleBritnell]

just ordered my first plane, a 9 1/2 block plane. I have been using a surform to round and shape, even level out then sand for a smooth finish, hard work!! Yes, I am an amateur but enjoy making small wooden items. I have looked up how to tune and set up my plane when it arrives (can't wait) and after watching you, I'm going to have to make one of these.
I have to thank people like you who are so generous in sharing your expertise, experience and knowledge for the likes of me, sincere thanks

[andrewd]

Thank you Paul for this project! Just finished my shooting board and am extremely happy with the finished project. Now a lot of other builds will be MUCH easier!

[bengee]

Sir, your arms, hands, and fingers (in that order) are the ultimate jig. Salute!