# cleaning up the edges of a cut

**URL:** <https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480>\
**Category:** Builder's Forum\
**Created:** [January 7, 2013, 11:15am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480 "2013-01-07T11:15:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Erik\_Mancini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6de8d8/32.png) [@Erik\_Mancini](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Erik_Mancini)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 11:15am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480/1 "2013-01-07T11:15:19Z")

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Following the instuctions for the mast partner on a dory, I used a saber saw and drill to cut a 2.5'' square in the middle of a solid board. &nbsp;It went okay, but it is ugly. &nbsp;How can I square the edges? &nbsp;The manual says use a sharp chisel...so my question is, how best to employ it, and what type should I procure?

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**Author:** ![Francis\_Fraser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/22d042/32.png) [@Francis\_Fraser](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Francis_Fraser)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 12:59pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480/2 "2013-01-09T12:59:24Z")

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I used a shinto rasp in this situation to good effect.&nbsp; I then coated the inside surfaces with epoxy and sanded,making the sides smooth.&nbsp; There was some spintering on the top.&nbsp; I saved the splinters and re-glued&nbsp;with thickened epoxy.&nbsp; Ultimately, I plan to line the hole in the partner with leather which will hide the whole thing.

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**Author:** ![Wesley\_Ewell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8797f3/32.png) [@Wesley\_Ewell](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Wesley_Ewell)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 4:29pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480/3 "2013-01-09T16:29:10Z")

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Keep in mind that you are building a boat, not a dining table. Obsession with perfection can drive you nuts and spoil the fun. -Wes

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**Author:** ![Peter\_Shapiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e480ec/32.png) [@Peter\_Shapiro](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Peter_Shapiro)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2013, 4:29pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480/4 "2013-01-12T16:29:11Z")

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Lay out your cut on top of the board with pencil lines and, using a metal straight edge and razor knife, score the wood at the pencil lines to cut down on chip out. &nbsp;Use your drill bit and sabor saw to cut close to, but not beyond, the scored pencil lines. &nbsp;Use your rasp to clean up back to the lines, only cutting on the down stroke.

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**Author:** ![Laszlo\_Morocz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Laszlo\_Morocz](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Laszlo_Morocz)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 12:25pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480/5 "2013-01-07T12:25:24Z")

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Chisel's good, but a shinto rasp is better.

Laszlo

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**Author:** ![Erik\_Mancini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6de8d8/32.png) [@Erik\_Mancini](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Erik_Mancini)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 12:58pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/cleaning-up-the-edges-of-a-cut/40480/6 "2013-01-07T12:58:31Z")

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I didn't even think about the shinto (which I have). &nbsp;So that could be used to square the edges cleanly? &nbsp;I'll give that a shot.