I can't say that I have sanded a frame before, but we are now putting up a frame that we hand planed. At first this might sound crazy, the time, the money, the physical labor . . . . If you have to power plane then sand, consider hand planing with a number 5 followed by a # 3 or with a #6 then a #4.
We planed at 45 degrees to the grain not with the grain per Jack S. instructions.
So how long did it take? A 50' 8" x 8" Tulip Top Plate, planing two sides took one person 2 hours. a 10" by 16" by 20' Red Oak took 45 min. a side, three sides. After each oak timber we would have to sharpen.
Hand planing really does create an amazing look that - Yes, does require some time & much physical labor.
P Smith
