is this what I need?

hotcookie101

Hi,
We have just had lovely new carpet and underlay fitted, but the door wouldn't fit over it (previous carpet was so thin you could see the floorboards underneath), so is off and our bedroom is open plan
So obviously we need to take a bit off the door-is this the right tool for the job?
And is it as simple as shaving it shorter a bit at a time? they are fire doors-and look exactly like this but not sure if they are def a solid wood or a composite-surely as firedoors they are solid wood?
Thanks

olias

TBH, If you are not even sure what tool for the job, then I have my doubts as to whether you will be able to DIY it. It's very easy to plane off too much and leave a draughty gap, or plane unevenly and leave it a mess,or split or tear the end of the wood.

If, however, you do feel you are competent, then You need either an ordinary wood plane, or a power plane (easier), not a surform. Make sure the door is clamped securely and plane evenly from both sides to the middle. If you plane to the end, you will split or tear the end of the wood off IYSWIM. Alternatively you can clamp a sacrificial scrap of would to the end, level with the bottom you are planing, and this will prevent tear out. Even composite or hollow doors have a solid wood 'border', so you won't have any problem exposing the core (unless you planed off about 4"!)

Olias

ormus

with hollow core doors, usual best practice is to remove the lower block of wood and then cut the door. then replace the block of wood.
unless you are only taking a smidgeon off.
ps.
use the big surform tool, not the small one.

http://www.stanleyworks.co.uk/Chisels%2c+Planes+and+Surform/Surform/Surform+Standard+Metal+Body+Plane/SkuDetail.ctlg?ObjectID=21-296

keith969

If they are fire doors they are probably some sort of composite. How much needs taking off? Any more than a couple of mm I would use a circular saw, less and I'd use a belt sander.

wallbash

Circular saw . belt sander . big surform, wood plane or power plane

All work , in the right hands.
But surly and first question ? is how much too come off.

So will add anther to the list , If the door is just catching on the new carpet
sheet of sandpaper on floor , open and close door ( sanding the offending raised area)

So how much do you think needs to be removed?

suisidevw

If you don't know the tool for the job can I suggest you get in a chippie/odd job man who has been recommended to you?!

wallbash

I think its a great first time diy project

Why spend money , just get on with it.

Worse thing that could happen. too much off ??? fit a draught excluder

leveller2911

ormus wrote: »

with hollow core doors, usual best practice is to remove the lower block of wood and then cut the door. then replace the block of wood.
unless you are only taking a smidgeon off.
ps.
use the big surform tool, not the small one.

http://www.stanleyworks.co.uk/Chisels%2c+Planes+and+Surform/Surform/Surform+Standard+Metal+Body+Plane/SkuDetail.ctlg?ObjectID=21-296

Noooooooooo, You don't use a surform to ease a door.....:eek: I,m Cringing here...:D
Smoothing plane,Jack planer, electric planer Or if taking 6mm or more off ,use a handsaw(1st week as an apprentice all we did was learn how to saw a straight line with a handsaw,not as easy as you,d think ) or power saw..........

TBF the OP ,s link to B&Q says its a "Block plane"(Which it isn't) a block plane is a very small version of a smoothing plane.......The link shows a small surform....

hotcookie101

Thanks everyone. It isnt much that needs to come off, a few mm, but more than just sanding. OH is borrowing a plane and a door lift so that should do it.

ormus

leveller2911 wrote: »

Noooooooooo, You don't use a surform to ease a door.....:eek: I,m Cringing here...:D
Smoothing plane,Jack planer, electric planer Or if taking 6mm or more off ,use a handsaw(1st week as an apprentice all we did was learn how to saw a straight line with a handsaw,not as easy as you,d think ) or power saw..........

TBF the OP ,s link to B&Q says its a "Block plane"(Which it isn't) a block plane is a very small version of a smoothing plane.......The link shows a small surform....

!!!!!!, we are taking a few mm off a door here (DIY), not building the olympic stadium.