Shaving 5mm off a Garden Gate

mrobsessed

Hi All,

I've just refitted and overhauled a three-part 'concertina' gate in my garden, but due to the adjustments I have made the main gate no longer closes easily. Whilst forcing it closed is possible it puts massive strain on its supporting beam which I want to avoid.

I think removing about 5mm from the edge of the gate would solve the problem but I'm unsure how to do this and what tools to use.

The gate consists of vertical tongue and groove planks held together with horizontal and diagonal planks. Because of these horizontal planks planing seems to be out of the question becuse I'd have to plane against the grain.

Another possibility is just sawing a small amount off the edge but this would involve sawing 6.5 foot with a tiny margin for error.

Any wood working experts know what the best way to handle this would be, and with what tools? Although I'd rather not got to the expense, would an electric plane help?

Any help would be appreciated!

GlynD

Is it an level 5mm all the way down? How tall is the gate and how practical would it be to put a horizontal between the top of the posts? There's always the option too of using a tenon saw to trim the horizontals to allow you to plane the edge accurately, although in my opinion 5mm is a lot of planing. Might be better to run a hand held circular saw down the edge of the lot using the guide on the saw.

27col

That's what I was going to say. Trim the horizontals with a hand saw and then plane the edge down to the size you require.