Ed Minch asked:
> 
>> > How do you use that miter(re) jack? Looks like its backwards

I replied:

>> Well, I clamp the stock between the jaws, then plane the approximate
>> 45 to a more accurate angle. The only time I've seen one in use was
>> on Roy's show. I like to look down the ramp face as I'm planing, but
>> could well have something backwards :). Mine is still set up for
>> clamping in a face vise, and I've not fixed that yet.

Darrell LaRue then wrote:

> I keep seeing people advocating the use of PLANES with mitre jacks.
> Even Roy Underhill does it.

http://www.pbs.org/woodwrightsshop/video/2800/2803.html

That episode is where I learned that a mitre jack existed, and how it
might be employed (@ 17:45 minutes in).

> Matt Turner (former Galoot and builder of skinny boats) once showed me
> how he uses a mitre jack: with a really big paring chisel.  The long, wide,
> massive (and dead flat) blade registers on the face of the jaws, and you
> > simply slice off whatever sticks up.  It will not bite into the jaws, so no 
need
> for paper or tape for protection.

This would work well, if my wide chisel actually had a flat back :).
Good catch on the tape; I use blue masking tape and plane until I hit it,
which is easier than gluing cardboard on as some advocate.

I've also seen articles discussing the use of a saw with a mitre jack,
and claiming a French origin for the tool:

http://theparttimewoodworker.blogspot.com/2010/08/saw-that-never-was.html

http://www.leevalley.com/en/newsletters/Woodworking/5/5/collection.htm

The idea is that you saw first, then finish with a mitre plane.  The
saw shown in the photos looks perfect for this purpose, and I'd really
like to find or make one.

Are there any other ways to use these things?  Any other galoots who have
made and/or used one of these want to weigh in?

-- 
Adam, sometimes backwards in Port Angeles WA

------------------------------------------------------------------------