Shooting board versus mitre trimmer for fine boxes

[BradyS]

Good day!

As the thread name suggests it, I would appreciate some professional opinions from those of you who have used or are using ideally both of these options. I am looking for a long term solution regarding mitred joints. A part of my intended activity is going to be fine box making. I'm still learning to use hand tools.

Now I have neither used a mitre (guillotine), nor a shooting board. I don't own a low angle jack plane. Theory, yes, I gathered around both. Looking for more hands-on points of view here from you.

I won't have much use for shooting boards except for this purpose. Same goes for a mitre trimmer, although making picture frames would be lucrative in my area.

Since for me the costs of the plane, accessories and related jigs is similar to that of a used mitre trimmer (the tall, standing one, not the benchtop version), what do you suggest?

Much appreciated,
Brad

 

[--Tom--]

For boxes I’d go shooting plane as gives more versatility - doesn’t have to be expensive - a woody is easy to adjust to being 90degrees between side and sole and has good reference faces.

 

[Trafalgar]

Guillotine trimmer all day long.

 

[TRITON]

Each have their own pluses and minuses. Mitre trimmers are good for small stuff, for example you've a pile of doors needing mouldings, but they're not much use if the part is bigger than 4"
Shooting boards need constructed, and you have to get it 100% first off, which might require you to remake and remake again.

 

[BradyS]

Each have their own pluses and minuses. Mitre trimmers are good for small stuff, for example you've a pile of doors needing mouldings, but they're not much use if the part is bigger than 4"
Shooting boards need constructed, and you have to get it 100% first off, which might require you to remake and remake again.

Thank you. I specifically mentioned the big size mitre trimmers. The model I'm considering has a cutting capacity of circa 180 x 100 mm, that's roughly 6.7 x 4 inches. And I've seen various information sources with renowed box makers who were using this machine for mitres.

 

[Sideways]

It's a one trick pony and not small but a big morso or similar guillotine cuts a clean mitre that has to be seen to be believed.

 

[paulrbarnard]

@BradyS from you reaction a few post up I’d say you were looking to justify the purchase of a mitre trimmer. If you want one go for it. But as said by @—Tom— a shooting board, and certainly the plane is far more versatile.