I was wondering if anyone could give me any help, tips or pointers
about using an electric planer.
How do you know if it is best to use a planer or a sander?
For example, I have a wooden cutting board that is made of 3 strips of
wood laminated together laterally , looks like this from the edge:

~~~ they were put together like one should so that the board will
not for a cup as it wrap - the grain of the first and last piece are
concave, the middle convex.
This cutting board is pretty beat up. Would it be better to sand it
or plane it.
It may seem like an insignificant question, but it is the only example
I have at the moment.
I have both an electric sander and planer and I am trying to learn to
use them both to their full potential.

I know nothing about planeing but have figured out how to use the
machine. I realize it takes off much more wood then does sanding,
and some pieces are too small or too big to fit in my planer.

If one has a very small piece can you place it on top of a larger
piece of wood and try to run it through that way? I've not as yet
done that so I don't know.


Also, I have tried to square up some boards on my table saw and I have
met with failure. They are anything but square.
Even if I started out with a squared piece and I cut it , it turns out
to be slightly wedge shaped.
Any help for me?
I always wear eye & ear protection.
I have a scare to remind me to stand to the side and avoid kick back -
I'm very grateful it was a large piece of wood because I feel a small
piece would have gone through me.

If you can give me any advice or refer me to a web site you thing is
good I'd appreciate the help.

Bmiller