Thanks guys, good tips that i will definitely use next time.. I tried my razor plane and the blade was real dull from the last use and then sitting so long, grinder was in the garage and the -4 came into play again..lol

I ended up just tracing the outline out all the way around, couple of small pieces of double face tape to stick it to my bench and hit it with my bar sander with 80grt.. It went pretty fast, just sanded to all my lines then flipped it over and repeated. Came out nice and straight, finish sandedand is ready for covering...

I really like making and using jigs, when I worked at a cabinet shop I was often asked to design a jig for something..
While sanding I thought of a jig I will make this spring for doing this task, it will be adjustable to do any taper.. I will be sure to post it when I finish it, along with a build thread on how to make one..