A wood planer is a tool you can use to create the designs you want for your furniture or home decor. However, you have to take certain precautions while working with it to ensure you don’t cause any problems. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your planer.
Adjust the blade height
If you’re planning to use a wood planer, it’s important to know how to adjust the blade height. Blades can become dangerous to handle. You also need to make sure that the blade is secured correctly.
Planers have many parts, including a blade, a hand crank, and a handle. Most planers have a gauge that tells the user how many cuts per inch are being made. Some have adjustable feed speeds.
A good thickness planer will allow you to measure the height of the cutter head. This is very useful because if you have to make a change, you can do it easily and accurately.
To change the blade height of a wood planer, you’ll first need to lower the roller carriage. Then, you’ll want to place the board into the infeed feed slot. Once you’ve put the board in, you’ll need to set the depth of cut.
There are several ways to do this. For example, you could hold a yardstick or a block of wood in front of the board. Or you could place a ruler over the straight edge and crank the handle to the desired depth.
Leveling screws
Getting the wood planer of your dreams might be the last thing on your mind, but it’s an important part of your home workshop. There are a wide array of tools and equipment available to help you along the way. It’s also important to take note of your surroundings. To avoid being blown away by a flying saw blade, try a good old-fashioned safety first approach. Aside from the obvious, a couple of tricks of the trade will get you far.
Using the proper sized tool is a must for a safe and efficient experience. Taking your time and paying attention will allow you to get the job done right. One trick is to keep the blade straight by utilizing a block of wood. Make sure to check the planer for damage. This is especially true of the cutter head. If the blade is damaged, try a different brand.
You’ll find a plethora of aforementioned tools at your local Harbor Freight. While it might be a little out of the price range of some, if you’re willing to shop around, you should be able to score a great deal on a quality wood planer.
Dust collector
If you’re serious about woodworking, you’ll want a dust collector. Not only does it help keep your air clean, it’s also a good way to get rid of unwanted wood shavings. This is especially true if you’re using a thickness planer.
A lot of people don’t realize that woodworking produces fine dust. Dust from wood shavings can get into tight spaces, where it can be difficult to find. It can cause lung cancer, allergies, and even emphysema. The good news is that a good vacuum can handle this icky stuff, but you’ll need a dust collector for planers to get the job done.
The best planer for a home shop comes from Harbor Freight. The 15 amp motor is powerful enough to smooth and shape the face grain of your lumber. However, you’ll also get plenty of wood shavings, so a dust collector is a must. You can buy one with a hose and a dust collector, or go the inexpensive route with a simple vacuum and a dust collector.
Precautions to take while working with a thickness planer
There are a few precautions to take while working with a thickness planer. First, remember to keep your work area clean. Wood dust and debris can make a mess in your shop. A planer is also noisy and can damage your hearing. You can protect your hearing by using noise-canceling headphones.
When working with a planer, be aware that the blades can be very sharp. They can cause cuts and may be dangerous to touch. Some planers have adjustable tables, which are useful.
Planers can be a great way to save money over buying finished lumber. It is important to check your planer for blade damage before using. If you find the blades are damaged, replace them. Many planers can be used for veneers, wood blocks, wooden boxes, and pallets.
A thickness planer is a powerful woodworking tool. It can handle a 6-inch-thick board, and 12-inch woodblocks. This is a good option for people who want to use their woodworking skills for furniture making or home decor projects.
