How to Use a Planer

Use planers for woodworking projects such as remodeling and deck building. Thickness planers are larger models that automatically feed the boards. They smooth and trim down the wooden. Hand power planers are operated much like hand sanders. You hold the machine and move it over the board. They bevel edges, trim tops and bottoms and straighten wood.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Planer
• Bench
• Electrical power
• Planer fence
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Hearing protection

Operate a Thickness Planer

1. Secure the planer on your bench and slide a board between the cutting head and base. Read the instructions for your particular model. Wear safety protection.

2. Adjust the cutting head to where it just touches the wood.

3. Slide the board out.

4. Set the cutter head again to take no more than 1/16 to 1/32 of an inch off.

5. Turn the power on and let the board automatically feed itself.

6. Readjust the cutting head for another pass. Do this to obtain the desired thickness.

Operate a Hand Power Planer

7. Place your board on a secure flat surface.

8. Switch the dust ejection port to blow out opposite your working position. This is available on certain models.

9. Adjust the cylinder blades by turning the front knob. Some planers have a pad adjustment. Use a small setting to begin with. See the instructions for different types of settings.

10. Draw a straight line on the board to be straightened.

11. Start your cutting in the middle. Hold the board with a hand away from the planer. The other hand remains on the handle. Move the plane in one cutting direction.

12. Use a fence on the planer the keep it square with the board.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety protection: safety glasses, dust mask and hearing protection.
• Carbide blades need replacing when damaged. You can sharpen steel to reuse.
• Never planecwood containing nails, screws or staples; pry them out first.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing.