Read These Professional Tips Before Getting a Planer
A planer is a universal tool for planing wood. It consists of a collector engine, a drum with one-sided or two-sided knives, a belt-type transmission, a handle with a start button, an additional handle, a planing depth adjuster, a sole, and an additional accessory.
The electric planer is used for woodworking and production of various products: furniture, windows, doors, arbors, toys, etc. A wide range of models confuses novice masters. This article will help you choose the best power tool for your task. Keep reading.
Main parameters you have to consider before getting the planer
Electric planers differ in service life, weight, engine power and price, the width of planing in one pass. The following characteristics are important when choosing a specific model:
Type. Like any other tool, electric planers are divided into professional and household. Devices with engine power over 1 kW are professional. Its capacity is sufficient for processing hardwood throughout the working day. If you plan to use the plane on a regular basis, then professional models are definitely your choice.
Advantages of professional models:
- High power.
- Continuous operation time up to 8 hours.
- High quality of work surface finish.
- Capture a large area in one pass.
- Have the ability to sample the groove (“quarters”) to a depth of 18 mm.
Disadvantages:
- Heavyweight
- High price.
For the household models, engine power does not exceed 1 kW. They do not withstand heavy loads and long continuous operations. But the affordable price and lightweight cover the above disadvantages. Household class planes are ideal for periodic use and small carpentry.
Engine power. It ranges from 500 W to 1.5 kW, which affects the cost of the instrument, its productivity, and uptime. A 500-watt tool is enough for occasional work at home, it is better to buy a powerful 1.5-kilowatt model for daily woodworking.
Weight. The weight of the planes ranges from 2.5 to 9 kilograms. Professional devices are heavier than household tools: due to their greater weight, they press the sole more tightly to the treated surface and provide better processing of the workpiece. Household models are lighter than professional ones, but they are much easier to work with and process a vertically located surface.
Processing width. One of the key characteristics when choosing an electric planer. Varies in the range of 82-312 mm. The greater the width of the workpiece, the higher the productivity of the tool. Let’s consider this feature on a simple example: for planing a surface 1 meter wide by a plane with an 82-millimeter sole it is necessary to make 12 passes. When working with a plane with a sole of 110 mm will need 3 passes less.
What else to consider before buying the planer?
Determine the type of wood you plan to work with. For softwood, choose models with an engine power of up to 600 watts. For work with wood with a density of up to 730 kg / m3, the best option is electric planers with an engine up to 1 kW. To work with oak, acacia or ash, buy powerful models with a motor power of 1000 to 1500 watts.
Choose comfort. Many electric planers have additional options: soft start, parallel limiter, locking frame, and bag for collecting sawdust. They make everyday work with the plane more convenient, safe, and efficient.
Define your range of tasks. For finishing a large area, such as making doors or tables, you need the planer with a sole width of up to 170 mm and an engine capacity of 1.5 kW. Its weight should be at the level of 5 kg, and the depth of planing should reach 3 mm.
Visit the B&Q website to find the planer for your personal needs.
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