Do I Need a Wood Planer for Woodworking?

If you're into woodworking, you've probably heard that a planer can help you make your work look better and easier to create. But how does it work? What kind of planer should you get and why do you need one anyway? In this post, we'll answer those questions for the beginner woodworker and give some tips for working with a planer.

                                                                 

What Is a Wood Planer?

A planer is a tool that shaves off a thin layer of wood to make it smooth and flat. It's used to make wood surfaces flat, smooth and even. Planers are used in woodworking for many purposes but the main function is to create a flat surface on rough lumber so that it's ready for further use.

Wood planers are typically large machines that can be mounted on top of tables or benches with rollers attached so they can be moved around during use. They're also available as portable handheld tools that can be used for smaller projects like creating frames for picture frames or making small decorative items like bowls out of wood slabs you've collected from your yard or purchased locally from craft stores.

Why Do I Need One?

A wood planer is a tool that will make your woodworking projects easier to work and with far more beautiful finish. This is because it quickly takes away the rough edges of wood by shaving off just enough to smooth out the surface. This makes all kinds of lumber more usable for many different types of projects.

It’s also great for saving time and effort when working with 3/4″ or 1-1/2″ wide boards because these wide pieces are often difficult to work with by hand due to their large size and awkwardness. By running those boards through your planer first, they become much thinner, and they still retain their width. This means they can be used in many different ways without having to cut them down again.

Which Type is Right for You?

The first thing to consider is whether you want a single- or double-edged planer. Single-edge planers are for people who don’t have any other woodworking equipment and may be on a tight budget. They are cheaper than the combination machines. Double edge planers are of two types: standard and spiral. The standard models allow you to plane both sides of your boards at once while the spiral design allows you to plane one side, flip the board over, and then plane out the other side so that both sides are perfectly flat. This will not be possible on regular single edge models.

A combination machine is best if you need something more powerful than a basic handplane but still want an affordable option. Combination machines can act either as thicknesser or jointer/planer although they do not always perform these functions well enough for professional use. 

Bench top planers are compact units designed for very small jobs such as sharpening garden tools or smoothing some rough spots on wood pieces before painting them. However, these machines aren’t designed for heavy duty tasks like building furniture from scratch. 

Planer/jointer combos usually offer more features than other types of DIY machines because they combine multiple functions into one unit which saves space when storing it away.

How Does Wood Planer Work?

Moving the bed up and down is a simple process. The motor that moves it up and down is connected to a gearbox which is in turn connected to another motor that moves it down. This second motor is also connected to another gearbox that moves it up.

The planer's blade can move in two directions, forwards and backwards, depending on how you use your machine. When you're planing wood from end-to-end, your piece of wood will also rotate. When you start from one side of your board and go over to the other, your board won't be able to spin freely because its cut edge catches on your cutter head during its downward stroke and this can cause some damage.

What Size Should I Get?

Wood planers can be quite large, so you'll need to decide how much space you have available. If you have a small shop, it's probably best to get a small planer. This will allow the machine to fit in your workspace without taking up too much space, making it difficult for you to move around.

If you're working on a large project such as furniture or cabinetry, then having access to a larger planer will be crucial for getting the job done. In this case, look for one that fits comfortably within your workshop but also gives you enough room to work around it without having to move other tools out of the way.

What Accessories Can I Add to It?

A planer can be used in a couple of ways. Some people use it as a finishing tool to give their project a smooth and polished look while others use it as an edge-trimming machine. Whatever your situation is, you're going to want some accessories that will help you get the job done easier and faster.

• Dust collector: A good dust collector will remove most of the sawdust that comes out of your wood planer so no matter how big or small your workspace is, you won't have much to clean up after using one of these tools in your shop.

You'll find both vacuum attachments and hose attachments available for purchase when shopping online. Just make sure they fit with whatever model of planer you're looking into buying.

• Chip collection hood: This accessory lets air pass through freely while also capturing chips before they escape into the air around them so they don't settle onto other surfaces outside where they would be more noticeable. They also offer protection from allergies caused by dust particles floating around.

A planer ensures your wood will be flat, smooth and the right thickness every time you use it.

A planer ensures your wood will be flat, smooth and the right thickness whenever you use it on your projects. It's one of the most important tools in your shop and you don't need to spend a fortune on a professional model. Just make sure you get a good quality machine that can handle both softwoods (like pine) and hardwoods (like oak).

Conclusion

The wood planer is a simple, elegant tool that makes your life easier. It’s a tool for the true woodworker who wants to take his or her work to the next level without having to spend more time than necessary on their projects. If you’re serious about your hobby and want to make beautiful things with wood, then a wood planer can help you do just that in less time than you ever thought possible.