How to plan with figured knives using an electric planer. How to use an electric planer with maximum efficiency? The degree of heating of the electric planer during continuous operation
Carrying out work with an electric planer is not a very difficult task if you have minimal skills in working with it. But it will be somewhat more difficult to plane a wide board with an electric planer. Not every specialist can do this kind of work efficiently. This is due to the difficulty of removing a uniform layer between the processing boundaries.
Execution of work: instructions
In order to achieve high-quality processing of the board, before this you must first do a trial processing on waste lumber. At the same time, the plane can be used in different operating modes: manual mode and stationary. The stationary mode consists of passing the workpiece through the rotating blade part of the plane.
In order to carry out work using manual mode, before starting the process, it is necessary to configure the tool. not much different from setting up a regular hand plane. To do this, you need to adjust the cutting depth of its knives. Most often this size is 1-4 mm. When making adjustments, it is necessary to take into account the fact that a shallower planing depth of the material will improve the quality of its processing.
Moreover, setting the knife to a shallow cutting depth will allow it to move more easily across the workpiece. In this case, you need to press the tool on the edge of the passage and round the back edge of the edge (which will help avoid injury).
The less the rotating knife protrudes beyond the sole of the plane, the smaller the layer of wood it will remove, therefore the boundaries between different passes will be less noticeable.
In the case when deep processing of the material is necessary, then during the first pass the plane knives are adjusted to the maximum processing depth. And then they are reconfigured and more precise finishing planing is performed.
Over time, you can acquire the skills to correctly complete a pass on the back edge of the material and select the correct planing depth. This will help speed up the work process and complete it not in 8-10 passes, but in 4-5.
To correctly adjust the knives, which depends on the difference in the upper marks between the front and rear ends of the plane, it must be done using a bench ruler.
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Proper wood processing
When using an electric planer, it is necessary to choose the correct direction for processing the material.
It is usually taken along the direction of the grain of the wood. But in the case when workpieces are processed, which are assembled from several boards or bars that have large protrusions at the joints, then processing can be carried out in a diagonal direction. The electric planer knives rotate at a fairly high speed and therefore allow this procedure to be performed. Of course, ordinary hand tools It won't work that way.
In order to ensure that the processed edge does not turn out when processing with an oblique, it is necessary to use an angular stop, and not rely only on individual skill and eye. It must be attached to the side of the instrument to its base, in a strictly perpendicular position relative to its axis. Now to plan, you need to place the plane firmly on the plane of the board, and its base should be located exactly at an angle of 90 degrees.
The angle stop must be secured very firmly, since during prolonged work the screws securing it may become loose, which will lead to tarring. work surface planer If this does happen, then you need to wipe it with white spirit.
To avoid chipping the edges of the board, they need to be dulled a little. This is done by chamfering. The same procedure must be performed on parts that will then be varnished. This will help create a smooth transition line between the two surfaces.
Having completed the processing of the wide board, you can resort to the procedure of sanding it. Sanding is the process of aligning the seams between different passes on a board. It is performed using a special machine. Processing such as scraping must also be performed in the direction of the grain of the board. Its use will remove all unnecessary roughness.
There are many planes and planing machines available for planing boards. However, if the board is quite wide, more than 200mm, then planing it evenly, on a plane, is quite problematic, since one side of the board is convex and the other has curved edges.
In this case, it is better to use different planing techniques. The first way is to walk, not with a wide electric plane, over protruding places. This is done in order to plan evenly and prevent the plane of the board from skewing towards one of its edges.
In this case, when planing protruding edges, it is necessary to remove the thickness of the planing with a small amount of removal, and go through the same number of times on one and the other side. Finally, we plan the board on a wide planer. If there is no planer, then special knives with rounded ends are installed on the electric planer so that there is a protrusion between narrow passages, since the width of the plane when planing is less than the board.
If you have big machine, then in order to avoid distortions when planing an uneven board, convex on one side, shavings are poured onto the bed, after which the board is ground in and lies flat when planing. This simplest technique allows you to avoid distortion when planing.
You should not neglect the clamping device that many planing machines are equipped with, since they not only press the board, but also press it evenly. When achieving a smooth surface of the board, the main thing is well-sharpened and adjusted knives, plus a thin layer of planing.
If your planer is narrower than the board being processed, then you should plan the board in one pass, first on one side, then on the other. Thus. You will achieve a flat surface on a wide board.
The electric planer allows you to quickly and efficiently perform rough and finishing tree. When working with large volumes of plank material (construction, furniture manufacturing), the use of an electric planer allows for significant savings due to the almost twofold difference in the cost of treated and untreated boards. The only alternative to get comparable savings is to buy planed boards from the manufacturer directly, bypassing intermediaries, which is not always possible.
Main advantages
The main advantages of an electric planer:
- High speed;
- Simplification of many technological operations (cutting a quarter, for example) due to the presence in the design of the plane of an angular stop, a side limiter and an adjustable processing depth;
- As a result, increased productivity;
- When working, precisely controlled physical efforts are not required, as in the case of using a conventional plane;
- Additional elements can expand the functionality of the plane.
Criterias of choice
The choice of a specific electric planer model is made based on an analysis of the following indicators:
- Rotation frequency. Must be at least 10,000 rpm. The presence of control electronics that maintains a stable rotation speed under load is welcome.
- Power. The higher, the easier work and more electricity consumption.
- Planing width.
- Planing depth and its adjustment mechanism.
- Tool weight;
- Heating intensity;
- Availability of a dust collector;
- Condition of the sole (flatness);
- Availability of spare parts (knives and belts) for this model on the market.
Features of work
The technology for working with an electric planer is quite simple. To begin with, the processing depth is set. Typically, this is done using a special rotary knob. Keep in mind that even at zero depth, many models will still remove chips, so we recommend looking at models with a minus depth setting.
The board being processed must be securely fastened. To do this, it is advisable to use a special workbench that does not allow play either horizontally or vertically. vertical plane. Otherwise, the plane may be torn out of the worker’s hands with unpredictable consequences, not to mention damage to the board being processed.
The board must be installed in such a way that it is possible to move freely along it from one edge to the other. All interior elements that impede the employee’s movement must be removed from the path.
The plane is always held with two hands and is started without contact with the surface being processed. The passage is carried out along the wood fibers.
When working, ensure that the plane is positioned so that its sole is parallel to the board. The pressure on the plane should be light and even at the back and front.
The plane is passed from edge to edge. It is not recommended to interrupt, as the uniformity of processing may be disrupted. To process a wide board, several successive passes are used with a shift in width (or a plane with wide knives is initially selected).
To create chamfers along the edges of the material being processed, the electric planer has special grooves on the sole.
A plane is a carpenter's tool, without which it is impossible to process wood efficiently. It is mainly used for wood processing. Working with hand tools can tire a carpenter, so with large volumes of wood processing, their use becomes ineffective.
You can achieve greater productivity while maintaining high quality wood processing using electric models. They easily cope with a large volume of work, and do not tire the carpenter at all. Of course, their cost will be higher hand planes, but most models include quite a few additional functions.
Hand plane
The use of an electric planer, in addition to ergonomics and reliable operation, provides the opportunity to use a fairly wide range of accessories and additional functions. An electric planer allows you to reduce physical costs several times. Before answering the question of which electric planer to choose, you need to know its advantages.
Advantages of electric planers:
- versatility
- easy to use
- performing a large amount of work.
The use of an electric planer makes it easy to increase the cost of lumber. To use an electric planer for various purposes, the master must follow safety precautions. Most models have an intuitive interface, so even a completely inexperienced master can operate it. The device allows you to reduce fatigue during work.
Calibrating the board with an electric planer
Design Features
The main working part of an electric planer is a drum rotating at high speed. Special knives-blades are built into its body in a horizontal position. There may be several of them, but most often there are 2. The final quality of processing depends on the speed at which the drum rotates. Experimenting various devices, experts advise choosing a speed of about 10–12 thousand per minute. Most models provide just such power.
Functionality of an electric planer
Electric planer components
- electric motor;
- smooth sole (base);
- Locking start button;
- Handle with body;
- Soft start mechanism;
- Chip depth regulation system;
- Chip removal pipe;
- Limiter;
- Belt drive hidden by a casing on the side.
Types of electric planers
Manufacturers divide devices into amateur and professional. In addition, devices are divided into manual and stationary. The latter belong to miniature machines, while manual ones can be attached to a special platform and used as stationary ones.
Working with a manual electric planer
An electric planer, turning it over and attaching it to a workbench, can plan boards, just like on a planer
Despite the fact that this division is conditional, the choice of an electric planer should be based on how it will be used. This will allow you to choose the right platform type and power of the electric planer without spending extra money.
If a carpenter plans to use the tool exclusively for home work, you can use an electric planer weighing from 2.5 to 4 kg, with a power of 600 to 1000 W.
Functionality different models is also different. Professional analogues remove up to 3 mm of canvas, while the width of amateur ones does not exceed 2 mm.
Video - comparison of electric planes, Russian company Interskol and American Dewalt
A carpenter can choose an electric planer with a built-in mechanism for controlling the number of revolutions depending on the load.
Sometimes manufacturers may indicate two powers - effective and maximum. Effective power indicators should not exceed 350 W. An indicator that is too low may indicate that it will be difficult for the craftsman to cope with hard, knotty wood.
What to pay attention to
The market offers many configurations modern models electric planers. Do right choice from all this diversity it is not easy. The choice of an electric planer should be based on the following important indicators:
- Engine power;
- Planing width and depth;
- Shaft rotation indicators;
- Availability of additional functions;
- The degree of heating of the electric planer during continuous operation;
- Device contents;
- Price.
Video review – Dewalt electric planer model D26500 – very popular
Knife drum speed
To implement quality work power must exceed 10,000 rpm. For a dense surface and roughness, this figure increases to 12000. This refers to the actual revolutions of the device, instead of those indicated in the passport. Before buying an electric planer, you need to find out whether the speed of the device drops during operation, as this may affect the quality of wood processing. Changes can form “steps” and “waves” on the surface. If there is no data on constant speed, it is better to look for another model, or choose one that has control electronics and engine power adjustment, which keeps the number of revolutions constant under any conditions.
Video review - how to plan a board correctly with an electric planer
Drive power
The cutter shaft receives only part of the energy consumed from the mains. Indicators of real output power, which is indicated in technical passport, is indicated by 2, and sometimes more, less than the rated power. High-quality devices must have 350 W. Only it can provide the device with the necessary energy when processing a dense surface. It is best to choose the most powerful tool so that it can cope with all types of work. Highest score power is 2000 W.
Knife shaft
Planer blade length or planing width
The size should be selected based on the performance of future workpieces. Manufacturers produce electric planers with blade widths of 50, 75, 82, 102, 110 mm. Most often on the shelves you can find a knife with a width of 82 mm, since it is the most popular. Blades bigger size They are rarely found on sale, and knives of a smaller parameter are called “pioneer”.
Set of blades for electric planer
Planing depth
The ideal depth is considered to be 3–3.5 mm. To operate each mm of blade, the device consumes more than one hundred watts.
Electric planer weight
To make it easy to work long time, professionals advise choosing devices with a weight of 3–4 kg. Other configurations can cause discomfort and are not so easy to hold for a long time.
Electric planer weighing 3 kg Makita
Availability of additional functions
The only thing that all models have in common is the presence of a depth gauge and a side limiter; in all other respects they differ. For example, the presence of a dust collector. Perfect option for those who want to maintain cleanliness while working and not waste time on cleaning.
Electric planer DeWalt d 26500 with dust collector
Electric planers are often presented with a set of wavy blades and are intended for rough processing of wood. A carpenter can use it to thickness, plane the desired surface or chamfer. Some manufacturers include equipment for secure fixation. wooden canvas, which can be useful for choosing a quarter with an electric planer.
Video review of how to select a quarter using an electric planer, using the Festool EHL 65 model as an example
The degree of heating of the electric planer during continuous operation
This indicator is most likely to be useful to those who plan to plan and calibrate large volumes of lumber.
Chinese analogues of cheap electric planes overheat quickly; after 5 minutes of operation they must be turned off so that the motor cools down.
External characteristics of the electric planer
- The housing must consist of at least 2 parts - the main one, which hides the engine, and the lower base with a removable belt drive cover. The main frame is made in one block along with a handle and a pipe for removing chips. You should choose a device with a removable belt drive cover. Non-removable models can reveal imperfections. Such a device will make the process of replacing the belt impossible in the future and can cause a lot of other problems. As a rule, this applies to cheap models from little-known manufacturers.
- The weight of the plane must be balanced. Buttons for controlling functionality should be conveniently placed. The start key should be easily pressed with a finger in the working position of the hand with a full grip of the handle. If you need to use or move your other hand to turn the device on and off, it is better to refrain from purchasing such a model, despite high performance and power. Processing the material with such equipment will be completely inconvenient.
- Before purchasing, be sure to examine the electric planer for the presence of grooves on the sole, thanks to which the chamfers are processed and air is removed from the working surface.
All devices are equipped with a pipe for chip removal, which can be with double-sided or single-sided drainage. The second option is the most convenient, but only if the case has a special switch.
Some devices are equipped with a bag to collect chips. Since it is not always possible to connect a drain pipe, this option is very convenient.
Manufacturers managed to supplement the equipment with devices that protect not only the surface being processed, but also the craftsman. A special heel has been created to protect the wood. During operation, it leans back, and after finishing, it closes the knives again. Thanks to this, the knives of the device work smoothly on any surface.
High-quality and reliable electric planer Festool HL 850 at a price of 45,000 rubles and an example of its work
Safety precautions during operation
Like any power tool, an electric planer requires compliance with certain rules.
- Do not place the cord near heat sources.
- If damage appears on the cable, it must be immediately replaced with a new one. Otherwise, the master risks receiving an electric shock.
- The electric planer should be plugged into a power outlet after the technician has made all the fine adjustments to the device.
- Before connecting the device to the network, you need to make sure that the start button position is in the off position.
- To protect your eyesight, the technician should use safety glasses.
- Processing the wood surface should be easy due to well-sharpened knives.
- The electric planer should only be used in relation to the power for which it is designed.
- The surface to be treated must be on special fastening surfaces, but not in the hands of the master. Tables that hold the part stationary are designed specifically for these purposes.
- You definitely need to pay attention to how the knives are protected from unintentional fingers.
- The start button should be located in such a way that the master can turn off the device at any time.
- Before choosing a quarter with an electric planer, you need to prepare special stops in advance.
Remember! Check the sharpness of the blades in a timely manner; if the blades become dull, the electric planer may bounce off the lumber, causing injury and severe damage to your fingers.
Video - how to replace the blade in an electric plane
Manufacturers of electric planers
Stores present a huge amount of goods from manufacturers, but only a few of them occupy leading positions. The cost, set of functions, and ease of use of models from different manufacturers may differ, but each of them is of high quality. Here are some of them:
Interskol
The Russian manufacturer was able to show itself as a manufacturer of high-quality and functional equipment for reasonable cost. Of course, the tool is not endowed with super capabilities, but in terms of quality it easily outperforms numerous competitors. As an example, we can cite the powerful models of the manufacturer Interskol R-110/2000M and Interskol R-82/710.
Bosch
Equipment German manufacturer used by professional craftsmen and ordinary amateurs. Electric planers are different high quality and the presence of many useful functions. The work performed by the tool is distinguished by high accuracy and reliability, but also the cost in comparison with domestic manufacturer higher. The company offers a wide the lineup, where there are relatively inexpensive representatives. These include heavy-duty and adjustable Bosch models GHO 15–82 and Bosch GHO 40–82 C L-Boxx.
Makita
It is one of the leaders in the electrical equipment manufacturing industry. Wide range of configuration options various models, combined with ergonomics and modern design, allowed them to become the most popular despite the high cost. The overwhelming majority of craftsmen give their preference to the Makita 1002 BA and Makita 1002 BA models. The last of them is especially in demand when working on concave planes.
Regardless of the type, class and type of power tool, they all work on the same principle. This advanced power tool can make adjustments with ease, rough finishing, cut off the edge, select a quarter, and therefore treat it as an indispensable assistant.
Based on these characteristics, you should always take into account the cost of the model. The better the quality of the tool, the higher its cost, and at the same time the guarantee that it will serve the master much longer.
Planing with an electric planer is a fairly easy process if you have at least some minimal knowledge. But things are different if you need to process a very wide board.
After all, not everyone can do this efficiently, but it is necessary that the layer is removed evenly from the surface of the board, and no processing boundaries are visible.
Instructions for planing with an electric planer
Before processing a wide board with an electric planer, first experiment on a piece that you do not need.
Note that the electric planer can operate in two modes: stationary and manual.
If you use the stationary mode, the board is passed through the knives of an electric planer.
Manual mode requires special settings for the electric planer. First you need to adjust the cutting depth of the knives. Usually they set 0.1-0.4 cm. The shallower the planing depth, the better the processing of the material will be, and you will practically not notice the boundaries between passes. If it is necessary to perform deep planing of a board, then first set the maximum cutting depth of the knives, make the first pass, and then the knives are reconfigured for better planing.
When you work with an electric planer a couple of times, you will learn to select the correct depth of cut, and the work process will noticeably speed up.
We process wood: what do you need to know?
Before processing lumber, you need to determine the direction in which you will plan. Usually planed in the direction of the wood grain. If the lumber is made from several boards, then you need to plan it diagonally.
To prevent the edge of the board from becoming uneven, you need to use a corner stop, which is attached to the base of the electric planer on the side and perpendicular to its axis.
When you have finished planing the wide board, you will need to align the boundaries between the passes. This stage is called scraping. For this, a special grinder is used, which will remove all roughness.
