Thickness Planer - 13" (2003318) SHOP USE ONLY

ABOUT:

A thickness planer is used to shave thin layers of wood from the surface of boards - imagine scraping a flat razor across the top of a block of butter.  Whether you're working on a tabletop, cutting board, or with rough-hewn lumber,  a thickness planer can get you parallel, smooth you out, and reduce your stock down to the thickness you need. With proper preparation, it’s also a great tool to reclaim salvaged boards. It should not be used on any type of sheet good /composite or on projects with marquetry/inlay. For a thickness planer to work properly, you'll need a flat face on the table - so warped or cupped stock should visit the jointer first.  

THIS UNIT:

$5.00 maintenance fee

13" Spiral Cutterhead Planer - LIGHT DUTY

OPERATION:
Thickness planers are meant to remove super thin layers at a time, and will take multiple passes. If you need to remove a significant amount of material, consider cutting down your piece first.

Please remove any excess glue/resin from your workpieces, to keep the blades from getting gummed up and ensure all reclaimed lumber is thoroughly checked for metal.

! NO Paint ! Painted lumber is not allowed to be run through the MTL planers as it will damage both the blades and machinery.

Feed slowly, don't push, and if it starts to whine - STOP!

1. Inspect your lumber/project and ensure it's properly prepared.

2. Ensure dust collection is connected and on before operating.

3. Place your workpiece on the infeed table, flat side down, and with the grain of the wood to avoid tearout.
   

4.  Adjust the table height for thickness and then for the depth of your cut.
   ! Less is more: The wider your piece and/or the harder the wood, the thinner your passes should be. Generally this means no more than a ¼ turn of the height adjustment. Always review the suggested removal guide for your project specs.. 

5. Slowly slide your piece into the infeed until it catches. The rollers will control the feed rate of the workpiece - don't push or pull!

6. Remove the piece from the outfeed table and repeat as needed.

SAFETY:

• Do not wear loose clothes, gloves or jewelry that could get caught in the rollers or knives.

• Planers create a lot of noise and debris - wear a dust mask, hearing protection and safety glasses.

• Always keep your hands away from the cutting area. Never reach under the cutters.

• Stand to one side of the planer path and don’t run anything under 12” in length to reduce the risk of potential kickback.  

• Don't ever raise or lower the table/blades while stock is in planer. 

LOAN NOTE:  Thickness Planers incur a $5 maintenance fee per use which helps cover the costs of ongoing maintenance and blade replacement. Branch managers may also charge an additional fee for prolonged/above average use in a single session.