Planer help needed

Cliff_Johns · Dec 26, 2005

( Why does he have to join it?? )

Well, if you want a flat board, you joint one side, then plane the other. You can't remove bow, cup or twist any other way. A planer pushes the board flat on to the table and gives you even thickness (thus the name thickness planer). If the board goes in twisted, it will come out twisted, just with even thickness.

Cliff

jim_wilson · Dec 26, 2005

Try looking at the websites for Fine Woodworking magazine or American Woodworker. I know both of them have run reviews of planers in the past so you might be able to dig up some "professional" opinions of the options that are out there.

Fine Woodworking:
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/index.asp

American Woodworker
http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/action.do?categoryId=7000&siteId=2222

I have a 12" Dewalt Planer that has worked very well for me during the construction of my house. I have also used Powermatic and Delta tools and their stuff is very good also. Try doing a search on Amazon.com under Tools & Hardware for planer and you will get a lot of results. Amazon lets buyers put in reviews so you can get some good feedback there. I think if it was me and I was in the same situation I would take a hard look at the Powermatic - 5HP, 230volt/1ph.

EddieWalker · Dec 26, 2005

( . . . go on the foresty forum boards. Those guys on those boards are a wealth of imformation just waiting to share it with someone. )

Deerlope,

Can you give me the website for the forestry boards?

Thanks,
Eddie

Egon · Dec 26, 2005

web page

Egon

Deerlope · Dec 26, 2005

Thanks Egon.

guyrj33 · Dec 28, 2005

try this link for a 4 sided planer
http://www.baileys-online.com/planer-moulder.htm

EddieWalker · Dec 28, 2005

Egon,

Thanks, there's allot of information on that site, looks like fun.

Eddie

scott_vt · Jan 3, 2006

Hi Glenn,
I think you have some very good recomendations from some of my fellow woodworkers. Just by listening to you on the amount of lumber that needs to eventually be joined and planed, you are going to want a pretty substantial machine.
I presently use a 15" Grizzly that works fine for my occasional project. If I was using it more often and running large amounts of lumber through it I would have the carbide knives on it.
Another thing that I didnt hear anyone talk about is that, properly covered that lumber wont go bad, you just need to keep it dry and it will last forever.
As Cliff mentioned, you will also need a joiner to get the boards flat. I presently use a 8" Delta, that works quite well, but obviously your limited to 8" wide lumber. I would be glad to help with any other questions.

scotty

escavader · Jan 4, 2006

I would be careful about covering it up until its planed/dryed,blue stain,or other fungi can set in.lumber needs to breath.ALAN

Glenn9643 · Jan 4, 2006

I believe he meant to keep it protected from direct sunlight and rainfall. If it's covered and has good air circulation those things won't be a problem.
As they cut they'll stack and cover. As they progress with the cutting what is stacked/covered will be drying. Eventually they'll get around to planing after the lumber has dried, and stack and cover it.
The amount of timber that's been blown down in the southeast states is hard to imagine. My step-dad is one that's going to try his best to not let anything just go to waste, and he's eighty years old (with a son-in-law helping him). Due to health issues with my wife, I can't be there. I started this thread in an effort to get information regarding machines to plane lumber, other than lunch-box portable planers that I've used. I appreciate all the responses.