Before building furniture or making anything else out of wood, you need to get it planned down to size. This saves you time, effort, and money because you won’t have to sand or stain anymore. Choosing the best planer for woodworking can be overwhelming. There are so many choices out there. How do I choose between them?
Choosing a planer to buy isn’t always an easy decision. The features you look for depending on whether you want to use it every day or only occasionally, the type of wood you’ll be working with, and the budget you’ve got. Read on to see what planer you really need and where you might go wrong.
Woodworking has become quite trendy these days, and people are buying woodcutting machines at a rate never seen before. The demand for such tools is expected to increase further because of the growing popularity of woodworking. These tools are very helpful during carpentry projects to cut pieces from wooden boards or logs into desired shapes.
There are many options available in the market today but choosing the right tool isn’t always easy. In this article, we will discuss some important features that should be considered before purchasing a planer machine.
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Woodworking Planner?
Size:
The first thing to consider when looking for a planer is its size. You must know how much space you have in your workshop before deciding which one to purchase. If you don’t have enough room, then you may not be able to store all the accessories required for operation.
Power Source:
You need to decide if you want to operate the planer manually or by using electricity. Manual planers require more skill and practice than electric ones. Electric planers are easier to handle, and they save work perfectly. [1]
Cutting Capacity:
You also need to consider the cutting capacity of the planer. A large capacity means that you can work faster and produce more output. However, a small capacity means that you can make smaller cuts.
Accessories:
A good planer needs to come with several accessories like a dust collector, storage box, etc. It would be better if you could find a planer that comes with a dust collection system.
Warranty:
It is essential to check the warranty period of the planer. Make sure that the manufacturer offers a long warranty period. Also, check if the company provides any free service after the warranty expires.
Price:
It is advisable to spend as little amount as possible while buying a planer. But remember that you cannot compromise quality for the price. So, try to compare the prices of different models before making a final choice.
Maintenance:
Make sure that the planer requires minimal maintenance instructions. Check if it comes with a manual or automatic oiling system.
Safety Features:
Safety is another important factor to consider when buying a planner. Look for a model that comes with safety features like guard rails, foot pedals, etc.
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User Friendly:
Make sure that the planner is user-friendly. It should be easy to assemble and disassemble and to use. [2]
Material Handling Capability:
If you are planning to use the planner frequently, then you should choose a model that allows you to load and unload material easily.
Noise Level:
Noise level is another important feature to consider. Some planers create noise while working. This could disturb others around you. Therefore, look for a quiet planer.
Types of Planners
There are two types of woodworking planers – stationary and portable. Stationary planers are fixed on a table, and they do not move. They are used mainly for the rough shaping of materials. Portable planers are movable, and they can be moved from place to place. These are ideal for finishing operations and detailing.
Stationary vs. Portable Planers
Both stationary and portable planers are suitable for beginners. However, there are some differences between them.
Size:
The size of the planer determines whether it is stationary or portable. Small planers are portable and medium-sized planers are stationary.
Weight:
Weight plays an important role in determining whether the planner is portable or stationary. Large planers are heavy, and therefore, they are considered stationary. Lightweight planners are lightweight, and hence, they are considered portable.
Cutting Capacity:
Cutting capacity refers to how much material can be cut by the planner at one time. The larger the capacity, the more material can be processed at once.
Closing Thoughts
Woodworking is a hobby that involves many tools. You will require various tools to complete your projects successfully. If you want to buy a new tool, then make sure that you know what type of tool you need. I hope this article has helped you figure out what features a planner for a beginner needs.
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