87+ Planer Woodworking

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DIY Wooden Planer: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will walk you through building a simple, functional wooden hand planer. This is a project that requires basic woodworking skills and tools, but the result is a satisfying and useful tool you can be proud of. This project involves working with sharp tools, so safety glasses and appropriate hand protection are highly recommended. Make sure you have adequate ventilation when working with wood dust.

Materials Needed:

• A block of hardwood (maple, beech, or oak recommended) approximately 8" x 3" x 2"
• Planer blade (available online or from woodworking supply stores) specify the width when ordering.
• Wedge-shaped piece of hardwood (to secure the blade)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (various grits from 80 to 220)
• Linseed oil or other wood finish (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Pencil
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Hand saw or band saw
• Chisels
• Mallet
• Drill with various sized bits
• Wood file or rasp
• Clamps
• Sharpening stones (for the blade)

Step 1: Prepare the Body Start by marking out the shape of the planer body on the hardwood block. You'll want a rectangular shape, but consider rounding the corners for comfort. The exact dimensions depend on the blade you have, but the overall length should be around 8 inches. Use a saw to cut out the basic shape. Aim for smooth and square cuts.

Step 2: Create the Blade Bed Now, create the angled bed for the planer blade. This is crucial for the planer to function correctly. The angle typically ranges from 45 to 50 degrees. Carefully mark the angle on the wood. Begin carefully removing material using chisels and a mallet. Work slowly and check your progress frequently to ensure the bed is flat and at the correct angle. You can use a plane (iron plane) to get a perfect level. The blade should sit snugly in this bed.

Step 3: Drill the Throat Hole The throat hole is the opening in front of the blade that allows shavings to escape. Drill a hole directly in front of the blade bed. Start with a small pilot hole and gradually increase the size until the opening is sufficient for shavings. Shape and smooth the throat with files and sandpaper.

Step 4: Shape the Wedge The wedge secures the blade in place. The wedge shape needs to match to the slope angle of the blade. It should be made from a slightly harder wood than the body. The wedge is what is what will keep the blade in place.

Step 5: Fit the Blade and Wedge Test fit the blade and wedge into the body. The blade should sit firmly against the bed and be held securely by the wedge. You might need to adjust the wedge's shape to achieve a snug fit. The blade should protrude slightly from the bottom of the planer. Adjust the blade protrusion to increase or decrease the cut depth. The back of the wedge can be pounded for blade adjustement.

Step 6: Final Shaping and Sanding Refine the shape of the planer body for comfort and aesthetics. Round over edges, smooth surfaces, and remove any sharp corners. Sand the entire planer thoroughly, starting with coarser grits and progressing to finer grits. Aim for a smooth and comfortable feel.

Step 7: Sharpen the Blade A sharp blade is essential for proper planing. Sharpen the blade using sharpening stones or a honing system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your sharpening tools. A properly sharpened blade will glide through wood easily.

Step 8: Apply Finish (Optional) Apply a wood finish to protect the planer and enhance its appearance. Linseed oil, tung oil, or varnish are all good options. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the finish you choose. Allow the finish to dry completely before using the planer.

Step 9: Testing and Adjustments Test the planer on a piece of scrap wood. Adjust the blade depth by tapping the wedge. If the blade is cutting too deep, tap the back of the planer to retract it slightly. If it's not cutting deep enough, tap the back of the wedge.

Conclusion: Building your own wooden planer is a rewarding experience. It allows you to customize the tool to your preferences and gain a deeper understanding of woodworking principles. Enjoy your new, handcrafted tool! Remember to regularly sharpen the blade to maintain optimal performance.

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