Using the Helical Planer

The planing operation generates a large amount of chips. When using a planer, connect it to a dust collector or a large bin, instead of a dust extractor or vacuum.

Operating a planer is more than just feeding the boards through the planer. These are some of the techniques that can help you get your boards properly processed to the desired thicknesses:

1. Always feed the work with the grain to prevent tear-outs. (Photos 3)


2. Where possible, remove equal amount of material from both sides of the lumber.


3. Reduce waste by planing the rough lumber in its full length before trimming its ends (Photo 4)

Photo 3 – The roller and cutters rotate counter-clockwise and clockwise respectively, in opposite directions. The feeding direction is opposite to the grain direction.

Photo 4 – Any snipes on the board will be removed when the rough ends are trimmed off