subject: Planer Blade Suggestions [print this page] Nothing cuts cleaner and faster than brand new planer blades, however after repeated use, they'll wear down. Once time takes its toll, the blades can revert from cutting to instead chipping and tearing at the wood. This can create more work and could even cause a project to be ruined. There are some easy steps to help keep the blades cutting like new for a very long time.
The first, and seemingly most vital, issue that has got to be done before ever attempting the changing or removal of planer blades is to turn off the power or unplug the planer from the source. This point can't be stressed enough because even when dull, the blades are still sharp enough do quite a bit of injury at the speeds a planer runs. Once the machine is disconnected from the power source, then the blade change can be completed.
The sharpening stone ought to be used sparingly so as not to change the original edge too much. The blade itself should be kept against the stone at an approximate 22-degree angle to maintain the initial chisel edge that was put on at the factory. Use oil when sharpening the planer blades to help the stone in doing its job and use a stone that sharpens to a fine edge.
The majority of planers sold nowadays have screws that hold the blades in place on the spindle. There are usually three to four of those screws, depending on the machine. These ought to be removed and care should be taken not to strip the slots. The old blades will need to be disposed of properly or put aside for future use in another application. They ought to never be returned to service in the planer because this can yield ineffective and dangerous results.
New planer blades may be put in by merely reversing the removal process. Be positive that the blade edge is oriented the identical way the old blade was. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for the safe operation and maintenance of the machine and it can reward you with years of hassle-free service.
