Surface Planer
surface planer
A surface planer, also known as a thickness planer or simply a planer, is a woodworking machine designed to create smooth and even surfaces on wooden boards or planks. It is an essential tool in woodworking shops, carpentry workshops, and furniture manufacturing facilities.
The primary function of a surface planer is to remove imperfections, irregularities, and excess material from the surface of a piece of wood. It consists of a cutting head with multiple sharp blades or knives that rotate rapidly. The cutting head is positioned above a flat, adjustable table.
Surface planers are highly versatile tools and find applications in various woodworking projects. They are commonly used to prepare wood for further processing, such as joining, gluing, or creating precise thicknesses for specific woodworking tasks. Planed surfaces are ideal for achieving seamless joints, smooth finishes, and accurate dimensions in furniture making, cabinetry, flooring, and other woodworking applications.
Overall, a surface planer is an indispensable machine that helps woodworkers transform rough and uneven wood into flat, smooth, and precisely dimensioned pieces, enabling them to create high-quality woodwork with precision and efficiency.
pre-operation checklist
Level 1 - Performance Standards:
Verifies tool is properly guarded.
Confirms blade is installed securely.
Verifies clamping guard extends and retracts properly.
Confirms tables are level and square to fence.
Ensures fence is free of obstructions in both directions.
Verifies ample cleareance for material movement in both directions.
Level 2 - Performance Standards:
Sets and calibrates stops.
Verifies and adjusts scales, ensuring they are properly calibrated.
Verifies or replenishes in-line lubricant (if equipped).
Meets Level 1 performance standards.
safety considerations
Safety Considerations:
Pre-Operation Checklist is a prerequisite for ANY operation.
Demonstrates knowledge and proper use of all machine specific controls.
Stock is properly supported.
Blade is completely retracted and cover raised and stopped before moving cut stock.
Proper stance, foot and hand position are demonstrated.
Stock is pressed securely against the fence, jig or fixture as appropriate.
Hands are removed and clear before pressing the foot pedal to actuate the cutting cycle.
Fall off is not allowed to clutter the work area.
Clears machine and cleans work area after operation.
Required OSHA approved personal protective equipment is worn.
Lock-out/Tag-out procedure is in place and followed.
Process is completed in a timely manner.
OPERATION CHECKLIST
Level 1 Standard:
Given material and saw set up and ready to operate, crosscut material to a given length at 90°.
Level 1 Checklist:
Dimension tolerance is +/- 1/64" (0.4 mm)
Angle of crosscut is 90° to the edge
Cut surfaces exhibit uniform saw marks without burning or defects.
Cut is free of tear-out.
Level 2 Standard:
Select material and set up saw to crosscut material to a given length at 90°.
Level 2 Checklist:
Selects and installs appropriate blade.
Sets stops to achieve consistent given length.
Meets Level 1 performance standards.
