How To Convert An Electric Planer To A Lipping Planer
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you probably know the struggle of having to invest in multiple tools to complete different tasks. But what if we told you that you can convert your electric planer into a lipping planer? Yes, you read that right! By making a few modifications and adjustments, you can transform your existing tool into a lipping planer, saving you both time and money.
A lipping planer is a specialized tool used in woodworking to trim the edges of boards and create an overhang, commonly known as a “lip”. This technique is often used in cabinet making and furniture manufacturing to create a smooth and seamless appearance. While lipping planers can be expensive and take up valuable space in your workshop, converting an electric planer allows you to repurpose a tool you already have.
To convert your electric planer into a lipping planer, you will need a few additional accessories and some DIY skills. The first step is to ensure you have a sharp and high-quality blade that is suitable for lipping. This blade should have a slight curve at the end to allow for the creation of the lip. You may need to purchase a specialized lipping blade or modify an existing one to achieve the desired shape.
Next, you will need to make adjustments to the depth and angle settings of your planer. The depth setting determines how much material will be removed from the board, while the angle setting affects the slope of the lip. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance and achieve the desired result. It’s important to make gradual adjustments and test the planer on scrap wood before working on your actual project.
Remember, converting an electric planer to a lipping planer may void the warranty of your tool, so proceed with caution and at your own risk. Always wear appropriate safety gear and follow manufacturer instructions when making any modifications to your tools. With some practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the art of lipping and create professional-looking finishes on your woodworking projects.
What is an electric planer?
An electric planer is a woodworking tool that is used to shave, shape, and smooth wood surfaces. It consists of a sharp blade mounted on a rotating drum, which is powered by an electric motor. Electric planers are typically handheld and can be controlled with one or two hands.
Electric planers are commonly used in carpentry and woodworking projects to remove material from wood surfaces, such as doors, tabletops, and boards. They are ideal for achieving smooth and even surfaces, making them an essential tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Electric planers are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including trimming wood edges, fitting doors, leveling uneven surfaces, and creating chamfers. They are often preferred over manual hand planes for their speed and efficiency.
Modern electric planers often come with adjustable depth settings, allowing users to control the amount of material that is removed with each pass. This feature is beneficial when working with different types of wood or when achieving specific depth requirements.
Overall, electric planers are a valuable tool for anyone working with wood, whether it be for professional purposes or home improvement projects. Their ability to quickly and accurately remove material makes them a go-to tool for achieving smooth and precise finishes.
What is a lipping planer?
A lipping planer, also known as a flush planer, is a specialized tool used in woodworking to remove excess material from the edge of a board or panel, creating a smooth and flush surface. It is commonly used to trim the edges of doors, tabletops, cabinets, and other wooden surfaces.
The lipping planer typically features a cutting blade with a vertical orientation, allowing it to slice through the wood fibers and remove the protruding material. This helps to create a consistent edge that is level and free of any irregularities.
One of the main advantages of using a lipping planer is its ability to quickly and efficiently remove material, saving valuable time and effort compared to other methods such as sanding or hand-trimming. It is especially useful when working with large or bulky pieces of wood that may be challenging to maneuver.
Additionally, lipping planers often have adjustable depth settings, allowing you to control the amount of material being removed. This ensures precision and accuracy, giving you the flexibility to achieve the desired results for your woodworking project.
Overall, the lipping planer is a versatile tool that is essential for any woodworker or DIY enthusiast who wants to achieve professional-looking results when trimming the edges of their wooden creations.
Step 1: Disassembling the electric planer
To convert an electric planer into a lipping planer, you will first need to disassemble the electric planer. This process may vary depending on the specific model you have, so it’s important to consult the user manual for your planer to ensure you understand the disassembly process.
Here is a general guide on how to disassemble an electric planer:
| Tools needed |
|---|
| – Screwdriver |
| – Wrench |
| – Pliers |
1. Start by unplugging the electric planer from the power source to ensure your safety while working.
2. Remove any accessories or attachments that may be attached to the planer, such as a dust bag or guide fence.
3. Locate the screws or bolts that hold the planer’s housing together. These are usually located on the sides or the bottom of the planer.
4. Using a screwdriver or a wrench, carefully remove the screws or bolts and set them aside in a safe place. Make sure to keep track of which screws or bolts go where, as they may be different sizes or lengths.
5. Once all the screws or bolts have been removed, gently separate the housing of the planer to expose the internal components. Be careful not to force or damage any parts during this process.
6. Take note of the location and arrangement of the internal components, as this will be important when reassembling the planer later on.
7. If necessary, remove any additional screws or fasteners that secure specific components, such as the motor or blade assembly. Refer to your user manual for guidance on how to properly remove these components.
8. Carefully remove the motor or blade assembly from the planer, ensuring you do not damage any delicate parts.
9. Set aside the disassembled parts in a safe and organized manner to avoid misplacing them or causing damage.
By following these steps, you will be able to disassemble your electric planer and prepare it for the conversion process. Once you have completed the disassembly, you can move on to the next steps of converting the planer into a lipping planer.
Step 2: Preparing the lipping attachment
Before you can convert your electric planer into a lipping planer, you will need to prepare the lipping attachment. This attachment is essential for creating the lipping effect on the edge of your workpiece.
To prepare the lipping attachment, follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Start by taking measurements of the dimensions for the lipping attachment. You will need to determine the width and height of the attachment, as well as the depth of the lip you want to create. |
| 2 | Based on the measurements, cut a rectangular piece of plywood or another suitable material for the attachment. Make sure it is sturdy and will securely attach to your electric planer. |
| 3 | Drill holes on the two shorter sides of the rectangular attachment to ensure a secure fit onto the planer. The number and size of holes will depend on the specific design of your planer, so refer to the user manual if needed. |
| 4 | Attach the lipping attachment to the planer by inserting screws or bolts through the drilled holes. Make sure it is firmly secured in place and does not move during operation. |
| 5 | Finally, adjust the height of the lipping attachment to match the desired depth of the lip you want to create. This can typically be done by adjusting the screws or bolts used for attachment. |
Once you have finished preparing the lipping attachment, you can move on to the next step, which involves adjusting the planer settings for lipping operations.
Step 3: Installing the lipping attachment
Installing the lipping attachment is a crucial step in converting your electric planer into a lipping planer. The lipping attachment helps to remove excess material at the edges of the board, also known as lipping. Follow the steps below to install the lipping attachment:
- First, ensure that the electric planer is switched off and unplugged from the power source for safety reasons.
- Locate the lipping attachment, which should have come with the planer kit or can be purchased separately.
- Position the lipping attachment on the side of the planer, aligning the holes in the attachment with the corresponding holes on the planer body.
- Fasten the attachment securely to the planer by inserting and tightening the screws provided in the kit. Make sure the attachment is firmly fixed and does not wobble.
- Once the lipping attachment is securely installed, plug in the electric planer and switch it on to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
With the lipping attachment successfully installed, your electric planer is now ready to be used as a lipping planer. It will be able to effectively remove lipping from the edges of your boards, allowing you to achieve smooth and even surfaces.
Step 4: Testing and adjusting the lipping planer
Once you have converted your electric planer into a lipping planer, it’s important to test and adjust it before using it on your workpieces. Follow the steps below to ensure that your lipping planer is operating correctly:
1. Test the depth of cut
Before using the lipping planer on your workpiece, you need to test the depth of cut. This will ensure that you are removing the desired amount of material. Take a scrap piece of wood and run it through the planer while adjusting the depth of cut. Check the thickness of the wood after each pass to ensure that it matches your desired result.
2. Check for snipe
Snipe refers to the uneven planing of the ends of the workpiece. It can occur due to the downward pressure on the front and back of the planer. To check for snipe, plan a piece of wood that is longer than usual and inspect the ends for any unevenness. If snipe is present, adjust the pressure at the front and back of the planer to minimize or eliminate it.
3. Adjust the feed rate
The feed rate determines how fast the workpiece is pulled into the planer. It’s important to adjust the feed rate to ensure that the planer is not bogged down or causing tear-out. Gradually increase the feed rate until you find the optimal speed. Pay attention to the sound of the motor and the quality of the planed surface to determine if the feed rate needs adjustment.
4. Maintain a smooth and even surface
As you use the lipping planer, check the surface of the workpiece for any scallops or unevenness. If you notice any, adjust the planer to ensure a smooth and even surface. This may involve adjusting the blade height or the pressure on the workpiece. Remember to make small adjustments and test the planer after each change to achieve the desired result.
| Tip: | It’s recommended to wear safety goggles and hearing protection when using a lipping planer, as it can produce loud noise and wood chips. |
|---|
Step 5: Using the converted planer
Once you have successfully converted your electric planer into a lipping planer, it’s time to put it to use. Here’s how you can use the converted planer effectively:
| 1. Prepare the wood | Make sure the wood you are planning to work on is properly prepared. This includes removing any nails, sanding down rough spots, and ensuring the wood is clean and dry. |
| 2. Adjust the depth | Before you start planing, adjust the depth of the blades according to the thickness of the material you are working with. This can usually be done by using the depth adjustment knob on the side of the planer. |
| 3. Secure the wood | Secure the wood firmly in place using clamps or a bench vise. Make sure it is stable and won’t move during the planing process. |
| 4. Start planing | Turn on the converted planer and slowly guide it across the surface of the wood. Take care to maintain a steady and consistent forward motion, applying even pressure. |
| 5. Check your progress | Periodically stop planing to check your progress and ensure you are achieving the desired results. Use a straight edge or a square to check for any unevenness or inconsistencies. |
| 6. Repeat if needed | If necessary, repeat the planing process multiple times until you have achieved the desired level of lip removal and a smooth, even surface. |
| 7. Clean up | Once you have finished planing, clean up any wood shavings and debris. This will help prevent any damage to your tools and keep your workspace clean and organized. |
Following these steps will allow you to effectively use your converted electric planer as a lipping planer and achieve professional results in your woodworking projects.
Questions and answers
Why would I want to convert an electric planer to a lipping planer?
If you frequently work with wooden doors or panels that have a lip or border around the edges, converting an electric planer to a lipping planer can help you achieve a clean and even cut on the edges of your workpieces. It allows you to remove the material from the lip without affecting the rest of the surface, resulting in a smooth and professional finish.
What do I need to convert an electric planer to a lipping planer?
To convert an electric planer to a lipping planer, you will need a few tools and materials. You will need a straight-edge guide or a lipping planer attachment, which can be purchased from woodworking supply stores. Additionally, you will need a wrench or spanner to remove the planer blade, and a set of replacement blades designed for lipping operations. It’s important to ensure that the replacement blades are compatible with your specific planer model.
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