How To Cure Snipe On A Record Planer Thicknesser
If you have ever used a planer thicknesser, you may have come across a common issue known as “snipe”. Snipe is the name given to the uneven cutting that occurs at the beginning and end of a board when it passes through the planer. This can be frustrating, as it can result in wasted material and a lot of sanding to fix the uneven surface.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize or even completely eliminate snipe on your planer thicknesser. The first step is to ensure that your machine is properly set up and aligned. Check that the infeed and outfeed tables are level and parallel to each other. Adjust them if necessary to create a smooth transition for the board as it passes through the planer.
Another important factor in reducing snipe is the use of supporting materials. Placing sacrificial boards at the beginning and end of your workpiece can help to minimize snipe by providing additional support as the board enters and exits the planer. These sacrificial boards should be the same thickness as your workpiece and should be longer than the length of your workpiece to ensure a smooth transition.
Lastly, it is important to pay attention to your feeding technique. Feed the board into the planer with a consistent and steady pressure, without applying too much force. It is also advisable to feed the board at a slight angle to the planer’s direction, as this can help to reduce snipe.
By following these simple tips and techniques, you can significantly reduce or eliminate snipe on your planer thicknesser. With a properly set up machine, the use of supporting materials, and good feeding technique, you can achieve smooth and consistent results with your planer thicknesser.
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Common Causes of Snipe
Snipe, or a deeper cut at the beginning or end of a workpiece, can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding these common causes can help you diagnose and solve the issue:
- Inadequate support: Insufficient support at the infeed or outfeed ends of the planer thicknesser can cause the workpiece to tilt, leading to snipe. Make sure to provide proper support using roller stands or tables.
- Feed rate: Feeding the workpiece too quickly into the planer thicknesser can cause the blades to take a deeper cut, resulting in snipe. Maintain a consistent and controlled feed rate to minimize this issue.
- Inconsistent pressure: Uneven pressure applied to the workpiece can cause it to raise or dip during planing, leading to snipe. Ensure that you apply consistent and even pressure to keep the workpiece stable throughout the process.
- Blade condition: Dull or damaged blades can exacerbate snipe issues. Regularly inspect and sharpen the blades of your planer thicknesser to ensure optimal performance.
- Machine setup: Improper machine setup, such as incorrect blade alignment or improper table height adjustments, can contribute to snipe. Take the time to properly set up and align your planer thicknesser to minimize the risk of snipe.
- Material characteristics: Certain types of wood, particularly those with inconsistent grain patterns or knots, are more prone to snipe. Take extra care when planing these materials to minimize snipe.
By addressing these common causes of snipe, you can significantly reduce or eliminate this issue on your record planer thicknesser.
Assessing Your Planer
Before attempting to cure snipe on a record planer thicknesser, it is important to first assess the condition of your planer. Assessing your planer will help you determine the cause of snipe and enable you to take appropriate measures to address the issue.
1. Check for Levelness
Begin by ensuring that your planer is positioned on a flat and level surface. Use a spirit level or a straight edge to check the bed of the planer for any unevenness. Unevenness can contribute to snipe, so it is important to correct any leveling issues before proceeding.
2. Examine the Infeed and Outfeed Tables
Inspect the infeed and outfeed tables of your planer for any signs of damage or misalignment. Look for any warping, cracks, or loose fasteners. If you notice any issues, make the necessary repairs or adjustments to ensure that the tables are properly aligned and secure.
Additionally, check the alignment between the infeed and outfeed tables. They should be parallel to each other, with no gaps or unevenness between them. Adjust the tables if necessary to achieve perfect alignment.
By thoroughly examining your planer and addressing any issues, you will be better equipped to tackle the problem of snipe and achieve optimal results with your planer thicknesser.
Techniques to Minimize Snipe
Snipe is a common issue that occurs when planing or thicknessing wood on a record planer thicknesser. It is characterized by a deeper cut at the beginning or end of a board, resulting in an uneven surface. However, there are several techniques you can employ to minimize snipe and achieve smoother results.
- Feed Rate: One of the main causes of snipe is a change in feed rate. To minimize the chances of snipe, maintain a consistent and moderate feed rate throughout the entire board. Avoid slowing down or speeding up at the beginning or end of the cut.
- Support the Board: Supporting the board properly can help reduce the chances of snipe. Use infeed and outfeed tables or roller stands to provide continuous support for the board as it passes through the planer thicknesser. This will help prevent any sudden drops or lifts that can cause snipe.
- Joint the Board: Jointing one face of the board before planing can often help minimize snipe. A jointer can be used to create a flat and level surface, ensuring a more consistent cut throughout the entire board.
- Use Multiple Passes: Instead of trying to remove a large amount of material in one pass, make multiple lighter passes. This can help distribute any potential snipe more evenly across the board, resulting in a smoother surface overall.
- Use Backing Boards: Placing thin, sacrificial backing boards at the beginning and end of the board can help reduce snipe. These boards will absorb any extra pressure and prevent the cutter from biting too deeply into the wood.
By employing these techniques, you can minimize snipe and achieve smoother results when using a record planer thicknesser. Remember to always take your time, ensure proper support, and adjust the feed rate accordingly to achieve the best possible outcome.
Questions and answers
What is snipe in a record planer thicknesser?
Snipe refers to a defect that occurs when a planer thicknesser machine cuts a deeper or shallower area at either the beginning or the end of a piece of wood. It creates an uneven surface, which is not desirable in woodworking.
Why does snipe occur in a record planer thicknesser?
Snipe can occur in a record planer thicknesser due to various reasons. One common cause is inadequate support for the workpiece, either at the infeed or outfeed ends. Improper adjustment of the feed rollers and cutter head can also lead to snipe. Additionally, if the wood being planed has inconsistencies in thickness or grain direction, it can contribute to snipe.
How can I prevent snipe in a record planer thicknesser?
There are several steps you can take to prevent snipe in a record planer thicknesser. Firstly, make sure to provide adequate support for the workpiece at both the infeed and outfeed ends. Adjust the feed rollers and cutter head properly to ensure even pressure throughout the planing process. It is also important to check and adjust the machine’s settings according to the thickness and grain direction of the wood being planed. Lastly, feeding the workpiece through the machine with a slight upward pressure can help reduce or eliminate snipe.
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