If youre a carpenter, you know that there are many ways to plane wood. But did you know that you can also use your table saw to plane wood? This blog will show you how. We will also talk about the advantages of using a tablesaw to plane wood, and offer some tips for getting the best results. So whether youre a beginner or an experienced carpenter, read on for helpful information on using a table saw to plane wood.
Step By Step Instructions On How To Plane Wood Using A Table Saw:
Step #1: Set The Table Saw For Plunging Cuts
To use your table saw as a planer, youll first need to set it up properly. First, youll need to change your blade height so that the teeth of the blade are just barely above the surface of the stock. Our saw is being set up to make a plunge cut.
Step 2: Adjust The Fence
Next, youll need to adjust your fence so that its flush with the back edge of your table saws extension wing.
Step #3: Fine Tune Your Blade Angle
Its also important to make sure that your blade is angled properly. This will ultimately depend on which type of plane youre using (afore plane or jointer plane). However, if youre like us and dont have an actual metal marking gauge then simply use one of your planes to get the job done.
Step #4: Align The Blade With Your Fence
After your blade has been properly angled, align it with the fence on your extension wing. To do this, simply lock the table saws rip fence into place and then extend out the end of your extension wing.
Next, slide your wooden hand plane along the right side of the table saws fence until it touches up against both your blade and on top of your wooden hand plane. After you have made the adjustment, you can move back to the place where you placed your metal marking gauge or remove one of your planes. Next, hold your wooden hand plane against each side of your table saw’s fence until they form a V.
Step #5: Adjust Your Table Saws Fence
For planning purposes, it is important to ensure that the fence on your extension wings has been adjusted correctly. To do this, first, move your wooden hand plane between the backside of the electric table saws rip fence and the front edge of its extension wing.
Lock down your rip fencing and mark the spot where the plane’s back edge touches the tabletop with a pencil. Unlock your rip fence and then slide it along until that same spot lines up with the pencil mark you just made against the electric table saws extension wing. Once youve done this, re-lock your fence into place and try planning some wood as described in step #6.
Note: If youre using a jointer plane, then its not necessary to adjust any fences on your table saw. You can simply position the wooden handplan as far as you can from the blade and keep your fingers away from the blade. In other words, treat the table saw as if it were a jointer and apply forward pressure to your plane as you move it back and forth along its intended path.
Step #6: Plane Your First Piece Of Wood
Now that youve set up your table saw for planning operations, its time to actually try some wood! Try starting with a piece of scrap lumber preferably something soft like pine and place it on the table saws extension wing.
Place your wooden handplan directly in front the blade. Then, slowly move it along the length the piece of wood that you have placed on top of the table saw. This will take a little practice to get down but, if performed correctly, planning with a table saw can result in some great-looking results!
Tips For Getting Great Results:
Tip #1 – Be Patient With Your First Cuts
As we mentioned earlier, using your table saw to plane wood is somewhat different than other types of cuts you may have made before so be patient with yourself during the learning curve. Also, remember that this method does not produce perfect results but it can still produce boards that are enough for most applications.
You may have to make additional cuts on your board, for example, before you achieve the desired thickness.
Tip #2 – Keep Your Wood Straight
Its also very important to keep your wood straight while cutting it. This could mean nailing two or more 2X4s together with long nails to support them while you cut. Make sure it is on the opposite side to the blade from the area you are cutting.
Tip #3 – Always Use The Grain
Remember to always cut with the grain when planning your operations using a tablesaw. If your board measures 1.2m in length and you can see the grain running from one end of the wood, it is best to cut along the grain. You run the risk of creating weak spots on your board due to a wrongly cut grain direction.
FAQs:
1. What kind of wood can you plan with a table saw to plane?
A table saw can be used to plane any type of wood that is soft enough for a circular saw.
2. Do I always need to plane parallel to the grain?
It is a good practice to plane parallel to the grain of your boards when you are using your table saw to plan operations.
3. How do you adjust the height of the blade on a table saw to plane wood?
It all depends on what type of table saw you are using. If its an older model that uses a standard blade, then this will be done by simply adjusting the height of the blade above the tabletop surface. However, if your table saw has a motorized mechanism for lowering and raising the blade (almost like a powered circular saw) then this will also be adjusted by a set of levers or a crank located on this mechanism itself.
4. Does it make sense to use a fence for wood planning with a tablesaw?
No, it is not necessary to use a fence with your table saw when planning wood. Instead, simply place the wooden hand plane as far away from the blade as possible and make sure you keep your fingers clear of the saw blade during operation.
Conclusion:
Woodworkers typically use a table saw for this process, but it is possible to plane wood using other tools. A simple hand-plane does the job just as well and can be used on smaller pieces of wood that would not work with a table saw. Another option is an electric belt sander which will give you smoother edges than if you were to do it by hand or with a power planer.
It is important to sand any rough spots in wood before you paint. They will likely show up in the finished product.
