How to Set Planer Blades

Look at the two working surfaces of the planer, the tables., The outfeed table is fixed. , The blades should be set fractionally above the outfeed table. , This method will allow you to set them both to the same height and parallel to the table...

30 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Look at the two working surfaces of the planer

The infeed table is at the front that you set your depth with, and the outfeed table is under the handle, that you hold firmly to the freshly cut timber.

Step 2: the tables.

,,, If they are too low, the planer won't work very well, it won't feel positive. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Move to the front edge of the machine and do the same. ,, No 2 pencil mark fell a few mm short of the table edge. , This method takes a very small vertical distance and converts it to a lot longer horizontal distance that is easy to see.

Step 3: The outfeed table is fixed.

Step 4: The blades should be set fractionally above the outfeed table.

Step 5: This method will allow you to set them both to the same height and parallel to the table.

Step 6: When the blades are a lot too high they will leave a scoop in the end of the timber.

Step 7: Set the blades a touch higher than the outfeed table and you will get a positive feel to the cut and this also allows for the blades to wear a bit.

Step 8: To change the planer blades

Step 9: PULL the power plug out.

Step 10: Take out the old ones and give all the surfaces a good clean and dust

Step 11: wipe with an oily rag etc.

Step 12: Put the new planer blades back in at a guess for height and nip them up just tight enough to hold them firm

Step 13: but still allow you to adjust them up and down with the adjusting screws.

Step 14: Set both tables approximately level.

Step 15: Rotate the blade out of the way

Step 16: get a small length of wood

Step 17: (12mmx40mm used in the above photo).

Step 18: Put two pencil marks on it

Step 19: say 15mm apart.

Step 20: Put mark 1 level with the edge of the outfeed table.

Step 21: Rotate the blade (use a finger on the rubber drive band if it's easy to reach) so that it advances and catches the timber and carries it along for a space.

Step 22: That space is your guide.

Step 23: Adjust the blade and try again until your marks are like the photo above.

Step 24: The pencil marks in the photos are about 15mm apart

Step 25: this will set the blade about one millimeter higher than the fixed outfeed table.

Step 26: Make it less if you are doing fine joinery with your planer and don't want too much of a scoop on the end of the finished cut.

Step 27: Above.

Step 28: Here you can see that this end of the blade needs lifting up a bit.

Step 29: All this takes time

Step 30: but you can get both blades set perfectly.

Detailed Guide