In the tool kit of any carpenter or locksmith, there must be a surface gage. Its function allows you to correctly fix dimensional indicators, lay accurate projections and determine the correct position of certain objects or structures in construction and installation. However, the question of what a thicknesser is, suggests an ambiguous answer. On the one hand, it can be a simple wooden device with two or three components, and on the other, a full-fledged processing machine, in which the thicknesser function is provided as an auxiliary one.
What is the thicknesser function?
Usually a thicknesser is purchased for working with wood. As already noted, the classic device allows you to fix the geometric parameters of the workpiece, make measurements, transfer data from the drawings to real materials, etc. However, a full-fledged wood planer in the form of a machine tool has more features. If manual models are used only for marking, then desktop equipment in place implements processing operations. But here there is a specificity. Correction of blanks in shape and size is carried out according to the type of jointing machines or planers. That is, it is precisely the correcting machine, which is functionally close to grinding machines. Such units are used both for professional purposes in furniture factories, and in everyday life in the construction of small objects or structures using wood material.
Conventional Thicknesser Construction
The simplest model of this type is formed by three components - a basic support rack with a dimensional scale, a clamp or a gripping device and a small device for applying markings. A characteristic feature of budgetary home planes is the material of manufacture - these are models made of the same wood, but hard breed. By design, the finished device is a block in which there is a rectangular hole. Using the movement of functional elements in the form of rails, the user can perform dynamic layout. To understand what a surface gage is in a traditional version, the significance of the drawing components - pins should be taken into account. There may be several. For example, a dual marking configuration allows marking formed by parallel lines.
Features of machines with thicknessers
Dramatically different from conventional surface gauges are easel models. They are designed for machining wood material with knives. As a rule, a multifunctional household woodworking machine with a thicknesser consists of a bed, a working platform and the mentioned knife elements. The role of the operator during operation may be different. In budget models where automatic systems are not provided, he feeds the workpiece and takes it on the other side of the work surface. But there are also automatic models that can perform batch processing without operator control.
It is important to consider the differences between these types of machines from planer units. Here again, it is worth addressing the question of what an easel type surface gage is. This is a machine that performs grinding or planing operations with knives. In turn, jointing machines can have the same design, but thanks to a larger number of knives (at least three), they realize a deep removal of excess weight from the surface of the workpiece.
Instrument Operation Tips
The main thing in the installation process is to ensure a stable position of the structure. In this case, the machine can be floor and table. In both cases, reliable fixation of the machine on the surface will provide an accurate result. It is advisable to use special fasteners that immobilize the thicknesser. The manual for desktop models, for example, recommends fixing the unit with 4 complete bolts to a workbench or a stable working platform. Work begins after a drum equipped with blades picks up proper speed. Next, you can install the workpiece on the surface of the table flush. In the process of planing heavy and long objects, you should slightly raise the extreme parts of the workpiece from both sides of the cutting. This will eliminate gouging or cutting off excess parts.
Thicknesser manufacturers
In one or another modification, thicknesses are present in the assortment of almost all major manufacturers of construction tools and equipment. In particular, a table thicknesser for working with small volumes is offered by Makita and Dewalt. This is a reliable technology that is characterized by durability, operational flexibility and high processing efficiency.
Interesting options are offered by domestic manufacturers. For example, the model βEncore Corvette-21β is quite suitable for a small workshop engaged in the processing of lumber. If a surface gage is required that is universal for a wide range of typical operations, then you can refer to the Caliber line. Affordable and durable models are also produced under this brand.
How to choose a thicknessing machine?
First of all, technical and operational characteristics are taken into account. For example, by the depth of cut, you can understand which layer from the surface can remove the machine in one pass. This value varies on average from 1 to 3 mm. No less important is the width of the cut, on which, in principle, the ability of the machine to service workpieces of one or another format depends. Household models usually work with a width in the range of 300-330 mm. Power is often important. She will determine what productivity a woodworking multifunctional household machine with a thicknesser in a particular design has at its disposal. This indicator can be both 1.5 kW and 2 kW. Models close to the first value are suitable for private needs, and machines with a capacity of more than 2 kW belong to the industrial segment.
Conclusion
The success of this type of machine tool depends on many factors. To determine the individual nuances of the use of technology, it is necessary to understand what a surface type gauge is in terms of service. This is primarily a complex and multicomponent device that requires careful care after each treatment session. The user should regularly check the technical condition of the unit, lubricate the elements of the working group and maintain the cutting qualities of the knives. Only in the conditions of competent comprehensive comprehensive maintenance of the thicknesser, one can expect high quality of its function.