In working with wood, only a few tools can provide high-quality cutting. Even jigsaws with a high engine speed leave small flaws on the surface of the workpiece. In some cases, you can put up with such defects, but if you plan to use the material in a delicate finish with paintwork, then you can not do without additional processing, which will help to complete the surface gage. What it is? This is a machine that performs the function of grinding - in some way it is similar to a group of jointer.
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The function of this machine may seem redundant. The fact is that it is quite possible to prepare several boards for installation with an ordinary manual tool in the form of the same jointer or plane. But if we are talking about large volumes, then the machine surface gage household will have noticeable advantages over small-format tools. And it is not only the speed of operations, but the support of high quality processing with an optimally clean cutting surface.
In addition, this is just the case when it is safer to work with electrical equipment than with hand tools. As practice shows, the likelihood of injury on such a machine is much lower than in working with planers. Nevertheless, far from always in everyday life there is a need to purchase such a thicknesser. What it is in professional production is another question. For example, at a woodworking line or at a furniture factory, the presence of such equipment is simply a prerequisite for technical support.
Tool varieties
Two criteria can be distinguished according to which the models in the group of thicknessers are classified. This division is based on the purpose (household and professional units), as well as the configuration of the cutting complex. As for the first classification, household models are less common, have a small margin of power and a design focused on servicing typical workpieces. Professional units are characterized by high power potential, a wide range of settings and rich functionality. However, the household surface gage wins due to the low cost.
In terms of the implementation of the cutting segments, it can be noted that mainly two elements are used in the thicknessers. But there are modifications that are called jointer-thicknessers. Such versions may have more knives and are suitable for working with rough surfaces.
Main characteristics
Among the main operating parameters, one can distinguish the depth and width of the cut, power and speed of torsion of the shaft. As for the depth, it varies from 1 to 3 mm. This is an extensive range within which the user can tidy up a rough board and modify a panel of solid wood sheet ready for painting.
The width of the workpieces with which you can work on the machine, in some models reaches 330 mm. Power potential determines how productive the machine will be. The fact is that the woodworking surface gage can perceive soft and hard breeds in different ways. That is, in the second case, the processing may not be as effective or time-consuming. The higher the power, the more flexible will be such wood species as oak, beech, elm, ash, etc. For working with such lumber, a power of at least 1,500 W is recommended. It is also worth noting the quality of the cut, which will already depend on the frequency of rotation of the shaft. The optimal indicator for this parameter is 8–10 thousand rpm.
Unit Features
In addition to high precision, such machines provide the ability to control typical cutting parameters. That is, the operator can use the example of processing one workpiece to set the equipment a template example, according to which the subsequent serial cutting will be performed. Not every woodworking machine has such an opportunity. Reysmus (household appliance or professional) allows the structural orientation of the material for template cutting, which provides depth and width parameters.
Manufacturers
The segment is rather narrow, therefore there are not so many manufacturers in it. For example, one of the popular models is offered by the Swiss company Jet. This is a JPT-310 machine, the advantages of which include high productivity and reliability. Interesting offers are also being implemented by the Polish company Proma, in the family of which you can find not only high-quality, but also affordable planers. Reviews of these products also indicate ergonomic components - ease of management and settings. The universal model is also offered by the manufacturer Brassa in the modification FS-32N. This machine is suitable for use at home, and for furniture factories.
What to consider when choosing?
It is clear that the main attention of the buyer should be paid to the assessment of paramount technical parameters, including power, design capabilities, cut quality, etc. Acquaintance with these indicators will help to find out how much a particular model is basically suitable for working with a specific material. But this is not enough to fully understand how suitable a particular thicknesser is. What is this in terms of operation? Not only a working tool, but also quite a dimensional machine, which will require a lot of work space. Accordingly, it is important to evaluate the size of the equipment, since it will also need a separate storage room.
It is also worth considering some functional additions that will allow you to work in non-ideal conditions. For example, the presence of fuses, lights and protective devices should be taken into account.
Conclusion
Even before buying a machine, it will not be out of place to calculate how much such an aggregate will be in demand on the farm. So, if the presence of equipment at a specialized production is fully justified, then in everyday life this need is not obvious. Another thing is that there is a wide selection of models that represent the thicknesser. What is this in the general classification of woodworking machines? This is a specialized technique, which, depending on the modification, can have very different characteristics. Accordingly, prices vary. For example, a professional model can cost 150 thousand rubles, and a household machine - about 20-30 thousand.
As you can see, the difference is huge between the individual segments of the planer market . Therefore, if financial opportunities allow and there is a need to obtain high-quality processed wood materials, then you should not deny yourself such a purchase.