The modern construction market is represented by various tools, with the help of which it becomes much easier for craftsmen to work. One of the most popular devices among builders and repairmen is an electric planer.
He, like any electric tool, is equipped with working nozzles. As an additional element for the planer, a special set of knives is provided. Sometimes the cutting element begins to poorly handle the wood. This indicates that the blade has become dull and needs to be sharpened. Information on how to sharpen knives of an electric plane is contained in the article.
Introducing the cutting head
Knives for electric planing planing the top layer of wood. The cutting element of the tool is a consumable. The further quality of processing and the safety of the master during the operation of the power tool will depend on the characteristics of the acquired set of knives. The better the steel of which the knife is made, the longer it will remain sharp.
About work
In the process of operation of the knives for the planer on the blade is a significant load. The tool works as follows: during its reciprocating movement, the knife penetrates the tree to a certain depth. Due to the absence of a property such as ductility in wood, a planer knife cleaves the top layer, resulting in chips. A special drum, on which the knives rotate, became a place for tooling the cutting elements. The power tool is equipped with two knives. The cutting element standing last is rotary. After dulling one of its sides, it changes easily. For their manufacture, tungsten carbide and tool steel are used. In the latter case, according to the master, re-sharpening of the knives of the electric plane is possible.
About form classification
Knives for electric cutting can be:
- Straight. With their help, planing small details.
- Waved. Using such knives, craftsmen imitate "aged" wood.
- Rounded off. Products are used in cases where you need to perform a careful transition between planing lines. Experienced craftsmen recommend using rounded knives when working with wide surfaces.
About sizes
Cutting elements for imported electrical appliances among consumers are called "plates". Their standard size is 82 mm. Knives for electric plane are mainly made of high-quality carbon steel. These products are 5.5 mm wide and 1.2 mm thick are universal, as they are suitable for most imported tools. According to consumer reviews, if you choose from inexpensive and at the same time durable cutting nozzles, it is better to opt for the Zubr brand. They can be installed on Bosch, Makita, Shkil, Black & Desser. Also on the market, special knives are presented to the attention of lovers of working with wood. For such products, unlike standard "plates", increased thickness and width are characteristic, due to which they are much stronger and easier to sharpen. The length of special knives varies from 82 to 102 mm. The cutting tool designed for a particular model mainly contains a special mounting hole. Such knives are installed on high power tools. Using an electric planer, more durable wood is processed.
About disposable knives
In addition, knives are disposable and reusable. In the first case, the cutting element cannot be sharpened. Such products are simply replaced. Mostly they are bilateral. When dulling one side of the master, they are simply turned over and continue to work until the other is dull. If the knife has lost its former sharpness, then the advancement of the planer on a wooden surface will become difficult. In addition, after passing a blunt knife, it will not be smooth enough. This indicates that the time has come to throw away the cutting element.
About sharpening
High-quality and safe dressing of knives at home will be possible only with a special device. With it, the master will be able to choose the right angle of sharpening. According to some owners, the Bosch electric planer, as well as Makita and Shkil are equipped with such a device. If it is absent, the owner of the instrument will have to purchase it separately.
Also, to sharpen knives you will need a fine-grained abrasive stone. Before work, experienced craftsmen recommend lowering it into the water for a couple of minutes. First, the knife must be securely fixed in the above fixture. The cutting elements can be clamped in pairs or sharpened individually. If the knives are paired, it is very important to ensure that their ends do not stray during the process of grinding. To do this, the beveled edges are placed in the same plane. If each knife is sharpened separately from each other, then the bevel should be parallel to the stone.
The point of sharpening is to remove various burrs and irregularities from the surface of the blade. To do this, the cutting element must be driven along the surface of the abrasive stone until the burrs completely disappear. First you need to determine the degree of bluntness by looking at the cutting edge. If a chamfer with a shiny strip, then the cutting tool needs to be edited. Then an angle of 30 degrees is set. Grind the knife should be reciprocating and circular motion. Since for knives of electric planers work at a very high speed is provided, it is important to prevent their overheating. To do this, during grinding, the knives must be periodically lowered into a container of water. Otherwise, the hot steel will quickly sink and lose its original hardness.
It happens that the blade is very blunted and manual editing becomes tedious. In this case, it is advisable to replace the stone with an electric grinder. Judging by the numerous consumer reviews, the longer the knife, the easier it is to sharpen.
About tool installation
Before starting to operate electrical equipment with both completely new and independently sharpened “plates”, it is important to make sure that they are securely fixed. After replacing the knives of the electric planer, the cutting equipment with its edge should be parallel to the sole of the tool. You can determine the adjustment of the “plate” by turning the plane upside down for this.
It is desirable that the edge protrudes outward by no more than 0.5 mm. It is possible to change the position of the knife thanks to the special small and large adjusting screws located behind the tool platform. Adjustment of the cutting edge is carried out by sequentially turning these screws left-right.
Finally
Following the above recommendations, it will not be difficult to independently fix defects on the edge of the knife, as well as install it in a power tool. It is important to do everything carefully and comply with safety regulations.