planerthicknesser

Planerthicknesser, also known as a planer/thicknesser, is a woodworking machine that combines the functions of planing and thicknessing in a single unit. It is designed to convert rough boards into flat, evenly thick stock with parallel faces, suitable for cabinetry, furniture, and shelving.

Typical machines feature a cutterhead with replaceable knives, a flat bed with infeed and outfeed tables, and feed rollers that move the stock through the cutterhead. The operator sets a target final thickness and, as the board passes the cutterhead, material is shaved from one or both faces to achieve the desired dimension while producing a flat, smooth surface. In many designs one face is planed to true, and the opposite face is thicknessed to the chosen thickness, resulting in parallel faces.

Operation generally involves first establishing a straight edge, then setting the final thickness on the machine’s depth or thickness gauge. The board is fed through to plane one face and bring it to the specified thickness; the board can then be flipped or re-fed to plane the opposite face to achieve parallelism and the final dimensions. Some models allow multiple passes to refine surface quality or adjust thickness in steps, while others are used in a single pass for rough stock.

Advantages of a planerthicknesser include increased efficiency in small workshops, reduced handling of boards, and the ability to produce stock with consistent thickness and flat faces. Limitations include the machine’s size and cost, the need for careful setup to avoid tear-out, and routine maintenance of knives, belts, and alignment to maintain accuracy. Safety features, dust extraction, and proper feeding procedures are essential during use.