Cedar planking is an excellent choice for outdoor projects such as decks or siding as it’s naturally resistant to rot and insects. Cedar is also relatively soft and easy to work with, making it a good option for DIYers. The key to success is choosing a good planer blade and setting up the planer correctly.
Using a planer to make smooth, even cuts in cedar is a satisfying and rewarding experience. When done correctly, planing cedar allows you to achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish on your project.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to plane cedar planks, including tips on choosing the right blade and setting up your planer. We’ll also discuss the importance of grain direction and how to avoid common mistakes. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, read on to learn everything you need to know about planing cedar planks.
1. Choosing the right blade
When planing cedar planks, it is essential to use a sharp blade. A dull blade will tear the wood and produce a rough finish. This is because a sharp blade will cleanly slice through the wood fibers, while a dull blade will crush and tear them. The result is a smooth, even cut with a sharp blade and a rough, uneven cut with a dull blade.
Using a sharp blade is also important for safety. A dull blade is more likely to slip and cause an accident. In addition, a sharp blade will require less force to use, which can reduce fatigue and prevent injuries.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a blade for planing cedar planks. First, the blade should be made of high-quality steel. This will ensure that the blade stays sharp for a long time. Second, the blade should be the correct size for your planer. A blade that is too small will not be able to cut through the wood properly, and a blade that is too large may damage your planer.
By following these tips, you can choose the right blade for your planer and get the best results when planing cedar planks.
2. Setting up the planer correctly
Setting up the planer correctly is essential for getting good results when planing cedar planks. If the planer is not set up correctly, you may damage the wood or get a rough finish. The depth of cut should be set according to the thickness of the cedar planks you are using. If the cut is too deep, you may damage the wood. If the cut is too shallow, you will not get a smooth finish.
To set the depth of cut, first, measure the thickness of the cedar planks you are using. Then, adjust the planer’s depth of cut to match the thickness of the planks. Once the planer is set up correctly, you can begin planing the cedar planks.
Setting up the planer correctly is an important part of planing cedar planks. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get good results and avoid damaging the wood.
3. Feeding the wood through the planer at a consistent speed
Feeding the wood through the planer at a consistent speed is essential for getting good results when planing cedar planks. If the wood is fed through the planer too quickly, the cut will be rough and uneven. If the wood is fed through the planer too slowly, the cut will be too deep and may damage the wood.
- Maintaining a consistent feed rate ensures that the planer blades have time to cleanly cut through the wood fibers, resulting in a smooth, even surface.
- An inconsistent feed rate can cause the planer blades to tear and gouge the wood, leaving a rough and uneven finish.
- Feeding the wood too quickly can also overload the planer motor, which can lead to overheating and damage.
- Feeding the wood too slowly can result in excessive cutting, which can weaken the wood and make it more susceptible to damage.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you feed the wood through the planer at a consistent speed and achieve a smooth, even finish on your cedar planks.
FAQs on How to Plane Cedar Planks
Planing cedar planks is a relatively simple process, but there are a few common questions that people have. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about planing cedar planks:
Question 1: What is the best type of planer blade to use for planing cedar planks?
A high-quality planer blade made of carbide or high-speed steel is best for planing cedar planks. These blades are durable and will stay sharp for a long time.
Question 2: What is the correct depth of cut for planing cedar planks?
The depth of cut will vary depending on the thickness of the cedar planks you are using. A good rule of thumb is to set the depth of cut to about 1/16 inch.
Question 3: How fast should I feed the cedar planks through the planer?
The feed rate will vary depending on the type of planer you are using and the thickness of the cedar planks. A good starting point is to feed the planks through the planer at a rate of about 12 feet per minute.
Question 4: How do I avoid tear-out when planing cedar planks?
Tear-out occurs when the planer blade grabs the wood and tears it instead of cutting it. To avoid tear-out, make sure that the planer blade is sharp and that you are feeding the cedar planks through the planer at a consistent speed.
Question 5: What should I do if the cedar planks are too thick for my planer?
If the cedar planks are too thick for your planer, you can use a jointer to reduce their thickness before planing them.
Question 6: Where can I find more information on planing cedar planks?
There are many resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information on planing cedar planks. You can also find helpful videos on YouTube and other video-sharing websites.
By following these tips, you can plane cedar planks safely and efficiently. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve beautiful, professional-looking results.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know how to plane cedar planks, you can move on to the next step in your woodworking project. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to finish cedar planks.
Tips for Planing Cedar Planks
Planing cedar planks is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you can do to get the best results. Here are five tips for planing cedar planks:
Tip 1: Use a sharp blade.A sharp blade will help to produce a smooth, even cut. A dull blade will tear the wood and produce a rough finish.Tip 2: Set the planer to the correct depth of cut.The depth of cut should be set according to the thickness of the cedar planks you are using. If the cut is too deep, you may damage the wood. If the cut is too shallow, you will not get a smooth finish.Tip 3: Feed the wood through the planer at a consistent speed.Feeding the wood through the planer at a consistent speed will help to ensure that the cut is even and consistent. If the wood is fed through the planer too quickly, the cut will be rough and uneven. If the wood is fed through the planer too slowly, the cut will be too deep and may damage the wood.Tip 4: Avoid tear-out.Tear-out occurs when the planer blade grabs the wood and tears it instead of cutting it. To avoid tear-out, make sure that the planer blade is sharp and that you are feeding the cedar planks through the planer at a consistent speed.Tip 5: Use a planer sled for wide planks.If you are planing wide cedar planks, it is helpful to use a planer sled. A planer sled will help to keep the planks flat and stable as they are fed through the planer.
Conclusion
Planing cedar planks is a relatively simple process, but it is important to use the right tools and techniques to get the best results. By following the tips in this article, you can plane cedar planks safely and efficiently. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve beautiful, professional-looking results.
Planed cedar planks can be used for a variety of projects, such as decks, siding, and furniture. Cedar is a durable and attractive wood that is naturally resistant to rot and insects. Planed cedar planks are a great choice for outdoor projects because they will last for many years with minimal maintenance.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions about planing cedar planks, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would be happy to help.
