Im new to shaping boards. Do I need to get one of those abrasive coated bits for my planer or will the normal steel blades on the planer do the best job when shaping normal surfbard blanks?
The 'barrel" style planer ( With the hundreds of little tungsten tips) is a relatively new development in shaping. It is not necessary to have one on your planer… Some shapers refuse to use them. The only real advantage is that the planer can be pushed harder and faster through the tough foam skin without "ripping " the surface, and can also be used to iron out gouges going BACKWARDS. This can be done with conventional blades but requires more care. Overall, until you are expert with a planer, the barrel type blade will make negligiblre difference to you! Just keep your blades sharp. Josh Dowling 20 years shaping & spraying Victoria Australia. Check out www.speedneedle.com.au http://www.speedneedle.com.au