i just got done taking the first layer off of my first blank using an unmodified hitachi planner. it seems like i’m getting kind of a deep grove at the edges of the planner. it looks as if the edge of the planner is digging deeper than the actual cut. i’m using the 7’4"R and there is a bottom concave in the blank(is this normal for this blank?) so i’m thinking that might be the problem. i’m looking to shape more of a takayama floegg style board which has no concave so i’ve just been surforming and sanding the bottom flatter so the edge marks aren’t that big of a deal. i’m worried about taking the planner to the deck though because the planner edge marks seem like they’d be harder to get rid of. then again if it’s just the concave causing the problem it probably will not happen on the deck. anyone else had this problem?
phastings,
Shouldn’t be concave in the bottom of the blank. If you tip the planer a bit you’ll get those grooves. It takes a bit of practice. Leave yourself enough room in thickness so you can take those grooves out with sand block or surform and not thin the board out more than you want. Hope that helps. Mike
if your not already, running your planner at a slight rotated angle will help. Rotate the planner 15-30deg off centerline and then push the planner parallel to the center line.
I took a stone and rounded the corners of my blades just a little and no more gouges.