Delta 380 Planner Question

[Vince Shriver]

The planner has two speeds: 16 FPM and 30 FPM. What is the optimal speed setting and when is it advantageous to change speeds? BTW: the machine has a new Bryd cutter head.

[Dimitrios Fradelakis]

The slower speed is more for the last few passes to obtain a smooth finished surface and the higher speed is for dimensioning.

[Peter Quinn]

Optimal setting varies with lumber in use and surface condition requirements. Slower speed puts the knife marks closer together, lower chip load generally causes less tear out on switchbacks and exotic grain like birds eye or tiger. The higher speed goes faster, so if you have a big pile of wood to plane and are taking a lot off in multiple passes that can speed things up. Might want to slow down for those last few passes. Experience will be your best guide.