Planer speed

[Vince Shriver]

I've acquired a 15" Delta planer with 2 speeds. Question: When is the slower (or faster if you will) speed best? TIA. Vince

[David Romano]

I've acquired a 15" Delta planer with 2 speeds. Question: When is the slower (or faster if you will) speed best? TIA. Vince

Not sure which you mean. If the feed rate is faster then you can do your rough dimensioning faster and save some blade life. This is because there are fewer cuts per inch on the wood, leaving a rougher surface. It also risks tearout more, as do deeper cuts.

With a slower feed rate, the surface is nicer but the process takes longer.

Personally, I only use the faster feed rate for wood that I am not afraid of tearout. I don't care about the time I save. To me, surface quality is the most important so usually I take alot of shallow passes at the slow feed rate.

David

[Vince Shriver]

Thanks, David, that's exactly the information I need.

[Eddie Darby]

For the best finish always select the slower feed speed and take a very shallow cut.