Planer - Minimum Board Length

[Bob Falk]

I have an older J/P (Robland) and need to plane some shorter pieces of wood. Can't find specs. Am I correct in assuming that the minimum board length for safe planing is the center to center distance between the infeed and outfeed rollers? Or perhaps an inch or two longer? Thanks, bob

[Edward Weber]

That's the way I understand it

[Jim Becker]

That sounds reasonable, but I'd suggest trying to avoid running material that short if you can avoid it.

[glenn bradley]

If you have a few to do this method would be my preference.
plane small stock.JPG
You could hot-melt glue a few small items in a row, the outriggers are sacrificial and get ripped off on the tablesaw after planing.

[Edward Weber]

Op is simply trying to establish the minimum length he can safely run through his machine. Once established and appropriate safe length is determiined there is no reason to not do it.
JMO

[Zachary Hoyt]

I would feel safe using the method the OP described to determine safe minimum length as long as the width is equal or greater than the length. If you run a skinny short piece through a planer it can get sucked in and turned sideways, and then shredded into dangerous chunks. One that is long and skinny can be steered, but if you have a short one completely under the head it will do whatever it wants and you can't control it.

[Bob Falk]

If you have a few to do this method would be my preference.
plane small stock.JPG
You could hot-melt glue a few small items in a row, the outriggers are sacrificial and get ripped off on the tablesaw after planing.

Great idea Glenn!

[Bob Falk]

Thanks everyone....longer is better I am sure. I will try Glenns idea.

[Erik Loza]

Sled is the way to go. Also for widebelt sanders. Glenn's design is awesome.

Erik