Why do we need such a big planer?
- We need larger floor model machine because it offers much more stability than a tabletop portable “lunchbox” style planer. The large machines start at 15 or 16 inches. Also on the lunchbox planers snipe, where the cutter digs into the work piece, is a constant problem that with constant and meticulous adjustment can be minimized. Because the larger floor model machines the pressure rollers, that feed the lumber through the planer, are designed differently. According to the reviews snipe can be totally eliminated. Even if it’s not eliminated snipe will be greatly reduced and will not require constant adjustments making the Laguna planer much more walk-up ready.
- A large planer is great to have when you are doing large panel glue-ups, especially edge glue-ups with more than 2 pieces where cambered clamping cauls are going to be of minimal use to keep the panel flat and aligned. This is especially true of edge grain glue-ups where its not unheard of to have upwards of 20 pieces in the panel. I cant tell you the number of times I’ve lamented, with much non PG language, not having a large planer.
- The PX|16 planer would be quite adequate but there is only a $900 difference between the PX|16 and the PX|20, $225 per inch. The difference between the JX|8 PRO 8” jointer and the JX|12 12” jointer is about $4,000 or $1,000 per inch. There was at least one person, I think 2, who were really pushing for the 12”. The larger planer is much more useful than the larger jointer. I believe that $225 per inch of additional planer capacity is well worth it.
If you have any other questions or need further information please leave a post or contact me directly.
Doug Schmidt,
Woodshop Warden
Cell: 513.349.9932
Slack: @Doug Schmidt
ps Our “Penny Pincher in Chief” aka Treasurer has indicated that this vote is well within our current procurement budget for the woodshop