Straightening machine (abricht) – types, use and necessity

A planer, also known as a planer, is a tool used in woodworking to straighten, smooth, and level wooden surfaces. It is essential in woodworking workshops, being used to obtain flat and uniform surfaces, ready for finishing or to serve as a base for other processing operations. 

The difference between a planer and a thicknesser is in the contact between the material and the cutting knives. 

In the case of thickness planing machines, the contact is higher, and in the case of straightening machines, the contact is lower. 

The planer is an important tool in a woodworking workshop, as it facilitates the processing of workpieces to the correct dimensions by creating a smooth and straight surface or reducing the thickness of the material. 

If you have elements that are not aligned, a simple pass through a straightening machine can solve the problem. 

General characteristics

The most important construction elements to pay attention to when looking for an abricht straightening machine are: 

• material feeding table;
• material output table;
• guide ruler;
• planing shaft diameter and number of knives;
• engine.

Power table

The feed table should be solid, preferably with a generous length, to allow processing of long elements. This is lowered to a convenient processing depth (chip) to process the wood to the size you want. It is worth noting that the maximum chip differs from one machine to another and is dictated by the engine power and the general construction of the machine. In this case, for some targeted sizes, several passes will be needed until you reach the desired thickness. 

Material output table

This must be in accordance with the feed table. A large table size ensures stable and safe processing for the operator. Having a large contact surface, final results will be of superior quality. 

Guide ruler

The guide rail plays an important role, as it helps the operator to process the parts safely with the most precise results. Some models have an angle-adjustable guide rail, an obvious advantage in the case of angle planing. Likewise, the larger the guide rail, the easier it will be to use the machine.

Shaft diameter and number of knives

The diameter of the spindle is an aspect that you need to consider, because it supports the knives that make the whole job go. A spindle with a large diameter ensures stable, efficient processing, without vibrations during work. At the same time, a large spindle diameter can accommodate a larger number of knives. 

The minimum recommended number of knives is 3, in the case of a classic spindle. In the case of a helical spindle, the number of knives is higher, because they are in the form of pellets, which are mounted separately, having 4 cutting edges, being the most efficient spindle in terms of processing.

Motor

Obviously, a large motor ensures stable processing of all types of wood. Of course, its power must be correlated with the type of activity in which you will integrate the machine. 

There are many models that have smaller engines, but still offer quality finishes and long-lasting use. Check the offer and ask where you have any questions. 

applications

Using a planer in a solid wood workshop is unavoidable. Unless you buy the wood ready-finished, the cost will of course be higher and your control over the finished product is zero. 

Anything you produce from solid wood and integrate into a large project such as furniture, doors, stairs, tables, etc., requires straightening the wood. Only if the edges are intended to be irregular, as they were left by Mother Nature.

Using such a machine seems simple at first glance, but a small moment of inattention can cause irreversible accidents. 

After adjusting the desired chip by lowering the feed table, we insert the material against the rotation of the planing spindle, advancing towards the unloading table by pushing the material, supported by the guide ruler. 

It is worth mentioning that the feed speed, even if it is manual (done by the operator), must be constant, so as not to burn the wood.

Newer planer models have a protective support, which is positioned above the planing spindle, which can be adjusted so that the space between the end of the support and the guide rail coincides with the width of the material to be processed. This ensures the protection of the operator. 

After carrying out the desired operations, make sure the machine is turned off to avoid unwanted accidents. 

Types of straightening machines

Most planing machines, whether hobby or industrial, perform the same operation. The difference lies in the processing speed, final finish, and overall stability of the machine. 

Another important aspect is revealed by the planing spindle. 

The most commonly found planing axes on the market are: 

• standard shaft (with knives);
• helical shaft (with removable pill type knives)
• spindle with TERSA knives. 

As the most efficient of all, the helical spindle has its own, more detailed article, available here. Please read it; you are sure to find useful information.

The standard spindle is the one fitted with standard knives, usually 3 or 4, mounted along the shaft. The main advantage of this type of spindle is cost, as it is the most affordable of the 3 models.

The method of sharpening and changing knives requires experience, along with a set of abricht knives adjustment. Unlike the helical one, changing knives is more difficult and time-consuming. Also, if we have a nail in the material for example, all the knives can chip, requiring sharpening or changing them. 

In the long run, such a spindle can be more expensive than a helical one, adding up the time spent on sharpening and maintenance. 

TERSA knife shaft

The main advantage is the very fast change of knives on the machine, without the need for knife adjustment devices. After placing them in the provided slot, they are locked by centrifugal force, and unlike the other two models, the risk of the knives coming loose is reduced, as the more the shaft rotates, the harder the knives lock. 

At the same time, Tersa knives have 2 cutting edges. This, combined with the speed of change and the exceptional quality in processing, make these machines true woodworking machines. 

Planing machines can be included in combined machines, such as planing and planing machines or 5-operation, universal carpentry machines.

Although a combination machine is more cost-effective, it still comes with a disadvantage, in that you have 2 or 5 machines in one. This is where the time factor comes in. While you are working with the planer, you are locked into thickness planing or any of the 4 operations available on the machine. However, these machines are very efficient if you are alone in the workshop or have limited maneuvering space. 

We realize from this article that a planer is a very important tool in a workshop, even if it is not talked about much. Most (if not all) wooden elements present in your home have gone through a planer. 

The necessity is determined by the type of activity you carry out and your daily workflow. Our range of jointers is extensive and includes machines from hobby level to industrial machines that can run successfully in 3 shifts.

Request information from our specialists, who will give you what you need at the right price.