When it comes to your tools, sometimes it pays to geek out on the small stuff. Take thicknesser blades for example. Sure, they’re just a piece of what makes up your thickness planer machine. But hear me out – these blades may be worth investing some brainpower in.
After all, the blades are what dictate how smooth and evenly-sized your lumber turns out. So whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned pro tackling big projects, the right blades can truly up your game.
First up is the classic straight knife blade – a true shop workhorse. With its single cutting edge, this blade handles any task you throw at it. Plus maintenance is a breeze when it’s time to sharpen. You really can’t go wrong here.
Then we’ve got the elegant helical blade. Now these fancy blades are like woodworking magic. Their spiral-cut pattern distributes the workload smoothly for quieter smoothing. Hardwoods and fine finishes? No problem for these precision performers.
So in your box of blades, be sure to keep both a straight knife and helical on hand. The straight acts as a trusty go-to, while the helical tackles your detailed stuff.
They make a great blade duo for any woodshop.
If you love greater precision, there are disposable carbide types. I love that disposable carbide blades let you prioritise getting work done over maintenance. Just chuck the dull ones and swap in fresh, sharp blades. Perfect for keeping momentum on big jobs.
And don’t even get me started on specialty blades. Spiral cutters turning wood into art? Yes please! Interchangeable segmented heads adapting to any project? Incredibly versatile. It’s mind-blowing what innovation can do..
At the end of the day, it’s great having staples like carbide and disposable varieties for hard use. But I think I’ll keep my eye out for specialty blades too.
Choosing the right thicknesser blades comes down to aligning your particular needs and goals with the best tools for the job. There are a few key things for any woodworker to consider.
First, what material are you working with most? Hardwoods may do better with a helical or specialty blade for smoother results. Second, how refined a finish are you after? A high polish calls for options like disposable carbide or segmented heads.And third, do you want low or high maintenance? Disposable means no sharpens but straights are a breeze to touch up.