A good planer thicknesser is a solid investment for a joinery or wood shop but not everyone has the cash on hand to be able to invest in new machines. We work closely with Tower Finance to make sure our customers get the best deal on fiance. The right thicknesser will pay for itself over time and be a solid addition to your workshop. Get in touch today to find out how TWS can help. Call on 01278455622 or email info@twswood.co.uk
Thicknessers: Essential Tool for Precise Woodworking
A thicknesser, also known as a planer thicknesser or thickness planer, is a crucial machine for any woodworking shop. It is designed to smooth and level timber by shaving off layers from the surface to achieve uniform thickness across the entire board. Ideal for professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike, thicknessers are indispensable when working on furniture making, cabinetry, and other detailed woodworking projects where precision is paramount.
What Does a Thicknesser Do?
A thicknesser ensures that your wood pieces are perfectly flat and evenly thick, eliminating any imperfections caused by sawmilling or natural warping. By passing a board through the thicknesser, it removes layers from the top surface, creating a smooth, even finish. The result is perfectly dimensioned wood, ready for joinery, laminating, or finishing work.
Why is a Thicknesser Worth It?
A thicknesser is invaluable for woodworkers seeking precision. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also helps reduce wood wastage by allowing you to use rough, irregularly cut wood and transform it into clean, evenly planed boards. Whether you’re creating bespoke furniture or preparing boards for intricate joinery, a thicknesser ensures that every piece of wood is consistently sized, reducing errors in your final assembly.
Can You Use a Planer as a Thicknesser?
While surface planers are excellent for smoothing and flattening the top surface of wood, planer thicknessers go one step further by allowing the wood to be fed through the machine for a uniform thickness on all sides. The key difference lies in the design and functionality—planer thicknessers specifically ensure even thickness across the entire length and width of a board.
What Can I Use Instead of a Thicknesser?
For those without access to a thicknesser, hand planes or power sanders can offer a temporary solution, but they lack the precision and efficiency of a dedicated machine. While manual methods can produce flat surfaces, they’re far more labor-intensive and don’t guarantee uniform thickness across large boards.
How Thick Can a Thicknesser Cut?
The thickness capacity varies depending on the model, but most industrial thicknessers can handle wood pieces from a few millimeters up to around 200mm (8 inches) thick. For hobbyist machines, capacities might be slightly smaller, but still versatile enough for most woodworking needs.
Investing in a thicknesser for your workshop ensures high-quality results and increased productivity. Whether you’re working with reclaimed timber or prepping rough-sawn boards, this tool will provide the precision and smoothness needed for any woodworking project.
For more details on thicknessers and professional woodworking equipment, visit twswood.co.uk.