Cedar planks are a popular choice for grilling because they impart a subtle, smoky flavor to food. However, cedar planks can be quite thick, making them difficult to plane. With the right tools and techniques, however, you can plane cedar planks to the desired thickness without damaging the wood.
The first step is to choose the right planer. A thickness planer is the best choice for planing cedar planks, as it will remove a consistent amount of material from the entire surface of the wood. Once you have chosen a planer, you need to set the depth of cut. The depth of cut should be no more than 1/16 inch per pass. If you try to remove too much material in one pass, you may damage the wood. Therefore, it is important to take your time and make multiple passes until you have reached the desired thickness.
Once you have set the depth of cut, you can begin planing the cedar planks. Be sure to feed the planks into the planer slowly and evenly. If you feed the planks too quickly, you may cause the wood to tear. Once you have planed all of the planks, you can sand them to smooth the surface. Sanding is not necessary, but it will give the planks a more finished look.
Preparing the Cedar Blanks
Cedar is a softwood that is relatively easy to plane. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare the cedar blanks before you start planing to make the process easier and get better results.
Step 1: Acclimatize the Cedar Blanks
Cedar is a hygroscopic material, which means that it will absorb or release moisture from the air depending on the surrounding humidity. If the cedar blanks are not acclimatized to the environment in which they will be used, they may warp or twist after they are planed.
To acclimatize the cedar blanks, store them in the same environment in which they will be used for at least 24 hours before you start planing.
Step 2: Remove Knots and Other Imperfections
Knots and other imperfections in the cedar blanks can cause the planer to bog down or even damage the blades. If there are any knots or other imperfections in the cedar blanks, remove them with a handsaw or a router before you start planing.
Step 3: Mark the Reference Edges
Before you start planing, it is important to mark the reference edges of the cedar blanks. The reference edges are the edges that you will use to guide the planer. To mark the reference edges, use a straightedge and a pencil to draw a line along one edge of each cedar blank.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Acclimatize the Cedar Blanks |
| 2 | Remove Knots and Other Imperfections |
| 3 | Mark the Reference Edges |
Choosing the Correct Planer Blades
Selecting the appropriate planer blades is crucial for achieving optimal results when planing cedar olarks. The type of blade material, sharpness, and grind all play a significant role in producing a clean and finished surface.
Blade Material
Planer blades are typically made from either high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide. HSS blades are more economical but require frequent sharpening. Carbide blades are more expensive but offer superior durability and hold an edge longer. For general use, carbide blades are highly recommended as they provide a cleaner cut and require less maintenance.
Blade Sharpness
The sharpness of the planer blades is essential for achieving a smooth, splinter-free surface. Blunt blades will tear the wood fibers, resulting in a rough finish. Sharpen blades regularly to ensure optimal cutting performance.
Blade Grind
The blade grind refers to the angle at which the cutting edge is formed. A higher angle grind (more obtuse) will produce a more aggressive cut, while a lower angle grind (more acute) will result in a finer finish. For cedar planking, a medium-angle grind is typically preferred as it provides a balance of efficiency and surface quality.
| Blade Material | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Steel (HSS) | Lower | Lower |
| Carbide | Higher | Higher |
Safety Considerations Before Planing
Before beginning the planing process, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some key considerations to ensure a safe work environment:
1. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Wear safety glasses, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, and a dust mask to protect yourself from airborne particles. Consider using gloves if handling rough or splintered wood.
2. Inspect the Planer
Inspect the planer thoroughly before use. Ensure that the blades are securely attached, the guards are in place, and the electrical cord is in good condition.
3. Secure the Cedar Blank
Secure the cedar blank to the planer bed before turning it on. Use clamps or hold-downs to prevent the wood from shifting or flying out.
4. Establish a Clear Work Area
Keep your work area organized and free from obstructions. Ensure there is ample space for you to move around safely while operating the planer.
5. Handle Wood with Care
Cedar planks can be heavy and unwieldy. Always use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Be aware of the direction of the grain to minimize tear-out or splintering.
Planing the First Side
1. Prepare the Cedar Blank: Remove any rough edges or splinters from the cedar blank using sandpaper or a sanding block.
2. Set the Planer Depth: Adjust the planer’s depth of cut to a shallow setting, typically around 1/16 inch. This will prevent removing too much material.
3. Align the Blank: Position the cedar blank on the planer’s bed, ensuring that it is straight and parallel to the fence.
4. Start the Planer: Power on the planer and engage the feed mechanism. Gradually feed the blank through the planer, maintaining firm and steady pressure.
5. Check for Flatness: Once the blank has passed through the planer, inspect the surface for any unevenness or humps. If necessary, adjust the planer’s bed height or feed pressure.
6. Inspect the Surface: Examine the planed surface for any scratches, gouges, or tear-out. If present, adjust the planer’s cutterhead speed or feed rate.
7. Assess the Grain Direction: Carefully observe the grain direction on the planed surface. Identify any areas where the grain is running opposite to the intended direction. Mark these areas for later adjustment.
| Grain Direction | Action |
|---|---|
| Parallel to Planed Surface | Continue planing as desired. |
| Perpendicular or Diagonal to Planed Surface | Flip the blank over and plane the opposite side, allowing the planer to cut with the grain. |
Checking for Squareness and Flatness
To ensure the accuracy of your planing, it’s crucial to verify the squareness and flatness of your cedar blank.
Checking for Squareness
Use a framing square or combination square to align one edge of the blank with the square’s reference edge. Check the adjacent side to see if it forms a perfect 90-degree angle with the reference edge. If not, adjust the blank until it meets square.
Checking for Flatness
Place the blank on a flat surface, such as a tabletop or metal table. Use a straightedge (e.g., a metal ruler or a straight piece of wood) to visually inspect the surface for any unevenness or warps.
Using a Jointer or Hand Plane
If the blank is not perfectly flat, you can use a jointer or a hand plane to smooth it out. A jointer removes material from the entire surface, while a hand plane can be used to target specific areas that need flattening.
| Tool | Method |
|---|---|
| Jointer | Feed the blank over the jointer’s cutter head, using the fence to guide the blank and ensure an even surface. |
| Hand Plane | Hold the plane at a low angle to the blank’s surface and apply steady pressure as you move it along the grain. |
Once you have checked for squareness and flatness, you are ready to start planing your cedar blank.
Planing the Second Side
Once you have planned the first side of the cedar blank, you can move on to planning the second side. This is a similar process, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you will need to make sure that the blank is square. To do this, use a square to check the corners of the blank. If the corners are not square, you will need to plane the blank until they are.
Once the blank is square, you can start planning the second side. Start by planning the edges of the blank. Use a light touch and take your time. You don’t want to remove too much wood, or you will end up with a blank that is too thin.
Once the edges are planned, you can move on to planning the surface of the blank. Again, use a light touch and take your time. You want to remove enough wood to smooth the surface, but you don’t want to remove too much wood.
Once the surface is planned, you are finished! You now have a cedar blank that is ready to be used for your project.
Tips for Planning the Second Side
Here are a few tips for planning the second side of a cedar blank:
- Use a sharp plane.
- Take your time and don’t remove too much wood.
- Use a light touch.
- Check the squareness of the blank before you start planning
- Plane the edges of the blank first.
- Plane the surface of the blank last.
With these tips in mind, you will be able to plane the second side of a cedar blank with ease.
How To Plane Cedar Olanks
Planing cedar olanks is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best results. First, make sure that your planer is properly adjusted. The blades should be sharp and the bed should be level. Second, use a light touch when planing cedar. Cedar is a softwood and it can be easily damaged if you apply too much pressure. Third, be patient and take your time. Planing cedar can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it to get the best results.
Here are the steps on how to plane cedar olanks:
- Inspect the olanks for any knots or other defects. If you find any, you can remove them with a chisel or a saw.
- Set up your planer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the blades are sharp and the bed is level.
- Feed the olanks into the planer one at a time. Use a light touch and be patient.
- Once the olanks have been planed, inspect them for any imperfections. If you find any, you can sand them out with a sanding block or a sanding sponge.
People Also Ask
How do you sharpen planer blades?
Planer blades can be sharpened using a variety of methods. One common method is to use a whetstone. To sharpen a planer blade using a whetstone, first soak the stone in water for about 30 minutes. Then, hold the blade against the stone at a 45-degree angle and move it back and forth across the stone. Be sure to apply even pressure across the entire blade. Once the blade is sharp, rinse it off with water and dry it thoroughly.
How do you adjust a planer bed?
To adjust a planer bed, first loosen the locking screws that hold the bed in place. Then, use a level to make sure that the bed is level. Once the bed is level, tighten the locking screws.
What is the best way to plane cedar?
The best way to plane cedar is to use a light touch and be patient. Cedar is a softwood and it can be easily damaged if you apply too much pressure. Also, be sure to use a sharp blade and a level bed.
