Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Steve Milbocker on September 03, 2010, 11:07:00 am

Title: Planers
Post by: Steve Milbocker on September 03, 2010, 11:07:00 am
I really admire some of the backed and laminated wood bows that you guys are making. It looks to me like a power planer would be invaluable for building these bows. I see Makita and I'm sure others offer a hand held capable of handling 31/4" boards. Do any of you guys use these?
Title: Re: Planers
Post by: adb on September 03, 2010, 11:10:37 am
I use a drum thickness sander and a belt sander for making my backing strips, mid lams, and handle lams.
Title: Re: Planers
Post by: Del the cat on September 03, 2010, 11:43:32 am
I'd say power planers are just too coarse/uncontrollable for bows.
But whatever floats your boat.
I have used a cheapo one on occaision to remove waste from a log prior to seasoning, but that's about it.
Del
Title: Re: Planers
Post by: Marc St Louis on September 03, 2010, 11:53:19 am
A 6" jointer has proved its worth to me many times, of course it has also taken the tip of one finger off once as well  :)
Title: Re: Planers
Post by: half eye on September 03, 2010, 12:05:11 pm
Use one on every backed bow I make, they are real timesavers and give very accurate results. I surface the backer and bow stock and do the glue-up......after it's dry I run it through again to set the backer thickness and dress the remaining three sides.
rich
Title: Re: Planers
Post by: Steve Milbocker on September 03, 2010, 12:58:55 pm
Rich, is the planer a bench type or hand held?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200318135_200318135
Title: Re: Planers
Post by: half eye on September 03, 2010, 04:34:00 pm
Steve,
      The one I use belongs to a friend.....it's a Dewalt but a small bench model and is a true thickness planer. He has also let me use one like you show in the link and they work very well also. Biggest difference is that your hand pressure can make "waves" if ya dont take it easy on speed etc. But as far as making things flat it ought to work great. If the blades are adjustable set it for as thin of a cut as it will allow.
rich