Wagner Safe-T-Planer/Tom Driscoll

[Thomas Cole]

When I bought my Wagner Safety Planer, after Bill Spurlock's 
recommendation in the early 80s, I was advised by the instructions to 
run it at around 2500 rpm. So, that's what I've done over the years. But 
I've never tried a slower speed and will experiment with that. There may 
be an optimum speed for key sticks.

I think what's important, besides Joe's advice about being square with 
the table, is that the cutters are kept sharp. You'll get tear out at 
any speed if they're a little dull.

Tom Cole

Joseph Garrett wrote:

>Tom,
>You asked: "Although against my basic instincts I checked the directions
>that came with the Wagner Planer and they advise the Max. safe speed to
>be 600 RPM. I was operating @ 800 rpm with no problem . You recomended
>1200 RPM for a keystick.  My little drill press doubles to 1600 RPM  at
>the next pulley setting ,so W.W.J.D.? (What would Joe do?)
>Thanks,
>Tom Driscoll
>
>To answer your question: My drill press's lowest speed is 700, the next up
>is 1200. I've found that the 700rpm is ok, sometimes. However, when I've got
>a "cranky" set of keys, I've found that if I go to the next speed up, I get
>less "tear-out" and a smoother finish. Because we are allowing the cutters
>to cool in between keys cut, I think the upper speed is ok. Just my take on
>it. To reiterate, though, the prime requisite is to make sure the cutter is
>"square" with the table/jig.
>Best Regards,
>Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)
>
>Been There, Didn't Like It, So I'm Here To Stay! [G}
>
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