Finding the Perfect Partner for Your Woodworking Projects: A Guide to Choosing the Best Thicknesser for You

Woodworking is a craft that requires precision tools to create beautiful finished products. One such essential tool for any woodworker is a thicknesser. A thicknesser helps create uniform thickness throughout raw wood materials, allowing for consistent results in woodworking projects. In this article, we will explore the different thicknesser options available for woodworkers in Australia. We will look at various features to consider when you’re going to explore the best thicknesser options in Australia, and the types of thicknessers suitable for different woodworking needs.

1.    Portable vs Benchtop Thicknessers

Portable thicknessers are compact and lightweight, making them easy to move around the workshop as needed. Their smaller size also means they take up less space. This mobility comes at the cost of capacity, as portable thicknessers generally have smaller width and depth capacities. They are best suited for occasional hobby use where large stock is not regularly processed.

Benchtop thicknessers sit directly on the workbench. While not portable, they provide more workspace than portable models. Benchtop thicknessers typically have larger width and depth capacities, able to handle wider as well as thicker wood stock. They are better suited for regular woodworking tasks that require processing larger pieces of wood. Benchtop models also tend to be more durable along with powerful than portable options.

2.    Industrial Thicknessers

For professional woodworkers as well as cabinet makers, industrial thicknessers are the ideal choice. As the name suggests, they are built to handle intensive daily use. Industrial thicknessers have the largest width along with depth capacities, able to efficiently plane wide and thick wood stock. Their powerful motors as well as heavy-duty construction ensure reliability even under continuous operation. Additional features like digital readout displays and automatic thickness planning make industrial thicknessers highly productive. Their commercial grade build quality also means they will last for many years of heavy use.

3.    Blade Types

The type of blades used in a thicknesser impacts its performance. Standard knives work well but require frequent sharpening as they dull quickly. Spiral cutterheads have knife inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. This unique design allows for continuous cutting action and self-sharpening, resulting in a superior smooth finish. Spiral cutterheads also stay sharp much longer than standard knives before needing replacement or sharpening. For these reasons, spiral cutterheads are preferred by professional woodworkers.

4.    Safety Features

Safety should always be the top priority when operating power tools. Look for thicknessers equipped with features like emergency stop buttons, anti-kickback pawls, and blade guards. Opt for machines with thermal overload protection to prevent overheating. Good dust collection is also important from a health standpoint. Thicknessers from reputable brands meet all relevant safety standards and certifications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right thicknesser depends on your specific woodworking needs and budget. Consider factors like capacity, intended usage level, desired features, and safety when selecting from the various portable, benchtop, and industrial options available. With the right thicknesser, woodworkers in Australia can reliably process stock to the exact thickness needed for any project.