For any woodworking enthusiast, the DeWalt DW735 planer is a familiar tool. It’s a high-performance device that can transform rough lumber into smooth, usable material. However, like any tool, it’s not without its challenges. One of the common issues that users face is snipe, a slight gouging at the ends of the board. This problem can affect the quality of your work and require additional sanding or finishing to correct.
Snipe On The DeWalt DW735 Planer
Snipe is a term used in woodworking to describe a condition where the planer cuts slightly deeper at the ends of the board. It can leave your board with uneven thickness, which is not ideal, especially when you’re aiming for precision in your projects. Snipe is not unique to the DeWalt DW735 planer; it’s a common issue with many planers, both portable and stationary.
When snipe occurs, it is usually visible as a noticeable dip or gouge at either end of the board. The severity of snipe can vary, but even a small amount can impact the overall quality of your finished workpiece.
Causes Of Snipe On The DeWalt DW735 Planer
Snipe can be caused by a variety of factors. One primary cause is how the board is fed into and out of the planer. If the board isn’t kept level as it passes through the planer, it can tip up into the blades, causing the deeper cut at the ends of the board. This tipping can be caused by a lack of support for the board as it’s fed into and out from the planer, especially for longer boards that might sag under their own weight.
Another cause of snipe is imbalance in the rollers. If one roller is exerting more pressure than the other, it can cause the board to tilt upwards, resulting in snipe. Similarly, if the cutting blades are set too high, they can cause snipe by cutting too deeply into the board.
Lastly, the condition of the board itself can also contribute to snipe. A board that is not perfectly flat, or has a twist or cupping, can move unevenly through the planer and create snipe. Therefore, proper board preparation can play a crucial role in preventing snipe.
Now that we understand what snipe is and what causes it on the DeWalt DW735 planer, we can look into various techniques and strategies to prevent or minimize this issue. These methods include stabilization and support techniques, using sacrificial pieces, and manual board control, among others. Stay tuned as we delve further into these solutions in the next part of this article.
Stabilization & Support Techniques
When dealing with snipe on a DeWalt DW735 planer, the first consideration should be stabilization and support. By ensuring the board is adequately supported, we can reduce the likelihood of snipe occurring. The DeWalt DW735 comes equipped with extension beds, which can be helpful in providing this support. However, for longer or heavier boards, these may not be enough.
In such cases, it might be beneficial to create a simple jig to provide extra stability. This prevents the board from sagging as it passes through the planer, which is a common cause of snipe. Remember, the key here is to ensure the board is as level as possible as it enters and exits the planer, reducing the chance of it tipping into the blades and causing snipe.
Using Sacrificial Pieces To Prevent Snipe
Another technique to combat snipe involves the use of sacrificial pieces. The concept is relatively simple: run a piece of scrap wood through the planer before and after your project piece. This action transfers the snipe to these sacrificial pieces, leaving your actual workpiece relatively snipe-free.
This method works well because the planer cuts the ends of the first and last boards deeper, which are your sacrificial pieces in this case. As a result, the middle boards, or your project pieces, come out with minimal to no snipe. It’s a simple, cost-effective strategy that can significantly improve the quality of your finished project.
Manual Adjustment & Control Methods
Manual adjustment and control can also play a crucial role in reducing snipe. This involves slightly elevating the outer end of the board as it enters the planer, keeping it pressed tight against the infeed table. By doing so, we can ensure that the board enters the planer as level as possible, reducing the likelihood of it tipping into the blades.
Moreover, manual control can also be beneficial if there is an imbalance in the rollers. By manually adjusting the board as it enters and exits the planer, we can compensate for this imbalance and reduce snipe. However, this method requires practice and a good understanding of how your planer operates. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time! With patience and practice, you’ll soon be able to reduce snipe significantly using manual control.
Proper Board Preparation
Before you even start feeding your board into the DeWalt DW735 planer, it’s crucial to prepare it properly. A well-prepared board can significantly reduce the risk of snipe. This preparation starts by ensuring the face of the board that’s facing downward is perfectly flat. Any twist or cupping can cause the board to move unevenly through the planer, increasing the likelihood of snipe.
To achieve a perfectly flat board, use a jointer or other milling tool. Proper milling will ensure that the board is flat before you start planing. This step might seem time-consuming, but it’s a worthy investment. Not only will it reduce snipe, but it will also improve the overall finish of your project.
Multiple Light Passes for Reduced Snipe
Another technique to reduce snipe involves the thickness of the cut you’re making with your planer. It might be tempting to remove a lot of material in one pass, but this approach can often lead to snipe. Instead, consider making several light passes, removing about 1/16 of an inch of material per pass.
This method might take a bit longer, but it will be worth your time. Lighter passes reduce the stress on the board as it moves through the planer. Consequently, it’s less likely to tip up into the blades and cause snipe. Plus, this method can also improve the overall smoothness of your finished board.
Post-Planing Sanding or Drum Sander
Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with some snipe on your board. But don’t worry – all is not lost! You can often remove this unwanted material with a little sanding. A drum sander can be particularly useful for this task. It can quickly and evenly remove the snipe, leaving you with a perfectly smooth, flat board.
If a drum sander isn’t available, manual sanding can also do the trick. Just remember to sand evenly across the length of the board to maintain its flatness. This final step can take your project from good to great, so don’t skip it!
Checking & Adjusting The Planer
Last but not least, don’t forget to check your planer. Make sure the infeed and outfeed rollers are correctly aligned and adjusted. Improper alignment can cause snipe, especially if only one feed roller and the cutter head are in contact with the board.
Though some users have noted that specific issues, such as uneven roller height, may not be adjustable on the DW735, it’s still worth giving your planer a once-over. Regular checks and maintenance can help keep your planer in top condition, reducing the risk of snipe and other problems.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate snipe when using your DeWalt DW735 planer. It might take a little extra time and effort, but the results will be worth it. Happy planing!