How to make an electric planer with your own hands

The electric planer is a tool powered by electricity that is intended for the planing, shaping, chamfering, and quartering of wooden materials. By using this tool, the productivity of labor can be greatly increased. Additionally, specialists are able to perform other woodworking operations with ease. Advanced features are found in modern models, particularly those designed for professional use. When used correctly, these machines are safe. However, purchasing a brand-new electric planer may not always be feasible. In such cases, it is possible to construct your own electric planer using common components and materials that are readily available.

Structural elements of a homemade electric planer

Electric planers became popular in the mid-20th century and quickly replaced their manual counterparts. These tools greatly increased productivity and turned laborious tasks into more efficient work. When used correctly, electric planers can produce high-quality results. The market offers a wide variety of models, which may have different appearances but share common structural components. These electric planers can be used in two ways:

• As a portable handheld power tool
• Mounted on a table or workbench in a fixed position (upside down, with the drum facing upwards)

Creating a fixed electric planer that is stationary is considered the most suitable and simple option for individuals to construct on their own. The homemade device will share common structural components with factory-made products, which include:

• An electric motor that acts as the driving mechanism for the homemade device;
• A protective cover that safeguards the hands of the worker from the blades’ movement;
• An on/off button;
• A drum with installed knives that is specifically designed for wood planing;
• A transmission mechanism that transfers the motor shaft’s movement to the blade drum.

The base of the DIY contraption will consist of a sturdy platform, such as a metal plate, plywood, or wooden boards, or even a table or workbench. In the latter scenario, there would be no need to construct separate legs for the apparatus. However, if the drum is affixed to the base, the creation of a suitable frame or bed would become necessary. This structure should ideally be of a height that aligns with the woodworker’s stature, thereby ensuring optimal comfort during work.

Necessary materials and tools

Let’s consider the production of a basic design, specifically designed for a planing depth of up to 1.2 mm and a width of processed wooden blanks up to 120 mm. In order to construct such a DIY electric planer, you will require the following materials and components:

• bearings;
• steel strips;
• pressure plates;
• M6 and M8 screws with nuts;
• spring washers;
• metal angles (20x20x3 mm);
• staples;
• sheet of plywood (10 mm) or metal (3-5 mm thick);
• belt transmission pulleys, to be mounted on both the electric motor and the drum shaft;
• drum (with one or two knives) from a previously owned planer or electric planer, which enables the interchangeability of cutting attachments;
• a functional electric motor derived from a grinder, an old electric planer, or a planer;
• belt;
• A switch is provided for turning the electric planer on and off;
• There are wires and a cord with a plug;
• For added safety, a protective disconnection device (RCD) is included;
• If the motor used is a three-phase motor, capacitors may be necessary.

To enhance electrical safety while using the electric planer, it is recommended to install a separate RCD in the switchboard, or even directly on the machine itself. The appropriate protection should be selected based on the power of the motor being used. The cord and wires should be suitable for the power of the electric motor, taking into account their cross-section.

To connect the phase-shifting capacitors, they should be arranged in parallel. The total capacitance needed depends on the electric motor’s capacity, which is approximately 100 µF per 1 kW. It is important to ensure that the capacitors are suitable for the voltage of the main power supply.

To complete the project, you will need the following tools:

• A set of wrenches to tighten the nuts on the bolts
• Tape measure
• Construction level
• Marker or pencil
• Welding machine with electrodes
• Electric drill with drill bits and a small diameter cutting wheel
• Electric jigsaw with saws for wood and metal or hand saws with a similar purpose
• Angle grinder with metal cutting discs

Construction drawings

Below are illustrations of the bed, displaying the attachment points for all the components of the structure.

The plate is secured to a steel angle frame using 10 bolts, providing a stable surface for the workpiece during processing. A slot is cut into the plate to accommodate the drum with knives. Additionally, M8 angle screws are used to attach the base plate, preventing lateral displacement of the workpieces.

The working drum, or shaft with knives, will be mounted underneath the table top using M6 screws. Bearings will be placed at the ends of the shaft and fixed to the plate using specialized fasteners. The movement from the electric motor to the working drum will be achieved through a belt transmission.

The motor is positioned inside the frame on a shelf made of two steel strips. Holes with the appropriate diameter are drilled into these strips to allow for the mounting of the bed using bolts.

When creating slots for motor mounts, it’s important to keep in mind that they should have a width of a few centimeters (2-3) so that the transmission belt can be tightened.

To cover the belt transmission, the cover is attached to the corner using M6 screws with spring washers. The power button is conveniently installed on the electric planer’s body.

When using a grinder and drilling, it’s essential to always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from metal shavings. In general, when using any tool, it’s important to follow safety rules and use personal protective equipment.

Algorithm of manufacturing an electric planer

The electric planer is assembled manually, following these steps:

1. Prepare the baseplate by cutting a metal rectangle of the desired size. Create a slot for the drum according to the preliminary markings and drill holes for its fixation.
2. Use screws to attach steel angles along the perimeter of the plate. Then weld the angles together at the joints.
3. Cut four pieces of appropriate length from the same angles to serve as the equipment’s legs.
4. Weld the cut-off legs to the angles that are fixed to the plate.
5. Create a shelf for the electric motor using steel strips at the bottom of the frame. Make sure to include pre-drilled holes for fixing and adjusting its position, taking into account the length of the belt.
6. Clean the welds.
7. Remove the plate.
8. Ensure the upper joints of the corners, which were directly under the plate, are welded without any gaps between them.
9. Compare the formed seams with a bolgar or file to the upper plane of the frame.
10. Install the slab back in its place.
11. Secure the drum with clamps or brackets under the slot.
12. Mount the electric motor in a way that its shaft extends over the edge of the table.
13. Attach pulleys to both the shaft of the electric motor and the drum.
14. Place the belt transmission in position.
15. Adjust the position of the electric motor to ensure the belt is properly tensioned.
16. Create a cover using plywood or tin and fix it to the frame corners with screws. This will protect the electric motor from debris, dust, and moisture while enclosing the belt drive.
17. Cover the mounting side of the starter button with plywood and attach it to the frame.
18. If needed, secure the capacitor block to the case wall.
19. Assemble the electrical circuit by connecting the power cord, control button, circuit breaker, and capacitors (if necessary).
20. Perform a test run of the equipment.

When operating the power tool, ensure that its drum rotates in the direction from which the wood being processed will be fed.

Additional recommendations for assembly

To cut the metal for the plate, you can use either a bolgar or an electric jigsaw. If you need to cut a groove, it is more convenient to use an electric jigsaw. To do so, you can pre-drill a hole in the plate for the jigsaw saw, or use an electric drill with the appropriate attachment. After cutting, it is important to file the edges of the slot to prevent any potential injuries.

For securing the metal base plate, you have two options. You can either use flat head screws (making sure they don’t interfere with the work), or choose to weld the plate. The first option is preferable because it allows for easy disassembly of the electric planer if needed.

Before you install the drum, it is advisable to inspect the blade sharpening to ensure its quality. If the sharpening is not up to par, it would be best to immediately sharpen the blades using a regular sharpening stone. It is important to regularly check that the cutting attachments are securely and evenly fastened.

For homemade blades, steel plates or metal hacksaw blades can be used as a base, sharpened at a 30-degree angle.

Below, you can find videos showcasing the process of transforming a Bulgarian drill into an electric planer, with the working drum positioned vertically. These videos also highlight mistakes that may occur during the assembly of a homemade machine.

If you want to make your own electric planer using an old, broken model, check out the step-by-step tutorial in the video below.

Using the electric tool that has been constructed, you have the capability to process workpieces such as boards and bars. It is essential to operate the homemade electric planer with caution and adhere to safety requirements. To prevent any accidents, make sure to feed the workpieces correctly, ensuring that fingers do not come into contact with the rotating drum.

There are numerous homemade electric planer variations available. These plans differ in complexity and functionality. Ultimately, the inventors’ technical abilities and the materials they have on hand determine the potential limitations. If necessary, the constructed equipment can also be outfitted with automation features.