Is a 3-Blade Planer Better Than a Spiral Planer for Hobby Projects?

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Asked By CraftyCrafter99 On

I'm considering purchasing a Wen planer since it fits my budget, and I have a couple of projects lined up. I've been exploring my options, but there's not much available on Facebook Marketplace. My main curiosity lies in understanding the differences between the Wen spiral planer and a traditional 3-blade planer.

I've noticed that the Wen spiral planer is not helical like some others, meaning it doesn't shave the wood at an angle. In one video, I saw that the spiral blade only makes contact with the wood once or twice per revolution.

I'm questioning the benefits of the 3-blade system in terms of efficiency and performance. It seems like a 3-blade might have more frequent contact with the wood, which should lead to a smoother finish. Wen states that both the 2-blade and 3-blade planers have a feed rate of 26 feet per minute, with the 2-blade making 20k cuts per minute versus 30k for the 3-blade. If they operate at the same RPM and feed rate, why would the 3-blade not be the better choice overall? Is it possible that the motor stays less strained with the spiral's shorter cutting points?

I'm primarily a beginner hobbyist, focusing on projects like interior molding and built-in shelves using semi-hard woods like red oak, walnut, and maple. My goal is to save money in the long run by working with cheaper rough sawn lumber.

2 Answers

Answered By ToolTimeTommy On
Answered By WoodWhisperer42 On

Spiral cutters can actually be more effective because they engage less of the blade at once, which means you're breaking down the wood into smaller cuts rather than trying to slice through a large section all at once. This lessens the strain on the machine, motor, and blades, making it easier to take deeper passes without sacrificing finish quality. Plus, if you happen to hit a knot or something hard, you only replace the damaged cutter instead of the whole blade, which can save you money in the long run! They might be pricier and a bit trickier to set up, but they definitely have their upsides.

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