Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | May 22, 2009 03:31pm | #1

   There are a couple simple things you can try with figured species. One is to dampen the surface before planing, the other is to use blades with a more blunt angle. Larger shops often have either abrasive planers or wide belt sanders. I might try putting a blunt micro or secondary bevel on the knives but dulling wouldn't be my choice.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   saschafer | May 22, 2009 04:02pm | #2

   A duller blade has an effectively larger cutting angle, which is what you want with tearout-prone woods. That said, you're better off with a blade that has been sharpened to a higher cutting angle.

   Have a look here for a brief discussion.

   -Steve

    

3. 
   JohnWW | May 22, 2009 05:34pm | #3

   A common practice to control tear out in commercial shops, but one that isn't generally known otherwise, is to put a back bevel on a planer blade which creates more of a scraping effect on the wood. I suspect that your pattern maker friend was doing this without realizing it when he dulled the blades.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007

4. 
   RMillard | May 22, 2009 06:55pm | #4

   I have been putting a microscopic back bevel on my portable planer blades since I got it 10 years ago. I just do when I install a new set of blades, regardless of what type of wood I'm working with. This may put a little extra stress on the machine, but the little first generation Delta keeps humming along just fine, still on the original brushes.

   Like you, I couldn't purposely dull an edge. I've been working a for a few hours in a shop with a 12" Powermatic jointer, which has very dull blades, and it seems to be quite hazardous; the pounding feels like it wants to kick the piece right out of your hand. The shop leader will face joint a board on this thing with no push blocks, just his bare hands. I'm too chicken (or smart) for that. While we have not been working with figured lumber the resulting surface quality may not have tear out, it ain't pretty either. 

   Rob Millard
   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

1. 
   Shoemaker1 | May 24, 2009 10:33pm | #5

   What do you use to back bevel a blade? diamond hone? I might try that with a seperate set of blades.

1. 
   RMillard | May 25, 2009 01:26am | #6

   Yes, a super fine diamond hone; one of those inexpensive ones with the blue plastic handle.

   Rob Millardhttp://www.americanfederalperiod.com