Replies

1. 
   hotdogman | Mar 08, 2024 08:39am | #1

   If he is trying to plane thin pieces the Mdf will keep the thin piece flat as it moves through the rollers in the planer. Thin parts can be deformed by the pressure of the rollers and end up being shredded by the planer knives. The MDF provides a flat stable backing.

2. 
   peterax | Mar 08, 2024 08:55am | #2

   Thanks, hotdogman. That makes lots of sense for thin stock. He's planing 1.5 inch table legs. Any ideas on the benefits of the aux bed in this case?

1. 
   hotdogman | Mar 08, 2024 09:01am | #3

   Not really, I have no idea. Actually you can email him directly. He is good about responding.
   -edited by Ben to remove a personal email address-

1. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Mar 08, 2024 09:08am | #4

   nope nope nope nope nope. We're not going to share anyone's personal email addresses to answer a question. Especially Mike's since he gets so many questions.

3. FWW Editor
   mpekovich | Mar 08, 2024 09:23am | #5

   The MDF has a couple of benefits. There are rollers in the bed, but I've lowered them to help prevent snipe. The waxed MDF creates a smooth surface and prevents thin stock from getting caught in the roller slots. Also, my cutter head isn't perfectly parallel to the bed of the planer. Running the MDF through the planer creates a surface parallel to the cutter head. Much easier than trying to adjust the head. There's a cleat at the rear edge of the MDF to hold it in place.

1. 
   peterax | Mar 08, 2024 09:31am | #6

   THANK YOU, MIKE!!

2. 
   rob_ss | Mar 08, 2024 04:32pm | #7

   See. That kind of smart is why you're the boss...