Replies

1. 
   fdampier5 | Apr 25, 2003 06:05am | #1

   use the ones sold by the manufactorer..  They will fit and function as intended.

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Apr 25, 2003 06:07am | #2

   That's going to depend on a number of factors.  What brand of planer are you using?  What kind of planing do you do; how much; how often?

   Assuming that all different options available for your particular machine, you could consider:

   1. High speed steel.  Relatively inexpensive, $60 - $85 per set and can be resharpened many times.  Replacement can be difficult and time consuming.

   2. Disposable blades.  Initial investment is high, about $250 - $350, but after that you can use inexpensive high speed steel (about $40 per set) or even cobalt knives (around $75 a set).  These are easy and fast to replace, but the knives cannot be sharpened.

   3. Spiral cutter head with replaceable carbide inserts.  Not sure if you can get this system for a 15" model.  Gives a very smooth finish with little or no tear-out, but it's very expensive.

   Jeff