In the world of woodworking, the terminology can sometimes be a little confusing, especially when it comes to tools that perform similar functions. Two such tools that often get mixed up are the thickness planer and the thicknesser. Though they may sound like different machines, the truth is that in many parts of the world, the terms refer to the same tool, albeit with different names depending on the region. Understanding what these tools do and how they are used is essential for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers to ensure they select the right equipment for their needs.
A thickness planer, also known as a planer or a surface planer in certain contexts, is a machine that is primarily used to reduce the thickness of wood to a consistent level across the entire surface of the board. The thickness planer works by feeding the wood through a set of rotating cutterheads that remove material from the surface, allowing the user to achieve an even thickness. This process is vital in woodworking projects where consistency in the thickness of the material is crucial, such as when making cabinet doors, tabletops, or other furniture pieces.
The thicknesser, on the other hand, is essentially the same machine in most cases, especially in regions like the UK and Australia. The term "thicknesser" is used to describe the same tool that is referred to as a thickness planer in the United States. The name "thicknesser" is derived from the tool's main function of reducing the thickness of wood. In other words, there is no fundamental difference in the actual functionality of the two machines, just a difference in what they are called in different parts of the world.
However, in some contexts, you may come across subtle distinctions in how the two terms are used. For example, some people use the term "thicknesser" to describe a more compact, portable version of the machine, while reserving "thickness planer" for larger, more industrial-sized models. This distinction is not always consistent, and in many cases, both terms can be used interchangeably to refer to any planer that reduces the thickness of wood to a uniform level.
Despite the potential for confusion in the naming conventions, it's important to understand that both thickness planers and thicknessers are designed to do the same thing: they remove material from the surface of wood to achieve a consistent thickness. This makes them incredibly useful tools for woodworkers who need to work with rough or uneven lumber. Without a thickness planer or thicknesser, the process of achieving uniform thickness would require significant time and effort with hand tools, such as hand planes, which can be labor-intensive and less precise.
Another point of difference may arise when discussing the type of cutterhead used in the machine. A traditional thickness planer may use straight blades to shave off material from the wood, while modern thicknessers often feature spiral or helical cutterheads, which have multiple cutting edges arranged in a spiral pattern. These types of cutterheads produce a smoother finish with less tear-out, particularly on difficult grain woods, making them a popular choice for high-quality woodworking projects. The presence of a helical cutterhead, however, does not change the fact that the machine is fundamentally a thickness planer or thicknesser.
The purpose of both tools is straightforward: to make wood smoother, flatter, and more uniform in thickness. By feeding a rough-cut board into a thicknesser, the rotating cutterhead shaves off material, gradually leveling the board to the desired thickness. Depending on the machine's capabilities, woodworkers can typically adjust the cutting depth, allowing them to remove anywhere from a fraction of a millimeter to a few millimeters of material with each pass. The result is a board that is both uniformly thick and much smoother than when it was first cut.
For many woodworkers, the decision of whether to buy a thickness planer or thicknesser comes down to the availability and price of the machine, rather than a choice between two different tools. Because the term "thicknesser" is commonly used in some countries and "thickness planer" in others, it's essential to recognize that the machine itself does not differ, even though the name may vary. The main differences will typically lie in the machine's design, build quality, and features, such as the type of cutterhead, dust collection system, and overall performance.
It is also worth noting that both types of machines may be referred to as "planers" in some contexts, adding to the confusion. While some woodworking machines, such as hand-held planers or jointers, are used to flatten wood or smooth surfaces, a thickness planer or thicknesser's primary function is to reduce the thickness of a board and make it uniform. Unlike surface planers or jointers, thickness planers and thicknessers do not flatten or square the wood - they simply remove material to achieve consistent thickness across the entire board.
For those considering adding a planer or thicknesser to their workshop, it's essential to understand the machine's capabilities and the requirements of your woodworking projects. A good thicknesser or planer will allow you to handle rough-sawn lumber and produce smooth, even surfaces with minimal effort. It is particularly useful for ensuring that multiple pieces of wood are cut to the same thickness, which is essential for certain joinery techniques or when building custom furniture.
Ultimately, whether you call it a thickness planer or a thicknesser, the important thing is that you select the right machine for your needs. By considering the type of cutterhead, the motor power, and the overall quality of the machine, you can ensure that your planer or thicknesser provides the performance and results required for your woodworking tasks. Whether you are working on small projects at home or larger, professional undertakings, having a high-quality machine that provides consistent, uniform results is crucial to the success of your woodworking endeavors.
In conclusion, while the terms "thickness planer" and "thicknesser" may be used interchangeably in some regions, the differences between them are generally minimal. Both refer to the same type of tool that helps woodworkers reduce the thickness of boards to a uniform level, offering both time-saving and precision benefits. When choosing between the two, the focus should be on the specific model, its features, and its ability to handle the types of projects you intend to work on, rather than on the name itself.
