Shopsmith Forums

What would be the advantages of a variable speed cutter head in a planer?

Paul

I purchased the MK V mounted planer in '85, virtually right after it was introduced. In '03 I purchased a Pro-Planer (demo unit) at the Shopsmith retail store in Dayton. I think the biggest difference between the MK V mount and the Pro-Planer is the table - aluminum with a stainless steel skin on the MK V mount model, and cast iron on the Pro-Planer.

I used the MK V model for years. I too made the stand so I could roll the planer over to my Shopsmith and place it on the way tubes without having to strain my back too much. The only problem I encountered was when I had to plane a lot of hard maple for a cradle project. With extended use at near maximum headstock HP, I noticed that the headstock became very hot.

I now have the MK V model mounted on it's own stand and it is a real "workhorse", planing rough sawn boards in my Upper Peninsula Shop. The Pro-Planer is in Gainesville FL. I may have the wrong planer at the wrong place, but the MK V unit, on it's own stand, seems to be every bit as rugged as the Pro-Planer.

The stainless steel covered table on the "mounted" planer is a big + over the cast iron top in my opnion. Easier to maintain and won't rust!

Varible speeds for the feed rate is helpful if planing hardwoods as the slower speed rate allows the more turns per inch and reduces chipping out and snipping.

paul heller wrote:What would be the advantages of a variable speed cutter head in a planer?

Paul

Hi Paul,
I spent some time searching, but I could knot find any reference to the variable speed cutter head having an advantage. I could have swore that I read it somewhere. Maybe there is no significant benefit. The only thing that I can think of is that I have heard that the Mark V motor has increased torque at lower rpm's. If that is so, and you are planing a particularly hard material, maybe being able to turn down the rpm might be beneficial???

Hi guys,
I believe the only differences between the two, are the tables, how they are mounted, and the way they are powered. The Pro has the better cast iron table, and the MKV mount has the considerably lighter aluminum table for easier mobility. The Pro has a dedicated stand, and the MKV mount is, of course, mounted on the MKV when needed. The Pro has a 1 3/4hp motor mounted in its stand, and the MKV mount is powered by the SS headstock. The MKV mount's variable cutterhead speed is just a result of the headstock's variable speed. You really don't lose anything with the Pro's single speed, as the feed rate is variable. They both have a seperate motor just for the feed rate.

bass-akward wrote:Hi guys,
I believe the only differences between the two, are the tables, how they are mounted, and the way they are powered. The Pro has the better cast iron table, and the MKV mount has the considerably lighter aluminum table for easier mobility. The Pro has a dedicated stand, and the MKV mount is, of course, mounted on the MKV when needed. The Pro has a 1 3/4hp motor mounted in its stand, and the MKV mount is powered by the SS headstock. The MKV mount's variable cutterhead speed is just a result of the headstock's variable speed. You really don't lose anything with the Pro's single speed, as the feed rate is variable. They both have a seperate motor just for the feed rate.

one more difference is the early markv mounted planers had no variable feed motor. they used a hand crank. also planers with a serial # less than 20000 had rubber infeed rollers(known to slip). later they are knurled steel.

betty:

My '85 MK V planer originally had the rubber infeed roller. When this product was introduced, there was a less expensive hand crank feed available as an alternative to the DC feed motor. I believe that the Planer was introduced before the DC3300 dust collector. Anyway, I had the planer before having a dust collector, and as dust and chips accumulated inside the planer, the rubber infeed roller would start to slip. Throughly cleaning the inside of the planer usually cleared up this problem.

Through the years I upgraded to the knurled infeed roller and added the dust hook-up for the DC3300 dust collector. I've also replaced the rubber outfeed roller - good as new!

The wealth of knowledge and information on this forum is amazing and much appreciated. I reviewed the Archives and have basically decided that I want to purchase a Shopsmith planer and thought that the MKV model would save me some space! I have recently moved from a 3300 SF house with a full basement - 1/2 my shop to a 2200 SF TH in NC with no basement and a two car garage for my shopmith, DC3300, power station, but I also share with my wife's car. freezer and laundry tray, trash and recycle containers etc.! I floored the attic of the garage and have built storage for my bandsaw, jointer, and beltsander and I thought that the portability of the MKV planer would allow for storage in the attic space but at 65 lbs., I don't think that is a viable option. Back to the drawing boards! I am starting to build storage cabinets next week, maybe these will free up some space!

Thanks for your help,

Ted