Cracks in planer blades

[Sandyn]

I have an old Bursgreen planer. I got three sets of blades with it, but not very sharp. They are probably fairly old. I was sharpening one set when I noticed tiny cracks on the cutting face. Has anyone else seen this before? One of the blades is a Wadkin HSS, so OK quality. The first picture shows a small nick at the crack but other cracks have no sign of damage. Some of the cracks run a couple of mm into the blade.

Apart from old age, is there anything else which would cause cracking?

Any recommendations where to get new blades?

 

[RobinBHM]

ive never seen cracks like that.

that blade is dangerous.

there are loads of places that sell new -Im not sure if there is any difference in quality, they arent much money thought.

 

[Sandyn]

that blade is dangerous.

Yep, there's no way it's going back into the planer. I guess the blades were just a bit too hard. Who knows what life they have had.

 

[TheTiddles]

Yikes!
That’s the flip side of very hard steel that will keep a sharp edge, it’s more brittle.
Age doesn’t necessarily mean degradation, or that they were of any particular quality to start with
Aidan

 

[Homerj]

I have an old Bursgreen planer. I got three sets of blades with it, but not very sharp. They are probably fairly old. I was sharpening one set when I noticed tiny cracks on the cutting face. Has anyone else seen this before? One of the blades is a Wadkin HSS, so OK quality. The first picture shows a small nick at the crack but other cracks have no sign of damage. Some of the cracks run a couple of mm into the blade.

Apart from old age, is there anything else which would cause cracking?

Any recommendations where to get new blades?

View attachment 102334

View attachment 102335

Hi they look like they have been over heated when they have been reground. HomerJ

 

[Jacob]

Hi they look like they have been over heated when they have been reground. HomerJ

Maybe they'd grind out if you did it carefully? Certainly look a bit dubious. On the plus side if they are going to break up it's likely to be when they are stuck in a piece of timber, rather than flying out in bits. I know this from a breaking up spindle cutter - the bits were firmly embedded.

 

[Myfordman]

I’ve had excellent knives from both Cutting Solutions (direct) and Woodford (via eBay)