Planer safety advice

[robsmuddygloves]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. On a whim I picked up a small 4 inch planer off eBay with no make anywhere to be seen, the seller didn’t say much about it. As you can see from the photos it’s housed in a rudimental ply box of sorts. It runs smoothly and weighs a ton for it’s comparative size. The main question is about the guard. How safe is it? Should I look to replace it? Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[Mike Jordan]

In use the height of the bridge guard should be adjusted so that the workpiece just fits beneath it . The whole of that driving belt and the pulleys must be enclosed in a substantial guard before the machine can be used. Ideally the block must come to a stop within ten seconds of the off switch being operated.
I assume that it's fitted with an NVR switch.
Mike.

 

[robsmuddygloves]

Thanks for your reply. I can retrofit an NVR, and I’ll definitely house the belt. Many thanks for the advice.

 

[yetloh]

I agree. In principle the guard is fine as long as you can adjust it easily. If it doesn't have an electronic brake it would be illegal to use it the worplace but what you do in your own personal workshop is up to you. Just be VERY careful to ensure that the blade has stopped before going near it.

Jim

 

[johnnyb]

I like the rebate ledge on that little beast!. The cutter guard is fine. The belt is a bit dicey!

 

[robsmuddygloves]

Thank you all for the advice. Just checked it and the blade stops within a few seconds. Johnnyb any advice as to what belt I could replace it with?

 

[slimshady]

I believe that Johnny B is meaning the belt/pulley as a whole is "dicey". When the photo is viewed in close up it appears to be newish as writing easily readable. Most guarding is a metal frame and metal mesh to allow cooling air to easily reach the motor. Would also be resistant to a broken belt being thrown against it internally. Metal sheet with vent holes (3/8") would also work, probably easier to obtain (car breakers.?) than mesh. A plywood guard might need to be quite thick for same protection.
Whilst the belt is new make a note of the numbers written on it to make buying a replacement in future easier.
All the best. Alex.

 

[robsmuddygloves]

Cheers! It actually came with a spare new belt. Looks like I’ll be making a guard soon. Plus sharpening the blades. I really appreciate the advice.

 

[Inspector]

A minor point but I would suggest working out the cutter speed and re-pulley if necessary. From what I can find it should be about 4500rpm +/- 500. Too fast and it will be hard on bearings. Enjoy the little red devil.
Pete

 

[SteveF]

I have a floor standing planer thicknesser
but that beast looks so handy for the smaller jobs
what a cracking find

Steve

 

[robsmuddygloves]

Cheers. Hopefully I'll get to use it in earnest soon. I need a bigger planer and thicknesser, but as you say this should prove quite handy. It was also cheap, always a bonus.