Can I cut metal or other non-wood materials with my planer?
No. While our planers may physically cut certain non-wood materials, they are designed exclusively for natural wood.
Using them on metal, composites, or other materials may:
-
Result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders
-
Cause machine damage
-
Void the warranty
Can I use my planer without a dust collector?
Yes, but it's not recommended. Without a dust collection system:
-
Dust will quickly accumulate around and inside the machine
-
Cleanup becomes much more time-consuming
-
Fine dust particles pose a risk to your respiratory health
For best results, connect your planer to a properly-sized dust collector that meets or exceeds the recommended CFM for your model’s dust port.
How do I know what motor size I need for my planer?
Consider these three key factors:
-
Typical board width
-
Type of wood you commonly use
-
Frequency and intensity of use
Here’s what to keep in mind:
-
All planers can cut hardwood up to their maximum width with a slow enough feed rate.
-
But:
-
Too slow = ripples and tear-out
-
Too fast = causes the motor to bog down and overheat
-
Once a motor overheats repeatedly without cool-down time, it can fail permanently due to insulation breakdown. A larger motor can handle heavier loads without overheating.
Rule of thumb:
-
A 1.5 HP motor can handle 6" wide hardwoods at an aggressive feed rate
-
A 3 HP motor can handle roughly 12" wide hardwoods under the same conditions
Choose a motor that matches your most common workload.
Why do some machines say 220V, others 230V, or 240V? Aren’t these the same?
Yes and no.
-
Yes, because machines rated for 220V, 230V, or 240V will all operate on the same type of power supply.
-
No, because the nominal voltage can vary slightly by country.
-
USA: 240V
-
Taiwan: 220V
-
China: 230V
-
These differences matter more to power utilities and motor manufacturers, who design systems to operate within ±5–10% of nominal voltage.
We list the actual voltage on the motor nameplate so you get the most accurate information possible—avoiding surprises when your machine arrives.
What’s the difference between the G5851Z and G7213Z?
-
G5851Z: Prewired for 220V, single-phase power
-
G7213Z: Prewired for 220V, 3-phase power, and convertible to 440V, 3-phase
Otherwise, the machines are similar in function, but the power requirements are different. Be sure your shop is wired accordingly before ordering.