Can I cut metal or other non-wood materials with a planer?

No. Our planers are designed to cut natural woods only.

While they may physically cut other materials, doing so can:

• Cause serious injury

• Damage the machine

• Void the warranty

Can I use my planer without a dust collector?

Yes, but it’s not recommended.

Without a dust collector:

• Dust and chips will pile up quickly

• You'll spend more time cleaning

• Fine dust is hazardous to your health

We recommend connecting to a dust collection system that meets the minimum CFM rating for your machine.

How do I choose the right motor size for my planer?

Choose based on:

1. Average stock width

2. Wood type

3. Frequency and workload

• Any planer can cut hardwood at full width if the feed rate is slow enough.

• Too slow → ripples and chipping

• Too fast → bogging down and motor overheating

Overheating can lead to thermal breakdown and motor failure.

Guideline examples:

• 1.5 HP motor: Handles 6" wide hardwood at aggressive feed rates

• 3 HP motor: Handles up to 12" hardwood in similar conditions

Select a motor that doesn't bog down with your regular tasks.

Why are some machines listed as 220V, some 230V, and some 240V? Aren’t these the same?

Yes and no.

• They all operate on the same nominal power supply (within ±10%).

• Differences come from regional standards:

  • U.S. nominal voltage: 240V

  • Taiwan: 220V

  • China: 230V

We list the exact voltage shown on the motor’s nameplate to avoid confusion and give you the most accurate information.

If a machine is rated for 220V or 440V, can I just plug it into either?

No.
Although rated for both, the machine is prewired for 220V.

To use it on 440V:

• It must be rewired

• Some components must be replaced

⚠️ To maintain warranty and safety, Grizzly must perform the conversion at time of purchase.

• $250 conversion fee

• Additional shipping time applies

Grizzly also sells a 440V conversion kit for qualified electricians working on "as-is" or second-hand machines.

Can a 440V-converted machine run on 480V?

Yes, within limits.

Most motors operate safely at ±10% of rated voltage.

• A 440V machine can typically run from 396V to 484V

⚠️ Running near the low end of that range may cause higher motor temperatures and component stress.

What’s the difference between the G9961 and G9741?

Both machines are similar in design, but differ in cutterhead type and voltage flexibility.