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:
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Cause serious injury
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Damage the machine
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Void the warranty
Can I use my planer without a dust collector?
Yes, but it’s not recommended.
Without a dust collector:
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Dust and chips will pile up quickly
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You'll spend more time cleaning
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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:
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Average stock width
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Wood type
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Frequency and workload
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Any planer can cut hardwood at full width if the feed rate is slow enough.
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Too slow → ripples and chipping
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Too fast → bogging down and motor overheating
Overheating can lead to thermal breakdown and motor failure.
Guideline examples:
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1.5 HP motor: Handles 6" wide hardwood at aggressive feed rates
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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.
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They all operate on the same nominal power supply (within ±10%).
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Differences come from regional standards:
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U.S. nominal voltage: 240V
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Taiwan: 220V
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China: 230V
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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:
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It must be rewired
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Some components must be replaced
⚠️ To maintain warranty and safety, Grizzly must perform the conversion at time of purchase.
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$250 conversion fee
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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.
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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?
Feature | G9961 | G9741 |
---|---|---|
Cutterhead | Spiral cutterhead | Four 1/8" thick HSS knives |
Voltage | 220V, 3-phase (prewired) | 220V, 3-phase (prewired) |
440V Conversion | Not specified | Can be converted to 440V, 3-phase |
Both machines are similar in design, but differ in cutterhead type and voltage flexibility.