Table of Contents
What is a Planer Machine?
A planer machine is a type of metal working machine that uses linear relative motion (reciprocation) between the workpiece and a single-point cutting tool to cut the work piece. General Bentham invented it.
It is very much similar to a shaper but there are some basic differences. A Planer Machine is much larger and has reciprocating workpiece, whereas in a shaper Machine cutting tool reciprocates.
Working principle of Planer Machine
In a Planer Machine the job is fixed rigidly on the machine table. A single point cutting tool held properly in the tool post mounted on the reciprocating ram.
The reciprocating motion of the ram is obtained by a quick return motion mechanism.
As the ram reciprocates, the tool cuts the material during its forward stroke. In return stroke, there is no cutting action and this stroke is called the idle stroke.
Applications of Planer machine
Below are some most common applications.
- Cutting slots and grooves
- Generating accurate flat and curved surfaces
- Cutting at an angle and machining dovetails
Types of Planer Machines
Below are some common types.
- Divided table planer
- Edge or plate planer
- Pit planer
- Open side planer
- Standard or Double housing planer
Difference between shaper and planer
However, there are several differences between the above two but, the major difference is that in a planer, workpiece reciprocates over the stationary cutting tool. Whereas in a shaper, the cutting tool reciprocates over workpiece.
| Planer Machine | Shaper Machine |
| It is driven by either gears or hydraulics | It is driven by Whitworth’s quick return mechanism |
| It can use several tools to cut simultaneously | It uses only one cutting tool at a time |
| It is used to make deeper cuts | It is used to make light cuts |
| It is a heavy duty machine | It is a light duty machine |
| It is used for bigger jobs | It is used for lighter jobs |
| Tool is fixed while workpiece moves back and forth to get machined | Workpiece is fixed while tool moves back and forth to perform machining action |
Also read:
Applications of Lapping process
Types of manufacturing processes
Types of material removal processes
Image attribution:
Featured: By Andy Dingley (scanner) – Scan from Kennedy, Rankin (1912 edition of 1905 book.) The Book of Modern Engines and Power Generators, vol. VI, London: Caxton, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7711013
Working principal: Duk. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=331005
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planer_(metalworking)
http://engineering.myindialist.com/2009/principle-and-working-of-shaper-machine/#.XDyKmVwza00