Certificated Training
Planers and thicknessers are essential woodworking machines used to produce flat, straight and accurately dimensioned timber. They form a critical part of material preparation, ensuring stock is true, square and consistent before further machining or assembly.
Planers and thicknessers are typically used during the initial preparation stage of timber machining, producing flat and dimensionally accurate stock before further shaping on machines such as spindle moulders or tenoners.
Surface planers (often referred to as jointers) are used to flatten one face of a workpiece and square an edge, creating accurate reference surfaces. Thicknessers are then used to machine the opposite face parallel to the reference surface, bringing timber to a precise, uniform thickness. Combination planer thicknessers integrate both processes into a single machine, making them well suited to workshops where space efficiency and flexibility are important.
Planers and thicknessers are widely used in woodworking environments where timber must be accurately prepared and dimensioned before further machining or assembly, including:
Furniture and Joinery manufacturing
Building and Construction timber preparation
Timber Merchants and Sawmills preparing stock
Education and training workshops
These machines commonly process materials including:
Solid Wood
Engineered timber products
These machines are widely used across joinery, furniture manufacturing, education, construction and general woodworking environments. Correct specification, guarding, extraction and operator training are essential to ensure safe operation, consistent results and compliance with PUWER requirements.
Daltons supports planer and thicknesser users with machine selection, installation, PUWER upgrades, certificated operator training and long-term service support.
A surface planer is used to flatten one face and square one edge of timber. A thicknesser then machines the opposite face parallel, bringing the material to a consistent thickness.
A combination machine performs both surface planing and thicknessing functions in one unit, offering flexibility and reduced floor space compared to separate machines.
Planers and thicknessers can be fitted with several cutter block types, each offering different benefits. Traditional HSS knife blocks use straight, manually set blades and remain common in many workshops. TERSA cutter blocks use self-setting, quick-change knives, allowing fast blade changes with consistent results and minimal downtime. Spiral or insert cutter blocks use multiple small, replaceable carbide inserts arranged in a helical pattern, offering quieter operation, improved surface finish on difficult grain, and reduced tear-out. The most suitable cutter block depends on material type, finish requirements, maintenance preferences and production volume.
They are primarily used for solid timber and engineered wood products. Material condition, size and moisture content must be suitable for safe machining.
Yes. These machines must comply with PUWER, including suitable guarding, braking systems, extraction and safe operating procedures.
Yes. PUWER requires operators to be adequately trained. Certificated training helps reduce risk, improve quality and ensure compliant operation.
Every workshop is different. Our specialists will help you confirm specifications, applications, and suitability before you invest. Get clear, practical advice tailored to your needs. Enquire today.
