Planer....

[GrayBeard]

I have several 'logs' that I am going to slice for 'rounds'.

Would a "PLANER" be the way to go in order to smooth them or should I just stick to the belt sander?

These will be aprox. 3/4" when finished so starting out with about 1 1/4" rough sawn.

My main thought is how will a planer handle the 'cross grain'?

I know absolutely NOTHING about Planers!

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[chief]

A planer would create problems with tear out of the grain.  Use the belt sander.

[mrsn]

Planers like to chip out pieces on cross grain, and I would think that a log would have some issues.
I think that the bark might give a planer issues. Between tearing off too much bark and dirt messing with the knives.
The size of the planer might be a concern. I have a small one, I think it is 6 or 8" wide, but the distance between the rollers is like 8"+. With regluar lumber you have things that are long and narrow, a log slice is short and wide. The slice may not even fit.

I really enjoy cutting log slices, they end up looking really cool. I use a belt sander to get them smooth and to the right thickness.

[bluesuede]

The belt sander is the way to go. I have tried feeding slices through my planer and it mostly does not work so well, I did have success with some apple a few years ago but mostly it just chips out. May have something to do with the angle of the cut slice also...
Bruce

[Chachi]

Belt or Palm sander I would say for sure GB to many problems with a Planer for making rounds.

[Merlin]

GB you put a piece of round through your planer an expect to get chips at the other end and in between.
Planers love chewing cross grain, oh take this bit of knowledge from a former planer operator.

***Merlin***

[GrayBeard]

The information I received is the very reason I put the question to you all!

When I know nothing about a subject I go to the most expert people I know and here they are!

Thanks guys!
I will just stock up on 3 X 21 belts and sand away.

~~~GB~~~

[Mainewoods]

The only other option I can think of is if you had access to a drum sander.  Might be a bit quicker than a belt sander and probably much easier on the operator.   

[Russ C]

I agree with the others. As an owner/operator for many years , planers do not work well on cross grains and especially on sliced rounds. A sander would be the way to go. 

[BilltheDiver]

You are getting the right advice GB.  I hope to pick up a drum sander this weekend at the woodworking show.  I already have a good planer.  Both can thickness wood, but each has its own place in the shop.  I get a lot of use from my stationery belt sander as well.  You can often find a used one cheap and they do come in handy.

[GrayBeard]

For the few I will end up with I think my HF 3 X 21 should do the trick.
Often get good deals on sanding materials from PeachTree Woodworking out of Atlanta.

Thanks for the info!

~~~GB~~~

[termite]

GB, i've seen pictures where a router was used for this. i dont remember where,but it will work.
sorry i cant tell you anymore about this

[GrayBeard]

Now THAT is a 'scary thought'!

~~~GB~~~

[BilltheDiver]

It really wouldn't be that hard to do GB.  I have used a router with a homemade large baseplate to make "routed bowls" for Christmas gifts, and the principle would be the same.  Buy a large piece of clear acrylic, bore a hole for the bit in the middle and mount it to the router as a base plate.  Place reference guides alongside the material to be cut (this could just be 1 by material) and use a wide bit to make shallow passes with the router.  It works well as long as you don't set up for too big a bite.  I use a bowl cutting bit and it worked out great.  Could save you a lot of time.

[ChuckD]

Depends on how much you have to take off, but if you build a simple jig and don't be in a hurry, a router will work.  I have done it and it does a good job.