Help needed, Craftsman wood planer.

[PJs]

So I have no mechanical concerns about running at high speed, the question is still "what is the best speed to use?" and I am no further down that road.

In Post #3 hemmjo (John), in speaking about a "planer" (US) with auto feed rates that have "recommended" feed rates and that the types of wood, grain structure, moisture content, sappiness etc. will all play a role in "Feed rate" based on head size. I see this no different than mill or lathe working metal working but these still have multiple subtle parameters that need accounting for, like tool geometry, rake angles, sharpness, rigidity, etc, etc. There are formulas for sure, based on material of Known "types" grain, hardness etc., but they are still guidelines in effect and tend toward User experience on the whole as to how to perform a certain operation.

I tried to have a further look for recommended optimum speed info on wood working and wasn't able to find much either. There was/is some information on blade speed/SFPM for wood bandsaws but other than that it seems to be black art or guess and bi-golly. The manufacturers must have some info or empirically determined this info long ago...like metal machining and it's being brought forward.

"Jointers" (US), especially home shop types are typically single speed with hand feed. This tells me that if we look at what is out there for "Speed/SFPM" for these type tools, it should be a guideline or Starting point as many here have stated. If someone wants to try something else "Out of the Box" to learn or other intended purpose, that may be worth pursuing. My issue is always about safety, and a ~1 pound drum with 3 semi-exposed blades held in with set screws, spinning at 12K with marginal bearings in a 60-70 year old casting "Feels" a bit riskier than I would be willing to experiment with. All be it not much different than laying a knee on the pavement at 2+G's at 120+ mph in a corner. However a good builder would always magniflux the crank of a 12K machine prior to getting on the machine himself...nothing like a hand grenade at 120+.

The only other suggestion I have would be to chat with Brendon here on HMT if he is still around or on his website. He is one of those who's little finger Forgot more than most know about wood working.

PJ