How to Sharpen DeWalt Planer Knives

A planer is a machine designed to shave wood to ensure that the surface is even. In the past, woodworkers used hand-operated planes. Today, many companies, including DeWalt, produce power planers to help woodworkers finish projects quickly and precisely. Keeping the blades, or knives, of the planer sharp is integral to maintaining its performance and can be done at home with a few tools.

Wrench
Screwdrivers
Grinding wheel
Water
Sharpening stone guide
Lubricant
Sharpening stone

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the planer from its power source.
- 2
  Use a wrench to remove the planer cover. Once the cover is removed, the blades will be accessible.
- 3
  Unscrew the blades from their mount using a wrench and screwdriver.
- 4
  Adjust the grinding wheel's rest to the angle that aligns with the angle of the blade. When you place the planer blade on the rest, the grinding wheel's angle should be parallel to the blade angle.
- 5
  Turn on the grinding wheel and hold the planer blade firmly with both hands. Gently slide the blade against the wheel, moving it steadily from side to side until you have sharpened its entire length. Ensure you keep the blade firmly against the grinding wheel rest.
- 6
  Place the planer blade in a bucket of water for several seconds to cool it down.
- 7
  Insert the blade into a sharpening guide. The griding wheel is used for the majority of the planer-knife sharpening work, but a sharpening stone will be used to finish the job.
- 8
  Place the sharpening stone on a flat work surface. Lubricate the blade according to the sharpening stone's instructions and slide the blade and guide along the stone, which remains stationary. Take as many strokes as needed to ensure the result is a uniform blade angle with no nicks or burrs on the blade.
- 9
  Dry the blade and screw it back into the planer. Replace the planer cover and plug the machine back in.

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