Snipe is a common issue in woodworking that can occur when using a planer, jointer, and sander (most frequently with the planer). It is a deeper cut at both ends of the workpiece.
If you are looking for methods to handle and avoid the wood planer snipe problem, read this post. We will show you what it is, how to deal with it, and how to get rid of it in this comprehensive post.
Planer Snipe Issue
Planer snipe is a deeper cut that a thickness planer removes too much material at the front or back ends of the workpiece. This is very common in woodworking, no matter what the brand and model of planer you are using.
The main cause of snipe in a planer is the downward pressure of the infeed roller applied to the workpiece. That force will lead to the movement and vibration of the planer table. And the board might lift slightly. The final result is the board that is thinner at the two ends.
Also Read: How to Use a Thickness Planer: Full Guide
Fix & Prevent Planer Snipe
After you understand what the wood planer snipe is, it's time to learn how to deal with it and how to eliminate it.
How to Deal with Planer Snipe
If you find snipe occurs on your board after planing, the easiest way to fix it is to cut off the snipe on the ends of the workpiece. This can be quite wasteful as you lose a lot of materials, and you have to make extra cuts.
However, there is another way to deal with thickness planer snipe. Feed the board through a jointer by placing the side with noticeable snipe facing down. In this case, you only need to lose a small amount of thickness to get a perfectly flat workpiece. If you don’t care about the flatness, use a sander to remove snipe.
How to Avoid Planer Snipe
Here are 5 ways to prevent the thickness planer snipe issue from happening.
1. Use sacrificial side rails
The first solution to prevent wood planer snipe is to glue two sacrificial rails (runners) on the workpiece. The two runners must be the same thickness as the workpiece but 3 inches longer than it. The sacrificial wood pieces help to equalize the pressure from the rollers and collect the snipe, making a flat and clean workpiece.
2. Use sacrificial blocks before and after
The second method works on the same principle as the first. You need to prepare two wood blocks of the same thickness as the workpiece. Then feed them into the planer before and after the workpiece. In that case, the sacrificial blocks get the snipe, and your workpiece in the middle does not.
But, there is one thing to keep in mind. Using this method requires you to feed the three pieces of wood into the planer in quick succession.
3. Adjust the infeed/outfeed table
You can make adjustments to the infeed table and outfeed table to stop snipe. This is because the snipe occurs when the tables are not level with the planer bed. And you should check the stability of the infeed and outfeed tables. It is also equally important to keep them lubricated.
4. Lift the board in and out of the planer
Slightly lifting the end of the board when it is fed in and out of the planer is also a good method. But note that this method might make a small and very shallow dent in your board.
5. Take small bites
The more the material you remove, the greater the chances you get wood planer snipe. Try to take a small bite and remove a little material in every pass (1/16 inch or less). This reduces the pressure of the rollers on the board.
Final Words
If you have worked with a planer, you have likely encountered and dealt with thickness planer snipe. But if you don't own a planer and are considering purchasing one, you should know how to deal with this problem.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, another way is to choose a great planer. FindBuyTool produced a high-quality thickness planer, featuring a locking lever. It supports the table and the helical cutterhead, excluding the influence of vibration and other disturbances. It also ensures that the workpiece remains stable and aligned throughout the process. This part greatly reduces the occurrence of snipe.
Hope this post can be helpful to you. If you have any questions or concerns about this blog, please leave a comment along with your email address below, and we will provide you with feedback ASAP. Furthermore, we would greatly appreciate it if you shared this post on your social media.
FAQ About Planer Snipe
#1. What is snipe in a planer?
Planer snipe, a woodworking issue, is a deeper cut at both ends of the workpiece after planing.
#2. How to fix snipe on a planer?
There are three ways to fix snipe on a planer:
- Cut off the end of the board where snipe occurs.
- Use a jointer to remove snipe, but lose thickness.
- Sand away snipe with a sander, but lose flatness.
