Surface planer - optimum speeds for cutter heads vs. feed rollers

Modified on 2023/07/06 16:49 by Rusty — Categorized as: Planers

Good day, First let me apologize if this has been covered. If so please direct me to the proper spot. I did do a search but couldn't find anything .

I am in the process of setting up an A.R. Williams 20" surface planer which probably dates from the early 1900's. Powered feed rollers and cutterhed are run from separate pulleys and belts. I am setting up the drive pulley and belt for the cutterhead from scratch and was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions as how fast I should run it relative to feed roller speed.

Details:

All babbited bearings

flat belts 2 1/2 - 5" wide

Two knife square cutter head, 5" pulley currently mounted on drive side

Original setup involved power via belt drive on Massey Harris farm tractor to line shaft (correct term??) set up on pillow blocks and with three pulleys mounted on the shaft; one input and two to drive the feed rollers and cutterhead respectively.

Thanks in advance for your attention

Rusty