4' wide planer available?

[LondonBob]

I am looking to avoid hand planing a curly maple table top that is over 3' wide. Does anyone know of a shop that feels sorry for lazy woodworkers for a small fee in or near Charlotte?

 

[nelsone]

Hey Bob! Welcome to the group! Maybe some one will chime in with a wide belt sander. You can check with some of the local cabinet shops and see what they will charge.

By the way, we have a "Who we are" section. Please post a little about your self and what projects you like to do so we can get to know you!

Whereabouts are you in Charlotte? We have a good group around here that likes to get together every once in a while.

 

[DavidF]

Hi Bob, depending on how much clean up is required, but this sounds like either a job for a wide belt sander or rip,joint, plane, rejoin, then the sander. There are some helpful members on the site that can probably help you.

 

[Kyle]

A wide belt sander is the best you will do for cleaning up a top that size mechanically. You will have to pay an hourly rate and probably a minimum fee unless you have a buddy with a 3 foot drum .

The only other alternative is hand power planing and sanding.

 

[Travis Porter]

What is the actual width? Wide belts come in 37, 43, and 55" widths. A performax 22-44 will do 44" in two passes so finding someone with a drum might be easier.

 

[LondonBob]

Sorry to take so long to get back to you Ed but I am in the Dilworth neighborhood near downtown in Charlotte. My shop is located over my garage and I'm a one man show for now. Still trying to get my feet under me but really only taking custom orders because I am also a stay at home dad.

How about yourself?

 

[LondonBob]

I haven't actually built the top yet but was trying to get my ducks lined up. I am still pretty new and don't know any cabinet shops to ask about sanders but that is a good idea. I was thinking planer but a sander would probably do the trick. Final width will end up around 40" and I was hoping someone around here had something or knew someone who does.

How are things over in Wake Forest?

 

[LondonBob]

Thanks Kyle. Are you still selling slabs? I have someone who might be interested in a breakfast nook table with a wany edge.

 

[LondonBob]

Thanks David, I think a wide belt sander is probably the way forward I just need to find someone who has one that will let me pay for some time on it.

Bob

PS I liked your quote about "a good cup of tea". I did my training in London am got used to drinking it daily.

 

[Travis Porter]

At the moment it is cold in Wake Forest. Tool wise, depressing.....

As for wide belt, you are going to need to ask around for a 43" unit. I have a 37, but that would be too small.