The Reed Machine Planer and Hand Plane for Bb Clarinet

The new anniversary edition of the planer is made of blue anodized aluminum and steel. The Reed Machine Planer removes cane from the inner diameter of the tube, making reed blanks of a consistent thickness. Using the provided reversible shims, the planer allows you to change the thickness of each reed blank to your preference. Standard setting is app. 128" or 112" blank thickness. The serrated clamp holds the raw cane in place to insure an accurate cut each time. Blanks are finished with such smoothness that sanding is sometimes unnecessary. NEW! Includes hand plane.

2020 Reed Machine Planer Instructions

• Step 1: Split clarinet tube cane into 4 equal parts of 70-72mm.
• Step 2: Loosen and open the clamp on the planer table by turning the adjustment knob
• counterclockwise.
• Step 3: Place the cane piece between the clamp, pressing down on both ends to assure
• good contact with the clamp as it is tightened.
• Step 4: Tighten the clamp. Turn the knob clockwise. This will slowly apply pressure to
• the cane and the teeth of the clamp will press into the wood. When it is firm and free of
• movement you have tightened the piece enough.
• Step 5: Place the hand plane in the groove. Tilt the hand plane towards you in the grove
• closest to you and begin moving back and forth. Slowly lower the plane into both
• grooves.
• Step 6: When no more cane can be removed you are finished.
• Step 7: Remove the cane by loosening the camp;

WARNING: THE EDGES OF THE CANE ARE EXTREMELY SHARP!
Adjustments:

• The blade should be set to cut the least amount of wood possible. This will allow for a smooth and easy cut.
• The 2 reed support shims may be loosened with the provided hex wrench. By reversing them you can create a thinner or thicker blank.

Standard reed thickness is:

• Thick Reeds: .126” (3.2mm)
• Thinner reeds: .110” (2.8mm).
• Slight variations should be sanded with 220, 320, and 400 grit sandpaper.
  

After planning the next step is to profile the sides of the blank