Everything you need to know about thickness-planer snipe

Everyone with a thickness planer asks this question at some point. My intent with this video was to explain the causes and solutions well enough that snipe never really causes you much trouble again.
I put a lot more work into video production that I normally do, using a new audio setup, ultra-high-definition video, a lot more time preparing and processing, and I sacrificed a few beautiful pieces of wood to the planer so you could see what was going on inside. If you find it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by liking, subscribing, and sharing with other people who might find the information useful. You can also send me a tip at ko-fi.com/thesnekkershow.
This is the link to the end-grain-cutting-board video I mentioned at the end: • Scrap-wood end-grain c...
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These are some of the tools and accessories shown:
DW735X Planer (with tables and extra knives): amzn.to/2N9xSgl
DW735 Planer (without extension tables): amzn.to/3rKT5vL
DW7351 Extension Tables: amzn.to/2LrYDfs
Klein CL800 clamp meter: amzn.to/3ieWwY8
Klein 69409 Line Splitter: amzn.to/2N9yKBD
Klein CL120 Kit: amzn.to/3bNMa02
Rockler 4” x 2' stretch hose: amzn.to/3bDOXsH
Rockler 4” x 4' stretch hose: amzn.to/38VGuQ5
Rockler threaded disconnect fitting: amzn.to/3nW9mvu
Lumber marking crayon: amzn.to/2UWPEaR
This video is not sponsored. I paid for everything and used my own time. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you use the Amazon links to make a purchase.
Technical information:
Video: Galaxy S10E cellphone at 4k 60fps
Audio: Rode Wireless Go and Rode lavalier microphone
Editing: PowerDirector 18
Planer: DeWalt DW735 with a Shelix cutterhead
Woods fed to the planer: Red oak, ambrosia maple, birch, and pear. Can you identify which was which?
Makeup and hair: Asked to remain anonymous, but they promised not to bill me if I dropped the charges
Chapters
0:00 What is snipe?
1:36 How machine design affects snipe
4:57 Proper infeed and outfeed support
7:12 Do the infeed/outfeed tables need to be flush or sloped?
11:11 Prepare your boards for reduced snipe
16:30 Sacrificial boards
19:49 Plan your plane train
22:37 Just cut off the snipe
23:40 Recap and conclusion

[@donricki1]

We recently lumbered a 36" maple, a 36" white ash, and a 32" pecan. After drying, we tried planing with a Rigid (Home Depot) 13" planer with 2 HSS knives kzbin.infoUgkxIzvvTi3_Qc8JnVdYYRJCvuoDC4QjTzeL . This job was clearly too much for that machine. The pecan was particularly difficult, due to heavy mineral deposits, and a sharp pair of HSS knives would be consumed by a mere 3 boards. We were also having lots of problems from chip bruising, due to poor dust collection. The shavings came off like straw and jammed in the 4" hose.We bought the DW735 simply to be able to run carbide blades, which worked brilliantly for the pecan. However, we found it to be a much, MUCH nicer machine. It was far more rigid than the "Rigid" planer, and far more accurate as well. But what I liked most about it was the dust feed. This machine has its own blower, which shreds the "straw" like shavings as they come off the cutting head and helps boost the shavings into the dust collection system. No more clogs! It's also nicely sealed so that the internals stay quite clean. This is just a well tempered machine that's a delight to use. It literally cut the labor in half. Just another example of getting what you pay for.

[@efrancis19]

I've got quite a bit of experience, and I have to say this is a straight up, no nonsense, 100% correct video about planer snipe. Everything you say here is right on the money. Presentation is excellent too. Well done.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you.

[@Andluth]

Best explanation of snipe on the internet. Fantastic!

[@user-zx7eo7nu4b]

Absolutely totally agree

[@Atlas.X9X]

At only a few minutes into this video, I began watching this with the same intensity I'd watch the end of a James Bond movie. There is plenty of great information in this video. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Well, I suppose we're both concerned about snipers from time to time. Thanks for commenting.

[@simonflr]

One of the best "Teaching Videos" I've seen. Well done.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you

[@MattMadeIt123]

You can't solve a problem until you really understand it. Great info. Thanks.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure, thanks for the feedback.

[@jedg3]

Alternate title: "Bald Ron Swanson gives excellent lesson on snipe in woodworking"

[@devinporter1676]

I was thinking the same thing. He needs a big mustache.

[@bruce1106]

This is a fabulous video! Just got a 735, put a level through it, and the feed tables are slightly raised. Had I not seen your video I would have been scooping out my boards with no clue why. Thanks!

[@greenwoodsmithing867]

Probably the BEST video about snipe I’ve EVER seen.

[@Henry.Bendik]

Finally the rest of the story has been revealed! Thanks for the great explanations!

[@CW1116]

Being brand new to this I was amazed at your depth of knowledge on how a planer works and how to get boards to be of much better quality if planed correctly. The way you explained how to get bowed and cupped boards to plane flat was fantastic. I would not have been able to figure that out. After working with my new DeWalt 735x for while I'll have to re-watch this video... maybe 2-3 more times so all of the tricks and explanations sink into my memory. THANK YOU for a great lesson.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm glad it was helpful, and thanks for commenting.

[@jimstrange7083]

Absolutely by far the best video I have watched so far! I wish I lived next door to you Mr Snekker!

[@AllenReinecke]

Detailed, easy to understand, unbiased, incredibly well presented, multiple options offered - what more can you ask from a video SUBSCRIBED!

[@CHUCKYCHUCKYBOBUCY]

Phenomenal video, especially the infeed and outfeed table explanation with the white oak 4 x 4. Thank you so much.

[@MMWoodworking]

Jesus, this guy is good. This is by far the most thorough video on snipe that I have seen, and I have been consuming them because I just got the 735 yesterday and want to do it right from the beginning. I want to get the good habits early, so it becomes muscle memory. Plane train, chooo chooo!

[@MrTapanes]

This is by far, the best illustrative video of snipe I've ever seen. Great job and thanks!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You're welcome, and thanks for the feedback.

[@kr947]

I had already decided to like this video at the end but the free ticket to snipeville made me chuckle so I liked it immediately! Thanks for the video

[@AK-tb7jf]

This was the best and most clear explanation and description. Ty

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure

[@donmilia5626]

Best video on snipe I've watched. Three great takeaways: thick boards that do not flex will hollow in the middle if exit/entry plates are elevated, table saw snipe issue, and jointer snipe (or in my case on a router table). You communicated these issues and their remedy clearly! Thank you !

[@juliodiaz3211]

Sacrificial board.... never thought of that!! That’s a great idea! Thanks, and keep the videos coming.

[@jeremywood357]

Very well explained! Just bought this planer and am new to this. Extremely educational.

[@geneparcellano]

I've watched a ton of videos on thickness planers and snipes and this is by far the most informative one. Very clear explanation on the cause and also the solutions. Thanks for making the vid, I really appreciate it.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure, thanks for the feedback.

[@twopoolpeople]

Really, Really good video! Just the right pace and no stupid music. I have a snipe machine - the Dewalt DW734. I made a 6' planing bed, but that did nothing, except keeping boards from falling. Three inches on each end is waste (cutoff - I still save some of them). Sometimes an extremely light few passes helps and then I only have to sand. I'll try with the leveling of the factory tables next. And use the train method. Thanks again.

[@Punchy_Portuguese]

Thank you sir. That hands down was the best overview of planer snipe I have seen to date. The tip about sending a sacrificial piece thru first helped me the most. Keep up the great content.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@budgillett9627]

I’ve been watching every video I can on planers and snipe. So far this one is #1! Excellent excellent instructional video on planer operation and VERY WELL PRODUCED! All that from a fat old dude who knows everything except about planers. 👍👍👍

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@jerrywmalone]

This is the best explanation of causes of snipe and practical ways to eliminate it that I have seen. Excellent photos show what happens when the board enters and exits the planer. Awesome!!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Good to hear, thanks for the feedback.

[@dtom1145]

Thanks for a great video with looks inside the planer as wood passes through. Very informative and this ME appreciates the effort! How I attacked snipe on the same planer... I made a long bed from a piece of melamine and stiffened the board with square aluminum tubing attached to the bottom of the board on each side, leaving the center section clear so it can sit on the planer table. I wax the board periodically to reduce friction as the wood passes over it. This supports long boards as they run through, giving me time to dance around from the indeed to the outfield side of the machine to collect the board. This with properly flattened boards, (very important) virtually eliminates snipe. When the job is done I raise the cutter head and slide the portable bed out for storage.

[@terryharris3393]

After trueing up the in-feed and out feed wings I use a little (very) upward pressure on the in-feed wing and near the end of the feed a little upward pressure on the out feed table. This eliminates snip.

[@RileyBauer1]

This is a really fantastic video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge 😄

[@theprofitj]

An excellent presentation without any extraneous distractions! Thank you!

[@b3owu1f]

As a new owner (not out of the box yet) of the 735x, this bit about snipe is all new to me, and made so much sense especially with your up close visuals. But the sacrificial wood is genius. Really appreciate the detail you went in to regarding all that. I want the helical cutter one day, but as a hobbyist who makes like 2 or 3 projects a year, not sure the price/time to install is that useful to me yet.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm happy to hear it was helpful.

[@r.llynch4124]

SUPER detailed best info on snipe you will ever get.

[@geoffreykail9129]

Well thought through and presented. Thank You

[@gordonxu2989]

Just placed an order for the 735x last night, your video popped up at the right time. Thank you fore sharing, very smooth, even biginner like me can understand in one pass

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback, and congratulations on the new planer.

[@blandry021]

Great video, best description of snip and how to solve the problem. Subscribed to your channel because of it. I'll also share your video with my friends.

[@TheGardenerNorth]

I'm by no means a classic woodworker, however as much as I use my wood working skills, that I got from my shop class days in high school, this was probably the best, most well rounded explanation of snipe. Cheers! Subscribed!

[@neiserfanof8]

Very helpful and simply explained. Thank you!

[@heshakajayawardena5612]

Great video and presentation. No nonsense and straight to the point.

[@jean-philippemetras361]

you my good sir have got it figured out. so many good ideas, thank you!

[@mcooper320]

😅 without a doubt the best video I have seen on dealing with snipe. I probably have watched 15 videos on snipe and this one is the best.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear it hit the mark.

[@LC3TsJustme3Ts]

Thanks for the posting this. I'm new to woodworking and just learned a whole bunch! Awesomeness sir.

[@jbone630]

This was super helpful. I appreciate how in depth you went. Thank you!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@dgoddard]

Awesome video filled with good information. Good job.

[@alhogg1]

This is the best video I've seen on snipe. Thanks so much.

[@Wood_Slice]

Loved the rumor at the end

[@jph1200]

Fantastic video! Clear presentation of the content. I just got this planer and had snipe. Think I’ve got a good plan to combat that now. Thank you!

[@sbeach9885]

Awesome visual demonstrations and great video Thanks

[@txmexnittro]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing

[@brandonkinney9793]

Great video, Exactly what I was looking for & very insightful. Keep up the good work!

[@TheShutterbug1968]

Excellent. Great info. Thank you!

[@rdr4b]

I started this wonderful hobby about two years ago. I rarely experienced any snipes on my 735 before I started using thicker boards and beams until it became unbearable so I started looking for solutions. This the by far the best that I could find. Super informative and demystify a lot of my misunderstandings. Thanks so much.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for the feedback.

[@siriusroadster]

Nice video. Thanks for this!

[@ronwisenski4810]

Excellent presentation! My father taught me most of these tricks when he gave me his old woodmaster, and I've been using them for a while with decent results. However, your explanations filled in the missing gaps and assured me why we do the things we do. Understanding is everything! (safer, better results, less wasted money & time...)

[@momostayzanko2078]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You're quite welcome.

[@treggliebler6237]

Just bought that planer, glad I watched this. Thankyou, very easy to understand and helpful!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Good to hear, thanks.

[@alfredneumann4692]

Very very good explained. Regards from Germany.

[@oneshot4274]

Best video about snipe I've ever seen. Thanks!

[@MarkSmith-ep7li]

Very informative and helpful. Thanks your time and dedication to helping those of us who really wanted it.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@civan28]

Incredible explanation and detail, thank you

[@Sailor5116]

Hands down the best explanation and remedies for snipe. Thanks for an excellent video.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm glad it hit the mark. Thanks for commenting.

[@gainoffunction9486]

Excellent video, very helpful. Thanks!

[@Mr.GucciClass1A]

Excellent tutorial and video demo. Man, this is great. Thanks for the content. I'm so glad I just came across your channel. I just subscribed and look forward to more of your instruction. Cheers!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you, and welcome to the channel.

[@MikePKoff]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@thgenral]

Great explanation and I have that Dewalt you used. Good to know some of the things I can try. Thanks for taking the time!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure

[@VinceEspositoJr]

That's Ben. Very informative.

[@billmckinney7398]

Nice job on the video. I have the DeWalt 735 planer with the original diameter Byrd Shelix head. I use some of these tips already, but I appreciate the good job you’ve done on this video, and I have a much better understanding of the machine and snipe than I had before.

[@amahrihudson5060]

Great explanation! Thank you

[@artofmghow6419]

Wow, this is so professionally and in-depth made video on a subject!!! Thanks.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@jakescheesy]

Well done, all good points and well presented, thanks!

[@wiseoldfool]

I've just watched this for the second time after watching lots of other planer snipe videos. I really like the way this one explains and shows it happening. If anyone only wants to watch one planer snipe video, I'd recommend this one. Much appreciated Ben!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@mattweaver5196]

This was so awesome! Thank you Sir. (Did love the “one way ticket to snipeville”

[@edschools5580]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

You're quite welcome.

[@FranksDIY]

That is a great idea with the sacrificial board to reduce the snipe. Over all all good tips. Most of them I've experienced but I still learned something new from your examples. Thank you

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback. I had to give myself a little refresher in the process too.

[@jimsulsona4128]

Yes, some of us did read that far into the description...and loved your makeup and hair credits! LOL

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Then my effort was not wasted.

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

I just found your channel and frankly I'm surprised that you only have 18K subs! Great content, covered all the details and with excellent camera shots. I like the pace, not too slow and not too fast. Keep up the great work!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@michaelpbruno]

This is the best video that I have seen on this topic. I finally feel like I have an understanding of the problem and I am confident that I will be able to minimalize the snipe that I am getting. Thank you.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Comments like this keep the channel alive. Glad it was helpful.

[@rittdallaire7763]

Awesome video. A natural teacher!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting.

[@Wardropulous]

Yeah a solid video. Comprehensive. Very helpful.

[@markmotsko2400]

Thanks, best knowledge on the web regarding snipe

[@iansabin2052]

great explanations thanks

[@davidlowe5192]

So glad i found this video. You did an excellent job of showing how snipe is produced and how to resolve this. Keep up the great work and thank you again for taking the time to explain it all.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@silentscribes]

Great explanations!

[@jobsafety6992]

Simply a great instructional!!!

[@mrkthmn]

"Just a rumor, but I'm pretty sure it's true." Hahaha! That got me! Excellent video! I recently got this same planer and it's my first experience with the machines so this video was very helpful for me. Definitely subscribed!

[@markarita3]

Excellent, thanks for sharing.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure.

[@jnewmy14]

Great video, you sound just like the great Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'll have to see if I can get him to do a guest appearance so we can banter about vegan bacon and slab flattening.

[@Garrett_Brown]

Read this and couldnt believe i didnt notice it

[@RobBobTrades]

And now that you've said that all I hear is Ron Swanson's voice lol

[@jnewmy14]

@@RobBobTrades I'm finding myself looking for his videos to see if its all the time, or it just happened to this video

[@danaskubic2145]

I haven't a thickness planer, thus no snipe, but I will keep these thoughts in mind when I finally get one.Thanks for sharing.

[@brigandboy1425]

I ended up getting that exact Dewalt planer. I have short (~20"x2"x1/2") slats that I am using to make two cutting boards, and I'm getting heavy snipe on the front and back of the boards. The "sacrificial" piece and train technique is very helpful. It's been a long time since I had to throw a bunch of wood through a planer, let alone a portable one like the one I own. Thank you. Your video is very helpful, even two years later :)

[@guesswho8327]

I just recently bought a DeWalt 735 and yes, I've experienced a bad case of snipe. However, this video by far is the best instructional KZbin video in this annoying problem. Thank you so much Sir,

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure

[@thwwoodcraft1449]

Wow. Fantastic job! Earned a sub.

[@robertm348]

Excellent description of snipe and the causes. Thanks, and happy new yrear!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you. Happy new year to you as well.

[@JohnSmith-fs1cg]

Excellent job, very well done! The visual aspect of this video really shows what’s going on behind the guards. Thank you!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@robk1310]

Upgrading your knife roller to a helical type, like the Shelix one that you have, helps a lot. Lowers the decibel level by 10db too.

[@curtisphillips3219]

What a thorough and well articulated video. This is the first I've seen of your channel, and you definitely earned a follow. Thank you sir.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback, and welcome to the channel.

[@DIYwithDennis]

Great video! very informative!

[@brettwright392]

Clear and concise information! Thank you for your effort on this issue. I'm un-boxing my new Dewalt today...

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks, and congratulations on the new planer.

[@philipkellermann2648]

Amazing video. Thank you for this. Excellent and helpful content.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@pacificcoasttrains3785]

Best video I've seen about causes and possible solutions to planer snipe. I wish I'd seen this earlier (like last night, before I planed a bunch of stuff), but it's never too late to get better. Thank you!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for commenting, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@craigbowman1656]

This was fantastic thanks

[@frankcorrect6999]

I really liked this video. The superimposed diagram helped me to understand how the planer works. I have a Powermatic 15HH. I tried to use a week ago and all I got was a series of parallel lines on my board. Now I understand that the infeed roller was too low in relation to everything else. Thanks. Keep up the good work. Once I understand how a piece of equipment works, I can figure out how to adjust it. I also like your work tables with the 45º supports. I am going to use that in my next work table project.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks, those were the second workbenches I ever built, about 15 years ago. I keep saying I'm going to build some real woodworking benches, but these have been working well enough.