How to make a plane for processing aerated concrete blocks yourself

For your construction projects, will you be using aerated concrete blocks? You can save time and money by learning how to create a plane on your own for processing these blocks. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), another name for aerated concrete, is a popular material for walls and partitions because it is strong and lightweight. You need a plane made especially for aerated concrete if you want clean cuts and smooth edges.

Building your own plane isn’t as difficult as it may seem. You can create a workable plane that fits the requirements of your project with the appropriate equipment and supplies. This tutorial will take you through the process of building a plane specifically designed for aerated concrete blocks, regardless of your level of experience with building.

It’s critical to comprehend the significance of a well-designed plane for aerated concrete before beginning construction. Aerated concrete needs instruments that can handle its lightweight yet brittle nature, in contrast to traditional concrete, which is denser and more difficult to cut. By adjusting the cutting angle and blade sharpness with a homemade plane, you can guarantee accuracy and productivity when working on construction projects.

This tutorial will walk readers through the process of creating a personalized plane that can be used to refine and smooth aerated concrete blocks. It is intended for do-it-yourselfers who want to accomplish professional-quality results at home. This amazing do-it-yourself project guarantees accuracy and efficiency in the processing of aerated concrete blocks, from selecting the proper materials to assembling and fine-tuning the plane.

Some information about aerated concrete blocks

You need to familiarize yourself with the properties of the material in order to properly make a tool for processing it. These are the principal ones.

1. Aerated concrete blocks contain cement, sand, lime, gypsum and slag. Gas pores are created using aluminum paste. Due to the porous structure and a significant amount of lime in the composition, aerated concrete can be processed by planing.
2. Blocks come in different densities, which affects the wear of the plane. The strength of aerated concrete is ensured by the cement-sand component.
3. Low-density aerated concrete blocks (400 kg/m³) are brittle and highly abrasive, which requires caution when processing with a planer.

About the design of a plane for aerated concrete

For aerated concrete, a home- or industrially-made plane should guarantee uniform material removal without damaging the top layer. In this sense, the tool must meet the following specifications:.

1. The height of the cutting elements should be such that a uniform layer of aerated concrete is removed in one pass.
2. The blades on the body are fixed vertically in several (usually 5-6) rows. The direction of the cutting edges of half the rows should be opposite to the other half of the rows.
3. When choosing a metal for the manufacture of plane knives, you should take into account the density of the processed aerated concrete. For material with a density of no more than 500 kg/m³, the use of wood saw blades is allowed. For denser aerated concrete it is necessary to use carbide metals.
4. The body of the plane should be durable, and the handle should be wide and comfortable to grip.
5. To connect the parts of a homemade plane, glue is selected that interacts with dissimilar materials.

How to choose an electric planer for aerated concrete for your home

If you are not skilled at building planes, you should select a tool from a hardware store. An ordinary wooden plane for aerated concrete could be used for this. However, labor productivity is low when using it. With a hand-held electric planer, you can expedite the process.

How can I select the best model? It is advised that you take note of the following.

1. Planing depth: for processing aerated concrete, a minimum value of this characteristic (2 mm) is sufficient. It is important that the scale of the planing depth regulator does not start from zero, but from negative values.
2. Planing width: the larger it is, the easier it will be to complete the job efficiently. Preferably models with a sole no narrower than 110 mm.
3. The quality of the plane sole: it should be smooth and perfectly level.
4. Weight: the tool should be light (no more than 3.0-3.5 kg), since it does not require much power (which is interrelated).
5. Minimum power is enough. A planer with a power of about 1000 W will cost less.
6. The presence of a dust collector: such a detail will eliminate the need to work in a respirator.
7. Knives for electric planers must be made of TST hard alloy. Blades made of this metal do not become dull for a long time.

Keep in mind that sharpening an electric planer is a difficult procedure that can only be completed by experts with specialized tools. It is crucial that the instrument includes a sharpening tool for electric planer blades.

How to make your own plane for processing aerated concrete blocks

You’ll need the following equipment and tools to work:

• angle grinder;
• jigsaw;
• hacksaw;
• hammer;
• sandpaper;
• file;
• ruler, chisel;
• brush;
• marker or carpenter"s pencil;
• calipers.

The simplest method is to use self-tapping screws to create an aerated concrete plane with your hands. The following is the order of events.

1. Using a jigsaw and a hacksaw, we cut out a wooden blank measuring 110×400 mm from a board. Workpiece thickness – 25 mm.
2. Using a file and sandpaper, we process chamfers and corners, grind the surface.
3. Using a ruler and caliper, make marks on one side of the workpiece at an equal distance from each other and draw six parallel longitudinal lines.
4. Place marks along each line in 5 mm increments.
5. Using a screwdriver, screw in screws at each mark at an angle of approximately 30°. In this case, the slope of each row should be opposite to the directional slope of the screws of the adjacent row. The length of the screws is chosen so that on the side opposite to screwing they protrude no more than 2 mm.
6. We cut out an arched handle 350 mm long from the board and fasten it to the workpiece with self-tapping screws. Important: the aerated concrete float (plane) is painted with colorless varnish or white paint. Otherwise, marks will remain on the surface of the blocks.

Making plane blades with metal files is an additional technique. Actions in order for your consideration.

1. Every 6-7 mm, transverse parallel lines are used to mark the board blank.

2. Cutting is done at a depth of half the file width, following the lines. In this instance, half of the cuts are made at an angle of roughly 30° in one direction, and the other half are made at an angle that faces the other way.

3. After filling the incisions with two-component epoxy glue, the files are placed inside.

4. The handle fastens with screws.

The plane can be used for its intended purpose once the glue has hardened.

Building projects can be made much easier if you build your own plane for processing aerated concrete blocks. You have gained knowledge on how to create a tool that is tailored to your own requirements by following these steps. By using this plane, you can improve the accuracy and productivity of your building process by achieving smooth finishes and precise cuts on aerated concrete.

Always keep in mind that safety comes first when using tools and materials. Wear the proper safety gear at all times, especially when using power tools or working with aerated concrete, as these tasks can generate fine dust. To maintain a safe environment, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated and clean up completely after each use.

By personalizing your plane, you can make it fit different kinds and sizes of aerated concrete blocks, giving you flexibility when working on building projects. The results of your work can be greatly improved by using a well-made plane that is specifically tailored to your needs, whether you’re shaping, smoothing, or cutting surfaces.

You can save money and obtain a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used in construction by taking the time to build your own plane. This do-it-yourself method gives you the confidence and efficiency to take on more projects, which improves the outcome and caliber of your building and repair projects.

Video on the topic

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