Cutting head with Byrd SHELIX Helical Cutter Head
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Background
The Ridgid R4300 planer is a woodworking machine intended to trim wooden boards to a consistent thickness throughout their length. This planer features a three-blade cutterhead meant to leave a smooth and blemish-free surface on planed wood. The blades are easy to remove and replace, as well as being reversible, so they can last a long time before requiring sharpening or replacement. The 13 inch width capacity on the R4300 allows for planing large stocks of wood. Boards feed through one end of the machine and are trimmed to a consistent thickness throughout their length.
The Ridgid R4300 is a relatively older model of the Ridgid brand's series of 13 inch planers, which was discontinued following the release of the R4330 model in 2009. Then, the R4331 model was released in 2011. These two newer models have more accessible documentation than the R4300, but they all share the same basic functionalities.
Non-mechanical plane tools allow for using basic muscle power to push a blade along a wood surface in order to smooth that surface. This is ideal for small woodworking projects that require a delicate touch. An electric hand planer has the same function, but is motorized to make the task easier. These two hand plane tools would likely be used for smaller projects, but a benchtop planer like the R4300 is ideal for intermediate woodworkers who will need to quickly plane large stocks of wood. Another benefit of benchtop planers is that they are capable of high levels of productivity while being less expensive and more portable compared to cabinet planers, which are heavy-duty pieces of industrial machinery that are less likely to be used by non-industrial woodworkers. A product like the R4300 is best used by a hobbyist or DIYer who might be working in a garage as opposed to a lumber yard.
Ridgid is an American manufacturing company founded in 1923 that sells a wide variety of construction tools.
Identification
This planer includes a table/bed that extends from the input and output ends of the machine. This table/bed is labeled with the Ridgid company name, on both sides, in white text underlined in orange on a black rectangular background. The R4300 also includes a side-mounted handwheel that adjusts the depth of the central mechanism which houses the three-blade cutting head.
The machine's body is mostly colored orange, with a black top portion featuring the Ridgid company name inlaid into the material.
To identify the Ridgid R4300, look at the label on to the top of the main mechanism at the center of the machine. The model number should be listed, as well as relevant safety information.
Technical Specifications
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): ~25.19 x 15.75 x 20.5 in.
Capacity (W x H): 13 in. x 6-1/8 in.
Maximum Depth of Cut: 1/8 in.
Weight: ~73 lbs.
Sources:
Ridgid 13 Inch Thickness Planer Official Webpage
Ridgid R4330 13 Inch Thickness Planer Amazon Webpage
Additional Information
Ridgid R4331 13 Inch Thickness Planer Official Webpage