It has been my experience that in spite of doing all the things others
have mentioned some boards just can't be machine planed without tear out.
My solution was to invest in an old beefy drum sander (Kuster). With
coarse paper it will take 20 thousands per pass or a little better with no
tear out. If I then switch to a fine grit the resulting surface is almost
ready for finish. If you have some really nice boards see if you can find
someone in your area with a drum sander or wide belt sander that will sand
them down for you.
Earl Creel


This is the real benefit of a group like the Wreck. There is always one guy
that is going to go outside of the obvious box. Good thought!