Craftex CX series User manual

CX15 & CX20
15” & 20” MOBILE PLANERS
User Manual

2
Table of Contents
General Safety Instructions------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Specific Safety Instructions------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
CX15 Features----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
CX20 Features----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Physical Features------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Setup----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Un-packing---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Proper Grounding--------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Assembly----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Foot Pedal and Caster ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Extension Wings--------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Magnetic Switch --------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Dust Hood----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Hand Wheel--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Gear Box Pull Handle -------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Test Run------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Operations & Adjustment------------------------------------------------------------------13
Basic Controls-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Depth of Cut -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Feed Speed Control ---------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Table Roller Height ----------------------------------------------------------------------------14
In-feed & Out-feed Rollers -------------------------------------------------------------------15
Chip Breaker & Pressure Bar ---------------------------------------------------------------15
Anti-Kickback Fingers-------------------------------------------------------------------------15
Return Rollers-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
Inspecting the Cutter Head Knives---------------------------------------------------------16
Knife Replacement & Adjustment----------------------------------------------------------16
V-belt Tension-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Roller Spring Tension -------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Lubrications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Feed Roller Bushings -------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Table Height Worm Gear---------------------------------------------------------------------18
Columns and Lead Screws ------------------------------------------------------------------18
Gearbox-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Table Height Chain & Sprockets -----------------------------------------------------------19
Drive Chain and Sprockets ------------------------------------------------------------------19
Parts List and Parts Breakdown -----------------------------------------------------20-41
Warranty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42

3
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Extreme caution should be used when operating all power tools. Know
your power tool, be familiar with its operation, read through the owner’s
manual and practice safe usage procedures at all times.
CONNECT your machine ONLY
to the matched and specific
power source.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses
respirators, hearing protection
and safety shoes, when operating
your machine.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or
jewelry when operating your
machine.
A SAFE ENVIRONMENT is
important. Keep the area free of
dust, dirt and other debris in the
immediate vicinity of your
machine.
BE ALERT! DO NOT use
prescription or other drugs that
may affect your ability or
judgment to safely use your
machine.
DISCONNECT the power source
when changing drill bits, hollow
chisels, router bits, shaper heads,
blades, knives or making other
adjustments or repairs.
NEVER leave a tool unattended
while it is in operation.
NEVER reach over the table
when the tool is in operation.
ALWAYS keep blades, knives
and bits sharpened and properly
aligned.
ALWAYS keep all safety guards
in place and ensure their proper
function.
ALWAYS use push sticks and
feather boards to safely feed your
work through the machine.
ALWAYS make sure that any
tools used for adjustments are
removed before operating the
machine.
ALWAYS keep the bystanders
safely away while the machine is
in operation.

4
CX15-15” / CX20-20” Thickness Planer
Specific Safety Instructions
If you are not familiar with the
operation of a thickness planer, you
should obtain the advice and/or
instruction from a qualified
professional.
Never reach into or through the throat
of the thickness planer. Even with the
power turned off, the cutter-knives are
very sharp.
Keep the cutter head and knives
clean and free of tar and pitch.
Be sure that the motor switch is
properly grounded.
Check each and every board to be
surfaced for loose knots, nails,
screws and any other foreign
materials and defects before
planning.
Keep hands away from the surface of
the wood as it nears the in-feed
rollers.
Make all adjustments with the power
OFF.
Always keep the machine clean and
free of sawdust and wood chips. They
may contain moisture that could
cause the cast-iron surfaces to rust.
Turn OFF power before removing
wood shavings and sawdust from the
surface of in-feed & out-feed tables.
THINK SAFETY. WORK SAFELY
IMPORTANT
The safety instructions given above can not be complete because the environment in
every shop is different. Always consider safety first as it applies to your individual
working conditions.

5
MODEL CX15-15” PLANER WITH MOBILE BASE
As part of the growing line of Craftex woodworking equipment, we are proud to offer the CX15. The
Craftex name guarantees Craft Excellence. By following the instructions and procedures laid out in
this owner’s manual, you will receive years of excellent service and satisfaction. The CX15 is a
professional tool and like all power tools, proper care and safety procedures should be adhered to.
Motor: 3HP, 220 Volts, Single Phase, 15 Amps, TEFC
3 “V” Belts Drive
Cutter Head Speed: 5,000 RPM
Cuts per minute : 15,000
Feed Rate: 16 FPM and 30 FPM plus Neutral.
Capacity: 15” Width, 8” Height
Minimum Stock Thickness: 3/16”
Max. Stock Thickness: 8”
Max. Cut Depth Planing Full Width – 3/32”
Max. Cut Depth Planing 6 Inch Wide Board 1/8”
Number of Cutter-Head Knives: 3 Knives H.S.S, Jack-Screw Cutter-Head
Cutter –Head Knives Size: 15" x 3/4" x 1/8"
Table Size: 20” x 15”
All Ball Bearing and Cast-Iron Construction
Precision Ground Cast Iron In-feed and Out-feed Tables with Rollers
Oil-Bath Gear Box supplies 2 speeds and neutral to the in-feed and out-feed rollers
Powder Coated Paint
Mobile Base with Locking Foot Pedal
4” Dust Port is Included
Weight: 650 lbs.
Length, Width & Height 42” x 32-1/2” x 45-7/8”
Warranty – 3 YEARS
PLANER
FEATURES

6
MODEL CX20-20” PLANER WITH MOBILE BASE
As part of the growing line of Craftex woodworking equipment, we are proud to offer the CX20. The
Craftex name guarantees Craft Excellence. By following the instructions and procedures laid out in
this owner’s manual, you will receive years of excellent service and satisfaction. The CX20 is a
professional tool and like all power tools, proper care and safety procedures should be adhered to.
Motor: 5 HP, 220 Volts, Single Phase, 25 Amps
3 ‘V’ Belts Drive.
Cutter Head Speed: 5,000 RPM
Cuts per minute: 20,000
Feed Rate: 16 FPM and 20 FPM plus Neutral.
Capacity: 20” width, 8” height.
Minimum Stock Thickness: 3/16”
Max. Stock Thickness: 8”
Max. Cut Depth Planing Full Width – 1/8”
Max. Cut Depth Planing 6” Wide Board 1/8”
Number of Cutter-Head Knives: 4 H.S.S Knives
Cutter –Head Knives Size: 20" x 3/4" x 1/8"
Table Size: 25-3/4” x 20”
All Ball Bearing and Cast-Iron Construction
Precision Ground Cast Iron In-feed and Out-feed Tables with Rollers
Oil-Bath Gear Box supplies 2 speeds and Neutral to the in-feed and out-feed rollers.
Powder Coated Paint
Mobile Base with Locking Foot Pedal
5” Dust Port is Included
Weight: 880 lbs.
Length, Width & Height 56” x 39” x 45-7/8”
Warranty – 3 YEARS
PLANER
FEATURES

7
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Magnetic
ON/OFF
Switch
Top
Return
Rollers Table
Height
Hand wheel
Feed
Rate
Knob
Table
Locks
Cabinet
Panel
Pedal for
Mobile
Base
Solid Iron
Cast Front
Extension
Wing
Bed
Rollers
Lifting
Bars
Table
Height
Scale

8
To setup the machine you need an
assistant to help you. For the protection of
your eyes both of you need to have safety
glasses. The unpainted surfaces of the
planer are coated with rust prevention
waxy oil and you will want to remove this
before you begin assembly. Use a solvent
cleaner that will not damage painted
surfaces.
Unpacking
The planer is properly packaged in a
wooden crate. When unpacking, carefully
inspect the crate and ensure that nothing
has been damaged during transit. Open
the crate and check that the machine is in
a good condition. The machine is heavy
and you should use a fork truck or get
assistance to move the machine for safe
moving method. The cabinet stand is
equipped with 4 lifting handles (rods) that
pull out. Use only these handles when
moving the machine with the fork truck.
You should also remove the top cover and
clean the cutter-head, table, feed rollers
and extension wings before assembly and
operation.
Minimum work space for CX15 and CX20
IMPORTANT
CX15/CX20 is a heavy machine. Do
not over-exert yourself. For safe
moving method get the help of
assistant.
SETUP
IMPORTANT
When setting up your machine, you will
want to find an ideal spot where your
planer will most likely be positioned
most of the time. Consider your
complete work environment as well as
working comfortable with the jointer
before placing your machine in the
ideal spot.

9
Proper Grounding
The machine is pre-wired to be used with
a 220-volts power supply. Ensure the cord
is plugged into a grounded power outlet.
To prevent possible electrical hazards,
have a qualified electrician ensure that the
line is properly wired
Figure-1 220-Volts Outlet for CX15 & CX20
ASSEMBLY
Installing Foot Pedal & the Caster
For clarity, it is recommended that you
may want to remove the front panel on the
base of the machine. See Figure-2
Figure-2 Removing the front panel
Once you have removed the front panel,
you can begin assembling the integrated
mobile base.
Remove the hex bolt and hex nut that is
comes installed on the foot pedal bracket.
Align the holes on the caster assembly
with the holes on the bracket and flange
and insert the bolt, tighten the screws.
Now align the holes on the foot pedal with
the foot pedal bracket and secure it with
the help of the washers and screws
provided. See Figure-4
Figure-4 Installing the foot pedal and the
caster
Your mobile base should now be installed
and ready to us. You can now lower the
machine back to the ground. Once the
machine is sitting back on solid ground,
you can lock the mobile base in the place

10
by lifting the foot pedal up. When you are
ready to move your machine again, it is
recommended that you use the lifting
handles (or once the table extension
wings are in place) as leverage when
operating the foot pedal so that you do not
hurt your back (the machine is very
heavy, so a strong rigid mobile base has
been provided).
Installing the Extension Wings
Remove the extension wings from the
cardboard box. Starting with either the
front or the back of the machine, take the
first extension table and line the holes of
the table bed with the holes of the
extension table. Using the hex bolts, lock
washers and flat washers provided,
finger-tighten all the holes so that the
table is secure. Do not fully tighten at this
time. See Figure-5
Once you have installed both extension
wings, you can begin the process of
leveling out the tables to make sure that
they are both flush machine.
The extension tables are equipped with
adjusting set screws that make these
adjustments very easy. See Figure-6
It is important to use a straight edge at
this time as a guide and the set screws for
leveling to make sure it is attached
properly. Position the extension wings
even with the main bed and once fully
leveled, tighten all hex bolts. See Figure-7
Repeat the same procedure for the other
extension wing.
Figure-5 Installing the extension wings
Figure-6 Adjusting the set screws
Figure-7 Leveling the wings using straight edge
Assembly