GMC TP2000 User manual

TP2000
031219 ED9 DR
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2000w
318mm (12-1/2”)
Planer Thicknesser
• Melbourne • Perth • Auckland • Hong Kong • Shanghai
• Taipei • New York • Verona • London • Paris

Contents
Warranty 2
Introduction 3
Environmental protection 3
Description of symbols 3
Specifications 3
General safety instructions 4
Additional safety rules for planer thicknessers 5
Unpacking 6
Assembly 6
Know your product 7
Lifting 8
Mounting 8
Switching on and off 8
Overload switch 8
Adjusting the depth of cut 9
Calibrating the depth scale 9
Operation 9
Avoiding snipe 9
Removing the blades 10
Replacing the blades 10
Adjusting the cutter head to be parallel to
the worktable 11
General inspection 11
Cleaning 11
Repairs 11
Full 2 Years Warranty
Whilst every effort is made to ensure your complete
satisfaction with this tool, occasionally, due to the mass
manufacturing techniques, a tool may not live up to our
required level of performance and you may need the
assistance of our service department.
This product is warranted for a 2-year period from the
date of the original purchase. If found to be defective in
materials or workmanship, the tool or the offending
faulty component will be replaced free of charge with
another of the same item. A small freight charge
may apply.
The warranty replacement unit is only made available by
returning the tool to the place of purchase with a
confirmed register receipt. Proof of purchase is essential.
We reserve the right to reject any claim where the
purchase cannot be verified.
This warranty does not include damage or defects to the
tool caused by or resulting from abuse, accidents,
alterations or commercial or business use.
It also does not cover any bonus accessories unless the
tool is a GMC Platinum Professional model.
Please ensure that you store your receipt in a safe place.
Conditions apply to the above warranty.
If you need direction of what constitutes a free of
charge warranty claim, please review the guide given on
the rear of the Receipt Holder. An indication is given as
to the types of claim that are permissible, and those
that are not.
2

Dear Customer
If you require any help with your product, whether it is a
Warranty claim, spare part or user information:
Please phone our Help Line for an immediate response.
Phone [phone] in Australia or 0800 445 721 in
New Zealand.
Introduction
Your new GMC power tool will more than satisfy your
expectations. It has been manufactured under stringent
GMC Quality Standards to meet superior performance
criteria.
You will find your new tool easy and safe to operate, and,
with proper care, it will give you many years of
dependable service.
Caution. Carefully read through this entire Instruction
Manual before using your new GMC Power Tool. Take
special care to heed the Cautions and Warnings.
Your GMC power tool has many features that will make
your job faster and easier. Safety, performance and
dependability have been given top priority in the
development of this tool, making it easy to maintain
and operate.
Environmental protection
Recycle unwanted materials instead of
disposing of them as waste. All tools, hoses
and packaging should be sorted, taken to
the local recycling centre and disposed of in
an environmentally safe way.
Description of symbols
The rating plate on your tool may show symbols. These
represent important information about the product or
instructions on its use.
Wear hearing protection.
Wear eye protection.
Wear breathing protection.
Conforms to relevant standards for
electromagnetic compatibility.
Specifications
Voltage: 230 – 240V ~ 50Hz
Input power: 2000W
No load speed: 8000RPM
Cutter head: 48mm diameter with 2 blades
Maximum planing width: 318mm
Minimum planing length: 125mm
Planing height: 4.5mm – 160mm
Maximum depth of cut
per pass: 3mm
Automatic feeding speed: 8m/min
Blade size: 319mm x 18.2mm x 3.2mm
NOTE: This tool is an earthed appliance.
3

General safety instructions
To use this tool properly, you must observe the safety
regulations, the assembly instructions and the operating
instructions to be found in this Manual. All persons who
use and service the machine have to be acquainted
with this Manual and must be informed about its
potential hazards.
Children and infirm people must not use this tool.
Children should be supervised at all times if they are in
the area in which the tool is being used. It is also
imperative that you observe the accident prevention
regulations in force in your area. The same applies for
general rules of occupational health and safety.
Warning. When using power tools, basic safety
precautions should always be taken to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury. Also, please read
and heed the advice given in the additional important
safety instructions.
1. Keep the work area clean and tidy. Cluttered work
areas and benches invite accidents and injury.
2. Consider the environment in which you are working.
Do not use power tools in damp or wet locations. Keep
the work area well lit. Do not expose power tools to
rain and high humidity. Do not use power tools in the
presence of inflammable liquids or gases.
3. Keep visitors away from the work area. All visitors
and onlookers, especially children and infirm persons,
should be kept well away from where you are working.
Do not let others in the vicinity make contact with the
tool or extension cord.
4. Store tools safely. When not in use, tools should be
stored in a dry, high place or locked up out of reach.
5. Do not force the tool. The tool will do the job better
and safer working at the rate for which it was
designed.
6. Use the correct tool for the job. Do not force small
tools or attachments to do the job best handled by a
heavier duty tool. Never use a tool for a purpose for
which it was not intended.
7. Dress correctly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. They can be caught in moving parts. Rubber
gloves and non-slip footwear are recommended when
working outdoors. If you have long hair, wear a
protective hair covering.
8. Use safety accessories. Safety glasses and earmuffs
should always be worn. A face or dust mask is
also required.
9. Connect dust extraction equipment. If devices are
provided for the connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure that these are connected
and properly used.
10. Do not abuse the power cord. Never pull the cord to
disconnect the tool from the power point. Keep the
cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
11. Do not overreach. Keep your footing secure and
balanced at all times.
12. Look after your tools. Keep tools sharp and clean for
better and safer performance. Follow the instructions
regarding lubrication and accessory changes. Inspect
tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have them
repaired by an authorised service facility. Inspect
extension cords periodically and replace them if
damaged. Keep tool handles dry, clean and free from
oil and grease.
13. Disconnect idle tools. Switch off the power and
disconnect the plug from the power point before
servicing, when changing accessories and when the
tool is not in use.
14. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Check to see
that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from
the tool before switching on.
15. Avoid unintentional starting. Always check that the
switch is in the OFF position before plugging in the
tool to the power supply. Do not carry a plugged in
tool with your finger on the switch.
4

16. Use outdoor rated extension cords. When a tool is
used outdoors, use only extension cords that are
intended for outdoor use and are so marked.
17. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use
common sense. Do not operate a power tool when
you are tired.
18. Check for damaged parts. Before using a tool, check
that there are no damaged parts. If a part is slightly
damaged, carefully determine if it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, proper mounting and any other
conditions that may affect the operation of the tool.
A part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorised service facility, unless
otherwise indicated in this Instruction Manual.
Defective switches must be replaced by an authorised
service facility. Do not use a tool if the switch does
not turn the tool on and off correctly.
19. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact
with grounded objects such as water pipes, radiators,
cookers and refrigerator enclosures.
20. Use only approved parts. When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts. Use an authorised service
facility to fit replacement parts.
Warning. The use of an accessory or attachment,
other than those recommended in this Instruction
Manual, may present a risk of personal injury.
Additional safety rules for
planer thicknessers
Warnings. Before connecting a tool to a power source
(mains switch power point receptacle, outlet, etc.) be sure
that the voltage supply is the same as that specified on
the nameplate of the tool. A power source with a voltage
greater than that specified for the tool can result in
serious injury to the user, as well as damage to the tool.
If in doubt, do not plug in the tool. Using a power source
with a voltage less than the nameplate rating is harmful
to the motor.
Always remove the plug from the mains socket before
making any adjustments or maintenance, including
changing the blades.
• Fully unwind cable drum extensions to avoid potential
overheating.
• When an extension cable is required, you must ensure
that it has the right ampere rating for your power tool
and is in safe electrical condition.
• After long working periods external metal parts and
accessories could be hot.
• Ensure that you have removed foreign objects such as
nails and screws from the work before commencing.
• Rags, cloths, cord, string and the like should never be
left around the work area.
• Use safety equipment including safety goggles or shield,
ear protection, dust mask and protective clothing
including safety gloves.
• Check to make sure that all fixing screws are tight
before operating the tool.
• Ensure that the rear guard is in place before
commencing operation.
• Do not force the work piece through the machine. Let
the machine apply the correct automatic feed rate.
• Keep the feed rollers free of wood chips and sawdust. If
the movement becomes clogged, kickback can occur.
• The machine is designed for the planing of wood only.
• Do not use the machine for planing wood with
numerous knots or loose knots,
• Do not stand directly in front of the machine during
operation, stand to one side.
• Check that the blades are fitted correctly before
commencing operation.
5

• Take care when handling blades and the cutter head.
Wear work gloves. The blades are sharp and can easily
cut bare hands.
• Allow the machine to reach full speed before feeding in
a work piece.
• Check that the cutters are securely fastened.
• Check the amount of cut on the blade before using the
machine.
• Never attempt a heavy cut in short stock.
• Avoid cutting across the grain.
• Use suitably designed jigs or push pads that keep your
hands well away from the blades, particularly for shorter
stock planning.
• Advance the material to the cutting head for normal
operation by sliding it along the table, never by placing
it directly on the cutting head.
• Never leave the machine set to a heavy cut, but reduce
it to a minimum cut.
Wear goggles, Wear earmuffs, Wear a breathing mask
The tool must be used only for its prescribed purpose. Any
use other than those mentioned in this Manual will be
considered a case of misuse. The user and not the
manufacturer shall be liable for any damage or injury
resulting from such cases of misuse.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any changes
made to the tool nor for any damage resulting from
such changes.
Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not possible
to eliminate all residual risk factors. The following hazards
may arise in connection with the tool’s construction
and design:
• Damage to the lungs if an effective dust mask is
not worn.
• Damage to hearing if effective earmuffs are not worn.
• Damage to the eyes if effective eye protection is
not worn.
Unpacking
Due to modern mass production techniques, it is unlikely
that your GMC Power Tool is faulty or that a part is
missing. If you find anything wrong, do not operate the
tool until the parts have been replaced or the fault has
been rectified. Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury.
Assembly
Prior to using the machine it is necessary to assemble the
following components:
• Height adjustment handle • Chip guard
• Blade guide
Height adjustment handle
1. Place the handle (2) on
the shaft located on the
top right side of the
machine and secure the
handle in position with
the fixing screw.
Rear guard
1. Position the chip guard
(10) so that the two
vertical threaded posts at
the rear of the machine
locate in the holes in the
chip guard.
2. Ensure that the chip guard
sits flush with rear of the
cutter head.
3. Secure the guard (10) in
place with the two wing
nuts provided.
Blade guide
1. Place the two guide pieces
on the shaft and secure
them in place with the
circlips provided.
6

Know your product
1. Top rollers
2. Height adjusting handle
3. Depth scale
4. Adjustable depth indicator
5. Carry handle recess
6. In-feed table
7. Overload switch
8. On/Off power switch
9. Out-feed table
10. Chip guard
11. Threaded posts for
mounting the chip guard
12. Blade guide (assembled)
13. Mounting bolts (x 4)
14. Spanner
15. Hex keys (4mm and 5mm)
16. Push stick
7
4
8
3
9
6
17 5 2
13
14
12
11
15
10
16

Lifting
1. The machine weighs over 30kg and should not be
carried by one person alone.
2. Fold up the in-feed table (6) and the out-feed table
(9) before lifting the machine.
Note. The chip guard (10) has to be removed before
the out-feed table
can be folded
to the vertical
position.
3. Use the carry
handle recesses
(5) on each side
of the machine
when moving it to
a new position.
Mounting
1. Fit the 4 rubber feet.
2. Attach the machine to a
level, horizontal bench or
work table using bolts
though the fixing holes in
the machine base.
Note. If desired, you can
mount the machine to a
piece of 13mm or thicker
plywood which can then
be clamped to your work
support or moved to other
job sites and reclamped.
Caution. Make sure that
the mounting surface is
not warped as an uneven
surface can cause
inaccurate planing.
Switching on and off
1. For added safety, the
on/off switch (8) includes
a removable locking key to
help prevent unauthorised
use. When the machine
is left unattended, remove
the locking key and store
it safely.
2. To switch on, insert the
locking key and push the
switch (8) to the ON position. The motor should start.
3. To switch off, push the switch (8) to the OFF position.
The motor should stop. Remove the locking key if the
machine is to be left unattended.
Overload switch
1. If the motor is overloaded due to an incorrect
procedure such as an attempt to make too large a cut
in one pass, the centre part
of the overload switch (7)
partially ejects.
2. Establish and correct the
cause of the overload.
3. Wait several minutes then
push in the central part of
the overload switch (7) to
reset the machine.
8

Adjusting the depth of cut
Warning. Switch off the power and disconnect the plug
from the power point before servicing, when changing
accessories and when making adjustments.
1. The depth of cut is changed by raising or lowering the
cutter head using the height adjusting handle (2).
2. The depth scale (3) shows the height of the cutter
head above the base of the machine.
Calibrating the depth scale
Warning. Switch off the power and disconnect the plug
from the power point before servicing, when changing
accessories and when making adjustments.
1. Raise the cutter head to
its highest position using
the height adjusting
handle (2)
2. Insert a wooden block of
known thickness (but less
than 150mm) under the
cutter head.
3. Lower the cutter head until
it just makes contact with the wooden block. Move the
block backwards and forwards across the width of the
cutter head to establish the optimum adjustment.
4. Loosen the screws securing the adjustable depth
indicator (4), adjust the indicator so that the scale
shows the correct height and re-tighten the screws.
5. Test the reading by planing a piece of scrap timber,
note the height indicated on the depth scale (3) and
then measure the thickness of the work piece. The two
measurements should be the same. If not, re-adjust
the depth indicator (4) accordingly.
Operation
1. Adjust the depth of cut to make an initial light
(0.5mm) cut. Note that one complete revolution of the
height adjusting handle (2) is equivalent to 2mm
depth of cut.
Warning. Never attempt to plane more than 3mm in
one pass and never attempt to plan a board which is
less than 125mm long, or more than 160mm high, or
less than 4.5mm thick.
Warning. Always use the push stick (16) to feed a
short work piece into the machine.
2. Switch on the machine and wait until the motor has
reached full speed.
3. Press the board against the in-feed table (6) and feed
it into the machine.
4. Release the board when the machine starts to cut and
let the board feed into the machine automatically.
5. Repeat the operation taking cuts of up to 3mm until
the desired thickness is achieved. Note that the finer
the cut, the better the finish.
Avoiding snipe
1. Snipe is caused by the board tilting slightly towards the
beginning and the end of the planing operation.
2. It shows as lines at the ends of the board, parallel
with the cutter head.
3. To avoid snipe, either support the board on extension
tables set to the same level as the in-feed and out-feed
tables, or mount the machine in a recess in the bench
so that the feed tables are level with the bench.
9

Removing the blades
Warning. Switch off the power and disconnect the plug
from the power point before servicing, when changing
accessories and when making adjustments.
1. If the machine planes unevenly or tends to gouge, the
blades must be removed and sharpened.
2. To remove the blades, proceed as follows.
3. Remove the two wing nuts
securing the chip guard
(10) and take off the chip
guard.
4. Turn the cutter head so
that you can access the 7
nuts that secure the blade.
5. Using the spanner (14),
loosen each nut in a
clockwise direction.
6. Take out the blade (A) and
the blade lock bar (B).
7. Repeat the removal
operation for the second
blade.
8. Sharpen the blades or have
them sharpened for you by
a specialist.
Replacing the blades
Warning. Switch off the power and disconnect the plug
from the power point before servicing, when changing
accessories and when making adjustments.
1. Make sure that the securing nuts in the slot in the
cutter head are loosened (i.e. turned clockwise).
2. Fit the blade lock bar (B) into the slot with the 7 nuts
on the side facing you and the thicker end of the bar
at the bottom.
3. Fit the blade (A) into the slot with
the flat side of the blade facing
towards you.
4. Centre the blade lock bar and the
blade in the cutter head.
5. Place the blade guide (12)
over the blade and cutter
head as shown and tighten
the 2 outside securing nuts.
Turn the nuts anti-clockwise
to tighten them.
6. Once the blade is locked
into position, remove the
blade guide and make sure
that all 7 securing nuts are fully tightened.
7. The blade is now set with a 1.5mm projection.
8. Repeat the operation for replacing and setting the
other blade.
10
A
B
A
B
B
A

9. Replace the chip guard (10) and secure it in position
with the 2 wing nuts.
Warning. Avoid rough contact between the blade and
the blade guide as you might chip the blade.
Adjusting the cutter head to be parallel
to the work table
Warning. Switch off the
power and disconnect the plug
from the power point before
servicing, when changing
accessories and when making
adjustments.
1. Remove the height
adjusting handle (2).
2. Take out the 4 hex head screws securing the machine
cover and remove the cover.
3. Place a 200mm long block of accurately machined
wood between the cutter head and the work table.
4. Temporarily replace the
height adjusting handle
and lower the cutter head
until it just touches the
wooden block.
5. Adjust the two nuts
indicated on both sides of
the machine until the
cutter head just touches
the wooden block along
the complete length of
the block.
6. Replace the machine cover
ensuring that the tabs
at each bottom corner
locates in the relevant slot
in the machine base.
7. Replace the handle.
8. Check and reset the depth indicator if necessary.
General inspection
1. Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight.
2. The supply cord of the tool and any extension cord
used should be checked frequently for damage. If
damaged, have the cordset replaced by an authorised
service facility. Replace the extension cord if necessary.
Cleaning
1. Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at
all times.
2. Remove dust and dirt regularly. Cleaning is best done
with a soft brush or a rag.
3. Re-lubricate all moving parts at regular intervals.
4. If the body of the machine needs cleaning, wipe it
with a soft damp cloth. A mild detergent can be used
but nothing like alcohol, petrol or other cleaning agent.
5. Never use caustic agents to clean plastic parts.
Caution. Water must never come into contact with
the machine.
Repairs
1. Only an authorised service centre should replace the
cordset or effect other repairs. If the cordset is
damaged or worn, have it repaired or replaced by an
authorised service centre.
11

Carefully read the entire Instruction Manual
before using this product.
Before returning this product for a
Warranty Claim or any other reason
Please Call 1300 880 001 (Australia)
or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand)
When you make your call, please have
the following information at hand:
• GMC Product Type •GMC Product Code
A GMC Service Engineer will take your call and, in
most cases, will be able to solve your problem over
the phone.
You are welcome to use this phone-in service to
make suggestions or give comments about any
GMC product.
With continuing product development changes may
have occurred which render the product received
slightly different to that shown in this instruction
manual. The manufacturer reserves the right to
change specifications without notice. Note:
Specifications may differ from country to country.
The GMC 777 Helpline operates from 7am to
7pm, 7 days a week (EST). This allows you
to contact GMC directly with any queries and
technical questions you have regarding
our products.
45–55 South Centre Road
Melbourne Airport
Victoria, Australia 3045
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Save this Manual for future reference.