Hoffmann BH 556 Operating instructions

SERVICE and INSTRUCTION MANUAL
for
BH 556 Lipping Planer
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc.
1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690 USA
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 – 4620
e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Toll-free Technical Support: (866) 248 – 0100

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 1 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
1. Safety and Warning Labels
A number of important warning labels have been attached to this handheld power planer for your information
and protection.
For your own safety, please take a moment to locate and read all warning labels before operating this machine.
If a label has been removed, defaced or is illegible, please contact Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. to request
a free replacement. NEVER REMOVE ANY SAFETY OR WARNING LABEL!
2. General Machine Description
The Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer is a handheld planing machine. It is designed solely for flush planing of
applied solid wood and laminate edges.
The machine can be used on solid hard and softwood edges as well as veneer and laminate edgebanding
materials.
Depending on the material being planed and the feed rate, up to 3mm = 1/8” material can be removed in one
pass.
The machine uses the panel surface as reference for the planing operation, which explains why imperfections,
high or low spots, etc. in the panel could adversely effect the planing result. Unsatisfactory results due to poor
panel surfaces, insufficient preparation or improper operation are not covered under our warranty and are not
grounds for replacement or refund.
USE OF THIS MACHINE FOR ANY OTHER OPERATION IS DANGEROUS AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.The
manufacturer cannot be held liable if the machine is used for any operations other than outlined in this manual.
3. Operator Training
The Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer is to be operated, maintained and repaired only by properly trained and
qualified personnel. It is imperative that the operator has carefully read and understood these operating
instructions, and that he or she is aware of all potential risks resulting from operating this machine.
For proper planing results, the operator should take the time to practice the handling and use of the machine on
spare materials before using the machine on actual production parts.
All applicable safety procedures and rules, including but not limited to all OSHA Rules and Regulations, are to
be adhered to.
Any unauthorized modification or alteration to this machine by the operator or owner will immediately void the
machine warranty. The manufacturer cannot be held liable if the machine is used for any operations other than
outlined in this manual or if the machine is modified or altered.
If the operator does not posses sufficient English language skills to completely understand all sections of this
manual, especially the sections on Warning Labels and Safety Rules, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to
retain a qualified translator to translate this entire manual.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 2 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
4. Safety Rules
Read and understand these safety rules before operating this machine!
1. Always disconnect the machine from the electrical power supply before attempting any
adjustment, repair or maintenance procedure (change of blades, depth-of-cut adjustment,
removal of wood dust, etc.).
2. Always wear eye and ear protection as well as a respirator suitable for wood dust.
3. Always use suitable dust collection system. Duct must be properly connected to dust extraction
port.
4. Never operate the machine without first installing the side handle.
5. Always use both hands to operate the machine.
6. Small workpieces, panels, etc. must be securely fastened to work table before planing.
7. Always check workpiece for nails, screws, stones or other embedded material. All foreign
material must be removed prior to planing.
8. Keep all electrical power tools out of reach of children at all times.
9. Do not allow power cord to lie on floor, in the way of passing personnel or the machine operator.
It will cause a trip hazard.
10. Make sure the electrical outlet is properly grounded.
Never remove the grounding prong from the power plug!
11. Use only grounded extension cords, minimum size: 14-gauge (AWG).
12. Remove or confine loose hair, clothing and jewelry to avoid entanglement.
13. Avoid a dangerous environment. Do not expose electrical equipment to rain. Do not use in
presence of flammable liquids or gases.
14. Keep the area around the machine clean and free from scrap, sawdust, wood chips, oil and
grease to avoid the danger of slipping.
15. Use only sharp and flawless original Hoffmann carbide blades.
16. Replace worn blades immediately. Always replace blades in sets of two.
17. Check the machine upon receipt as well as before every use for improper functioning and worn
or damaged parts. Make sure the blades are securely installed.
18. Always check the proper function of the cutter head guard before operating the machine. Never
operate this machine with damaged or missing blade guard!
19. Broken or defective parts must not be used until replaced or repaired by a qualified technician.
20. When interrupting work or upon leaving the area, machine must be disconnected to avoid
unauthorized operation.
21. Only trained and qualified personnel must be allowed to use machine.
22. Only original Hoffmann replacement parts must be used to rebuild machine.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 3 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
5. Operation
1. Initial Set-Up
DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY ADJUSTMENT OR MAINTENANCE WORK!
With a straight edge, check if blades are in line with base plate. Use two small Allen screws in knife
clamping plate to adjust blade up or down, if necessary. Blades should be in-line with base plate and
project not more than 1.1mm above cutterhead body. (see drawing B)
Attach side handle (1) on cutterhead housing.
2. Operation
a) Set machine on panel and connect power supply.
b) Hold machine with main handle (2) and lift cutterhead off the panel with side handle (1).
Cutterhead must be clear off panel before machine is switched on!
c) Switch on machine.
d) Using two fingers, pull back blade guard (3) to expose rotating cutterhead.
e) SLOWLY lower machine onto panel.
f) To stop, lift machine off panel.
g) Release power switch and blade guard.
h) Set down machine only after cutterhead has come to a complete stop.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 4 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
(4) (2)
(1)
(3)
3. Adjusting cutterhead to panel surface
a) Check with straight edge to assure cutterhead is set higher than base plate before continuing.
b) To adjust the cutterhead setting, switch on the machine and set it on a piece of flat panel (panel
does not need to have wood edge attached).
Caution: Make sure panel is secured to table with clamps, screws, etc. If cutterhead setting is
incorrect, an unsecured panel could be thrown off the table possible causing an injury!
c) SLOWLY turn the front adjustment knob (4) to lower the rotating cutterhead onto the panel.
Turning the knob clockwise will raise the cutterhead off of the panel, turning it counterclockwise
will lower the cutterhead onto the panel. (A coin may be used to turn the inner portion of the
knob.)
The knob is equipped with a built-in spring to produce a ratchet action. Each “click” of the ratchet
raises or lowers the cutterhead approx. 1/10mm – 4/1000”.
d) When adjusted correctly, the blades will slightly touch the panel without leaving any marks.
4. Feed rate
The maximum feed rate depends on various factors including depth of cut (how much material is
removed), width of cut (how wide the edge is), condition of blades, material being planed, etc.
While the BH 556 can remove up to 1/8” of material in one pass, it is recommended that the wooden
edge be glued as precise as possible, generally about 1/16” higher than the panel.
A power plane can only produce a clean cut when it is operated at full RPM!

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 5 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
5. Maintenance
The BH 556 is equipped with solid carbide blades, which are indexed and reversible.
The blades cannot be sharpened and must be replaced with Original Hoffmann Replacement Blades
when dull.
Always replace blades in pairs.
Caution: Check condition of blades before every use and replace dull or worn blades
immediately. Using dull blades results in rough surfaces on the finished product and could
cause motor damage.
Blade Change
a) Disconnect electrical power supply from machine.
b) Pull back pivoting blade guard.
c) Loosen set screws (60) in cutterhead with 8mm wrench.
d) Slide blades sideways out of holder.
e) Clean blade holder and screws and remove all wood residue.
f) Install new blades. Important: The indentation in the knife set plate must be properly aligned with
the knife clamping plate.
The ridge in the knife set plate must rest in the groove in the blade back.
g) Blade assembly must be centered in cutterhead.
h) Tighten the locking screws with the enclosed 8mm wrench.
i) If set properly, blades should extend 1.1mm past cutterhead body.
Brush Change
Always replace brushes in pairs. Use only Original Hoffmann Parts.
a) Remove screws (29) and motor cover (30).
b) Remove old brushes and insert new ones (31) in same manner.
c) Replace motor cover (30) and secure with screws (29).
6. Cleaning of Machine
Clean machine regularly with compressed air. Keep swivel guard in good operating order. Remove
glue residue immediately from base plate.
Never use paint thinner or alcohol to clean machine – damage may occur.
7. Service and Repairs
Spare and replacement parts are available from Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc.
Please contact your local power tool service center for repair work.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 6 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 7 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Item Part Number Description
1 202 210 001 side handle
2 202 210 002 cutter head cover, complete
3 202 210 003 chip deflecto
r
4 000 000 408 screw, M4 x 8
5 202 200 050 arbor with cutter head
6 000 406 003 ball bearing, 6003 - 2RS
7 202 201 033 retaining ring
8 000 406 201 ball bearing, 6201 - 2RS
9 202 201 017 woodruff key, 3x5
10 000 010 408 screw, M4 x 8
11 202 201 036 fine adjustment screw
12 202 201 041 steel spring
13 202 201 038 knob, M10
14 202 201 040 threaded stem, M10/M5
15 202 201 061 fine adjustment knob set, complete
16 202 210 016 name plate "ADLER BH 556"
17 202 210 017 machine housing
18 202 210 018 front pivot pin
19 202 201 019 drive belt, 18 x 275
20 202 210 020 washer, M5
21 000 000 514 screw, M5 x 14
22 202 210 022 belt cove
r
23 000 020 535 screw, M5 x 35
24 202 210 032 arbor pulley, 38.5mm
25 202 201 035 leaf spring
26 202 201 043 washer, 5 x 20
27 202 201 037 base plate
28 000 000 512 screw, M5 x 12
29 202 210 029 screw, M4 x 19
30 202 210 030 motor cove
r
31 202 211 031 carbon brush, 120 volt, for BH556
32 202 210 032 screw, M4 x 13
33 202 210 033 brush holde
r
34 000 406 010 ball bearing, 6000 - 2RS
35 202 210 035 rubber bearing cup
36 202 211 036 rotor complete, 120 volt, for BH556
37 202 201 055 front shaft
38 000 406 001 ball bearing, 6001 - 2RS
39 202 201 017 woodruff key, 3x5
40 202 210 040 motor pulley, 20.8mm
41 202 210 020 washer, M5
42 000 000 514 screw, M5 x 14
43 202 201 025 adjustment plate
44 202 210 029 screw, M4 x 19
45 202 210 045 main handle cove
r
46 202 210 046 power switch locking pin
47 202 210 047 printed circuit
48 200 503 211 power switch, BH 556
49 000 020 520 screw, M5 x 20
50 202 210 050 motor housing
51 202 211 051 stator, 120 volt, for BH 556
52 202 210 052 screw, M4 x 60
53 202 210 053 stator cove
r
54 000 510 021 power cord, 120 volt, for BH556
55 000 235 005 retaining ring
56 202 201 058 rear pivot pin
57 202 200 049 knife set plate
58 200 807 055 knives, reversable, carbide, 10 pc. Box
59 202 200 047 knife clamping plate with screws
60 202 200 046 clamping plate screws, M5 x8
61 000 020 516 screw, M5 x 16
62 202 211 062 label, S/N & technical data, 120 volt
63 202 200 400 open end wrench, 8mm

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 8 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
8. Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Warranty
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. (hereinafter called “seller”) guarantees all machines and parts of
its own manufacture against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months
from the date of shipment, under normal use and service by buyer (one eight hour production period
per day). No other warranties are to be implied with respect thereto. The liability of seller under its
warranty is limited to adjustment, in accordance with the warranty adjustment terms set forth below,
for products which are found to be defective by seller in the form in which they were originally
shipped. In no event will seller be liable for collateral, consequential or other damages of any kind or
nature.
SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Warranty Adjustment Terms
1. Adjustments will be limited to claims which are presented promptly after the product is found to
be defective, and within the aforesaid warranty period.
2. All products claimed to be defective will be subject to inspection and test by seller. Normally,
seller will request return of products for inspection and test, however, seller reserves the right to
make inspection and test on buyer’s premises. Returns are to be made only as and if authorized
by seller.
3. Buyer will pay all packaging, inspection, labor and transportation costs involved. Credit for the
transportation costs only will be issued by seller provided adjustment subsequently is allowed.
4. No adjustments will be allowed for products which have been subjected to abuse, improper
installation or application, alteration, accident or negligence in use, storage, transportation or
handling; nor for products on which original identification markings have been removed, defaced
or altered.
5. Final determination as to whether any adjustment is allowable, and as to the extend thereof,
rests with the seller. Full adjustment, if allowed, normally will be made by replacement in kind on
an exchange basis. Pro rata adjustment, if allowed, normally will be made by issuance of credit.
In all cases, however, the seller reserves the right to make adjustments by repair, replacement
or credit.
6. Replacement for products found subject to adjustment, whether new or repaired, will be shipped
F.O.B. City of destination with transportation charges prepaid by seller.
Installation
Buyer shall install machinery purchased from seller at buyer’s cost and expense, unless otherwise
expressly stipulated in writing. At the request of buyer, seller will recommend competent engineers to
supervise the installation, and to instruct buyer in the proper operation of the machinery and
equipment. During such period of supervision and instruction, such personnel shall be deemed to be
employees of the buyer who shall pay the wages, remuneration, board and traveling expenses of
such personnel and shall not make seller liable, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever, for
any damages resulting from any act of commission or omission or any misfeasance or malfeasance,
on the part of said personnel.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 9 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9. Terms and Conditions of Sale
1. Application and Scope:
The terms and conditions contained herein apply to proposals made, and to purchase orders
received, by HOFFMANN MACHINE COMPANY, INC. (hereinafter called “Seller”), and sets forth the
entire agreement between the parties hereto, and supersedes all communication, representations or
agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
herein, and no agreement or understanding varying or extending the terms or conditions hereof will
be binding unless expressly agreed to in writing by Seller. No conditions stated by Buyer in its
purchase order or orders shall be binding upon Seller if in conflict with, inconsistent with, or in
addition to, the terms and conditions contained herein, unless expressly accepted in writing by
Seller. Seller’s failure to object to any provision contained in any communication or purchase order
from Buyer shall not be deemed a waiver of the terms and conditions herein. All orders or contracts
are subject to approval and acceptance by Seller at its main office in North Carolina. These Terms
and Conditions are within the sole discretion of Seller and are subject to change with or without prior
notice.
2. Quotations and F.O.B. Point:
Prices are quoted and all sales are made F.O.B. Sellers facility and, unless otherwise indicated in
the proposal, prices quoted are effective for a maximum thirty (30) days after the date of any
proposal.
3. Terms of Payment:
All invoices are due and payable as set forth on the front of the invoice. Each delivery shall be
considered a separate and independent transaction and payment thereof shall be made on terms set
forth on invoice covering same. If delivery is delayed by Buyer, payment shall become due when
Seller is prepared to make delivery. If, in the sole judgment of the Seller, the financial condition of
Buyer at any time does not justify continuation of manufacture or of delivery as originally specified,
Seller may vary terms of payment by requiring full or partial payment in advance, or otherwise, or
may ship to Buyer’s order against sight draft with bill of lading attached.
4. Taxes:
Unless the quotation expressly provides otherwise, the amount of any present or future Federal,
State or local sales, excise or other tax applicable to the products purchased hereunder, or to the
manufacture or sale thereof (including, without limitation, state or local privilege or excise taxes
based on gross revenue), and any taxes or amounts in lieu thereof paid or payable by Seller in
respect of the foregoing (excluding, however, taxes based on net income), shall be added to the
purchase prices and shall be paid by Buyer. In lieu thereof, Buyer may provide Seller with an
appropriate tax exemption certificate acceptable to the taxing authorities.
5. Warranty:
The products covered herein are warranted, for a period of twelve (12) months from date of
shipment, against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service by Buyer. The
liability of Seller under its warranty is limited to adjustment, in accordance with the Warranty
Adjustment Terms set forth below, for products which are found to be defective by Seller in the form
in which they were originally shipped. In no event will Seller be liable for collateral, consequential or
other damages of any kind.
SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 10 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9. Terms and Conditions of Sale (continued)
6. Warranty Adjustment Terms:
(a) Adjustments will be limited to claims which are presented promptly after the product is found to
be defective, and within the aforesaid warranty period.
(b) All products claimed to be defective will be subject to inspection and test by Seller. Normally,
Seller will request return of products for inspection and test, however, Seller reserves the right to
make inspection and test on Buyer’s premises. Returns are to be made only as and if authorized in
writing by Seller.
(c) Buyer will pay all packaging, inspection, labor and transportation costs involved. Credit for the
transportation costs only will be issued by Seller provided adjustment subsequently is allowed.
(d) No adjustments will be allowed for products which have been subjected to abuse, improper
installation or application, alteration, accident or negligence in use, storage, transportation or
handling; nor for products on which original identification markings have been removed, defaced or
altered.
(e) Final determination as to whether any adjustment is allowable, and as to the extent thereof, rests
with Seller. Full adjustment, if allowed, normally will be made by replacement in kind on an exchange
basis. Pro rate adjustment, if allowed, normally will be made by the issuance of credit. In all cases,
however, Seller reserves the right to make adjustment by repair, replacement or credit.
(f) Replacement for products found subject to adjustment, whether new or repaired, will be shipped
F.O.B. city of destination with transportation charges prepaid by Seller.
7. Installation:
Buyer shall install machinery purchased from Seller at Buyer’s cost and expense, unless otherwise
expressly stipulated in writing.
8. Packaging and Shipment:
All products shipped hereunder will be packaged in accordance with standard commercial practice
for domestic shipment. Seller’s liability as to delivery ceases upon making delivery of products
purchased hereunder to carrier at Seller’s facility, in good condition, the carrier acting as Buyer’s
agent. All claims for damages must be filed with the carrier or Buyer’s insurer as appropriate. Seller
will select the method of shipment unless Buyer does so in writing at least ten (10) days in advance
of the scheduled delivery date. Equipment held for Buyer because of Buyer’s delay in acceptance,
shall be at Buyer’s risk and expense. Seller does not assume liability for shipping in the least
expensive manner.
9. Deliveries:
It is the desire of Seller to meet requested delivery schedules, however, Seller shall not incur any
liability, consequential, collateral or otherwise, due to any delay or failure to deliver for any reason,
other than arbitrary refusal by Seller to perform. Any delivery indication furnished by Seller only
represents the best estimate of the time required to make shipment.
10. Assignment:
Buyer shall not assign this purchase order or any interest herein or any rights thereunder, without the
prior written consent of Seller.
11. Termination:
Seller may terminate the purchase order or any part thereof herein referred to or any other purchase
order or orders then outstanding by written, telegraphic or electronic mail notice to Buyer if Buyer
becomes insolvent or is subject to proceedings under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or
relief of debtors. Upon such termination Seller shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for
reasonable termination charges.

Hoffmann BH 556 Lipping Planer
- 11 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9. Terms and Conditions of Sale (continued)
12. Cancellations or Returns:
Buyer shall not cancel any order nor return any equipment without first obtaining the written consent
of Seller. In any event, in case of refusal or inability of Buyer to accept a delivery, the Buyer shall
nevertheless be liable for freight, express, storage, handling, restocking and any other expense
resulting. In no event are orders for machines or parts built to customers’ specification subject to
cancellation and Buyer shall be liable for work done and materials used.
13. Specifications:
(a) Phone order specifications are filled at Buyer’s risk unless confirmed in writing prior to
commencement of manufacture.
(b) If equipment is found not the meet original specifications, Seller shall have a reasonable time to
make adjustments.
14. Law Governing:
Buyer’s purchase order shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of
North Carolina. The courts of the State of North Carolina shall have jurisdiction over any controversy
that may arise out of the dealings between Buyer and Seller.
15. Force Majure:
Seller shall not be liable under this agreement by reason of its delay in the performance of or failure
to perform any of its obligations hereunder if such delay or failure is caused by acts of God or the
public enemy, riots, incendiaries, interference by civil or military authority, compliance with
government laws, rules and regulations or any fault beyond its control.
16. Acceptance:
Payment for or a deposit made for the products shall constitute a contract embodying all of terms
and conditions stated herein.
17. Ownership:
All products remain the sole property of the Seller until all charges, including all transportation,
crating and installation costs, are paid in full.
18. Severability:
The provisions of these Terms and Conditions are intended to be severable. If, for any reason, any
of the above provisions should be found unenforceable or invalid in whole or in part, in any
jurisdiction, such provision be ineffective only to the extend the determination of invalidity or
unenforceability in that jurisdiction. Any such determination shall not affect the enforceability or
validity of the remaining provisions.