MasterCraft 55-5504-2 Use and care manual

12 1/2" THICKNESS PLANER
55-5504-2
Operation and Safety Instructions
310-9902-001 10/02
Toll Free Hotline: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: (905) 792
-
7670

SECTION PAGE
I. Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
II. General safety rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
III. Specific safety rules for the planer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
IV. Electrical information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
V. Know your planer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
VI. Assembly and adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
VII. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
VIII. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
IX. Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
X. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
12 1/2" THICKNESS PLANER
MODEL NUMBER: 55-5504-2
MOTOR: 120 V, 60 Hz, 15 A
MOTOR SPEED: 9000 RPM
CUTS PER MINUTE: 18000
NET WEIGHT: 62 lb 8 oz (28.4 kg)
CUL:E180772
I. Technical data
Table of contents
2

Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your planer works.
1. READ and become familiar with this entire instruction manual. LEARN the tool’s
applications, limitations, and possible hazards.
2. AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. DO NOT use power tools in wet or damp areas or
expose them to rain. Keep work areas well-lit.
3. DO NOT use power tools in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
4. ALWAYS keep your work area clean, uncluttered, and well-lit. DO NOT work on floor
surfaces that are slippery with sawdust or wax.
5. KEEP BYSTANDERS AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM the work area, especially when the
tool is operating. NEVER allow children near the tool.
6. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL to do a job for which it was not designed.
7. DRESS FOR SAFETY. DO NOT wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewellery (rings,
watches) when operating the tool. They can get caught and draw you into moving parts.
ALWAYS wear non-slip footwear, and tie back long hair.
8. WEAR A FACE MASK OR DUST MASK. Tool operation produces dust.
9. ALWAYS remove the power cord plug from the electrical source when making adjustments,
changing parts, cleaning or working on the tool.
10. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER.
11. AVOID ACCIDENTAL START-UPS. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position
before plugging in the power cord.
12. REMOVE ADJUSTING TOOLS. ALWAYS MAKE SURE all tools are removed from the
planer before turning it on.
13. NEVER LEAVE TOOL ON WHILE UNATTENDED. Turn the power switch to OFF.
DO NOT leave the tool until it has come to a complete stop.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: TO AVOID MISTAKES THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, DO
NOT PLUG IN THE PLANER UNTIL THE FOLLOWING STEPS HAVE BEEN READ AND
UNDERSTOOD.
II. General safety rules
3

14. NEVER STAND ON THE TOOL. Serious injury could result if the tool tips or is accidentally
hit. DO NOT store anything above or near the tool.
15. DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Wear oil-resistant
rubber-soled footwear. Keep the floor clear of oil, scrap, and other debris.
16. MAINTAIN TOOLS PROPERLY. ALWAYS keep tools clean and in good working order.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
17. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check moving parts for alignment, jamming, breakage,
improper mounting, or any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. Any part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced before use.
18. MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF. Use padlocks, master switches, and ALWAYS
remove starter keys.
19. DO NOT operate the tool if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication
that could affect your ability to use the tool properly.
20. WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
A planer can throw foreign objects into your eyes which could cause
permanent eye damage.
ALWAYS wear safety goggles (not glasses). Ordinary eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses...they are NOT safety goggles.
II. General safety rules
WARNING: DUST GENERATED FROM CERTAIN MATERIALS CAN BE HAZARDOUS
TO YOUR HEALTH. ALWAYS OPERATE THE PLANER IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA
AND PROVIDE FOR PROPER DUST REMOVAL. USE DUST COLLECTION SYSTEMS
WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
II. General safety rules ... continued
4

BEFORE USING THE PLANER
1. Your planer comes completely assembled. The only assembly required is the cutterhead
depth adjustment handle. Mount your planer to a work bench or an adequate surface.
2. Learn to use the function of the ON/OFF switch, elevation handle, cutterhead guard, outfeed
table, infeed table and push blocks.
3. Review and understand all safety instructions and operating procedures in this instruction
manual.
4. Review the maintenance methods for this planer.
5. Find and read all the warning labels found on the planer:
• Read manual before using planer.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Never perform planing operation with cutterhead guard or belt guard removed.
• Never make planing cuts greater than 1/32" (0.8 mm).
• Never perform planing cuts on workpieces shorter than 14" (35.6 cm) in length.
• Turn power OFF, wait for blade to stop and remove power cord from power source before
adjusting or servicing.
WHEN INSTALLING OR MOVING THE PLANER
1. AVOID A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT:
• Use the planer in a dry, indoor place protected from rain.
• Keep work area well-lit.
2. TO AVOID INJURY FROM UNEXPECTED PLANER MOVEMENT:
• Bolt or clamp the planer to a firm level surface where there is plenty of room to move the
workpiece through the entire cut.
• Support the planer so the tables are level and the planer does not rock.
• Put the planer where operators or bystanders will not stand in line with the wood
while planing.
• To avoid injury from electrical shock, make sure your fingers do not touch the plug’s metal
prongs when plugging in or unplugging the planer.
• Turn OFF and unplug the planer before moving it to a new area. To avoid back injury,
get help when you need to lift the planer.
• Bolt the planer to the floor if it tends to move when planing long, heavy boards.
• DO NOT STAND ON THE PLANER. Do not store materials above or near it. Standing on
the tool to reach materials could result in serious injury if it tips or is accidentally contacted.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: TO AVOID MISTAKES THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS, PERMANENT
INJURY, DO NOT PLUG IN THE PLANER UNTIL THE FOLLOWING STEPS HAVE BEEN
READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
III. Specific safety instructions for the planer
5

BEFORE EACH USE
1. INSPECT YOUR PLANER:
• If any part is missing, bent or broken in any way, or any electrical part does not work
properly, turn the planer OFF and unplug the planer.
• Replace damaged or missing parts before using the planer.
• Make sure the cutterhead turns in the right direction. The top should move toward the
infeed table.
2. AVOID INJURY FROM JAMS, SLIPS OR THROWN PIECES (KICKBACKS):
• Use this planer to cut wood only.
• Plan your hand placement so your fingers will not be in a place where a sudden slip could
cause them to slide or fall into the cutterhead. When using only one push block to feed the
wood, do not put your other hand on the planer or workpiece.
• Avoid injury from thrown pieces. Make sure the blades are properly installed and the cutter
blade wedge screws are tight.
• Adjust the depth of cut to between 1/32" or less (0.8 mm or less) for best results. A deep
cut makes feeding the wood harder and can cause the wood to kickback.
• Use the right tool. Do not force the tool to do a job it is not intended to do.
3. INSPECT YOUR WORK AREA:
• Keep the work area clean.
• Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents. The floor must not be slippery from wax or
sawdust.
• Avoid burns or other fire damage. Do not use the planer near flammable liquids, vapours or
gases.
• Before using the planer, clear the table of all objects not needed to feed the workpiece.
• Avoid injury. Do not perform layout, assembly, or setup work on the planer.
4. PLAN YOUR WORK:
• Before trying a new or not often used operation, carefully plan your hand placement.
Make sure you have proper push blocks, jigs, fixtures, stops, and other items ready
to use.
• Avoid injury from unsafe accessories. Use only recommended accessories.
WARNING: THE PULLEYS AND THE MOTOR INCLUDED WITH THE PLANER WILL
RUN THE CUTTERHEAD AT THE CORRECT OPERATING RPM. USE OF A DIFFERENT
MOTOR OR PULLEYS WILL CHANGE SPEEDS AND COULD CAUSE JAMMING,
DAMAGE, KICKBACK, THROWN BLADES OR OTHER DANGERS.
III. Specific safety instructions for the planer ...
continued
6
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

5. DRESS FOR SAFETY:
• Plan ahead to protect your eyes, hands, face and ears.
• Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties or jewellery (rings, wrist watches). They can
get caught and draw you into moving parts.
• Wear nonslip footwear.
• Tie back long hair.
• Roll long sleeves above the elbow.
• Noise levels vary widely. To avoid possible hearing damage, wear ear plugs or muffs when
using the planer for hours at a time.
• A planer can throw foreign objects into your eyes. This can result in permanent eye damage.
Wear safety goggles (not glasses) that comply with CSA Standards. Regular eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses. They are not safety glasses.
• For dusty operations, wear a dust mask along with safety goggles.
6. INSPECT YOUR WORKPIECE:
• Make sure there are no nails or foreign objects in the part of the workpiece to be planed.
7. PLAN YOUR CUT:
• Small or thin workpieces can kickback when they tip over on the tables or the cutterhead.
• To avoid cutterhead contact or workpiece kickback, do not plane workpieces shorter than
14" (35.6 cm).
• Do not plane wood thinner than 1/4" (6.3 mm).
• Do not cut freehand. Guide your workpiece solidly against the fence and table top. Make
sure there is no debris between the workpiece and its supports.
• Use extra caution with large, small or awkward workpieces.
• Use extra support (tables, sawhorses, blocks) if your workpiece is hard to hold down to the
table. Do not use another person as additional support or to help feed, support or pull the
workpiece.
• Do not cut more than one workpiece at a time.
• Do not turn your planer ON before clearing everything except the workpiece and related
support devices off the table.
8. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING:
• Make sure the power switch is OFF before plugging the planer into a power source.
III. Specific safety instructions for the planer ...
continued
7
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WHEN THE PLANER IS RUNNING
1. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY:
• Make sure bystanders are clear of the planer.
• Before actually cutting with the planer, let it run for a while. If it makes an unfamiliar noise or
vibrates, stop immediately. Turn the planer OFF. Unplug the planer. Do not restart it until
finding and correcting the problem.
2. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL:
• Feed the workpiece into the planer only fast enough to let the tool cut without bogging down
or jamming.
3. BEFORE FREEING JAMMED MATERIAL:
• Turn the planer OFF.
• Wait for all moving parts to stop.
• Unplug the planer.
4. BEFORE LEAVING THE PLANER:
• Turn the planer OFF.
• Unplug the planer.
• Make the workshop childproof. Lock the shop. Disconnect master switches. Remove the
ON/OFF switch key. Store it away from children and others not qualified to use the tool.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW FAMILIARITY (GAINED FROM FREQUENT USE OF YOUR
PLANER) TO CAUSE A CARELESS MISTAKE. REMEMBER THAT A CARELESS
FRACTION OF A SECOND IS ENOUGH TO CAUSE A SEVERE INJURY.
III. Specific safety instructions for the planer ...
continued
8
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
IN THE EVENT OF A MALFUNCTION OR BREAKDOWN, grounding provides the path of least
resistance for electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with
an electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug
MUST be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with ALL local codes and ordinances.
DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by an electrician.
IMPROPER CONNECTION of the equipment grounding conductor can result in electric shock.
The conductor with the green insulation (with or without yellow stripes) is the equipment grounding
conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, DO NOT connect
the equipment grounding conductor to a live terminal.
CHECK with a qualified electrician or service personnel if you do not completely understand
the grounding instructions, or if you are not sure if the tool is properly grounded.
USE ONLY THREE-WIRE EXTENSION CORDS that have
3-prong plugs and 3-prong outlets that accept the
tool’s plug as shown in Fig. A. Repair or replace damaged
or worn cord immediately.
CAUTION: IN ALL CASES, MAKE CERTAIN THE RECEPTACLE IN QUESTION IS
PROPERLY GROUNDED. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE IF IT IS, HAVE A CERTIFIED
ELECTRICIAN CHECK THE RECEPTACLE.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IV. Electrical information
9
1
3
2
1 - 3-prong plug 2 - Properly grounded outlet
3 - Grounding prong
Fig. A

GUIDELINES FOR USING EXTENSION CORDS
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to
use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows
the correct size to be used according to cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt,
use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Minimum Gauge for Extension Cords (AWG)
(when using 120 V only)
Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a
damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it. Protect your
extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This circuit must not be less than a #12 wire and
should be protected with a 15 A time lag fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line,
make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the
current stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.
WARNING: THIS TOOL MUST BE GROUNDED WHILE IN USE TO PROTECT THE
OPERATOR FROM ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
WARNING: THIS PLANER IS FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR USE IN DAMP LOCATIONS.
IV. Electrical information ... continued
10
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Ampere Rating Total Length of Cord in Feet (metres)
More Than Not More Than 25' (7.6 m) 50' (15 m) 100' (30.4 m) 150' (45.7 m)
06 1816 16 14
610 18161412
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 Not Recommended

1. Transport rollers
(used to transport
workpiece back to infeed
for next planing pass)
2. Reset button
3. ON/OFF switch
4. Workpiece guides
5. Support/infeed roller
6. Mounting holes
7. Measurement scale
8. Carrying handles
9. Cutterhead depth scale
10. Cutterhead depth
adjustment handle
11. UP/DOWN direction decal
12. Motor brushes
13. Cutterhead knife guard
14. Support/outfeed roller
PL002
8
3
4
4
7
6
5
211011
9
12
V. Know your planer
11
13
14
8

Unpacking (Fig. 1)
Carefully unpack the planer and all its parts, and compare it to the list below. Do not discard
the carton or any packaging until the planer is completely assembled.
Fig. 1
1. Planer
2. Knife depth/alignment tool
3. Hex key
4. Knife alignment wrench
5. Rubber feet (4)
6. Hex screw for cutterhead
depth adjustment handle
7. Cutterhead depth
adjustment handle
8. Spare set of blades
9. Power cord
1
9
2
34
5
6
7
8
WARNING: IF ANY PART IS MISSING OR DAMAGED, DO NOT PLUG IN THE PLANER
UNTIL THE MISSING OR DAMAGED PART IS REPLACED.
VI. Assembly and adjustments
12

Power switch (Fig. 2)
1. To turn the planer ON, insert the switch key (1)
into the slot. Move the switch toward the ON
position.
2. To turn the planer OFF, move the switch toward
the OFF position.
3. To lock the switch in the OFF position,
grasp the end of the switch key and
pull it out.
With the switch key removed, the power switch will
not turn on. If the switch key is removed while the
planer is running, it can be turned OFF but cannot
be restarted without inserting the switch key.
CAUTION: NEVER LEAVE THE PLANER UNATTENDED UNTIL IT HAS COME TO A
COMPLETE STOP.
Reset button (Fig. 3)
In the event of an overload, your planer is equipped
with a reset button. If the planer experiences an
overload, turn the power switch to OFF.
1. Unplug the power cord from the power source
if you have to remove any workpiece from the
planer. Remove workpiece.
2. Allow the planer to cool for a few minutes.
3. Plug the power cord back into power source.
4. Press reset button (1).
5. Turn the power switch to the ON position.
1
WARNING: MAKE SURE THE POWER SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION AND THE
POWER CORD IS REMOVED FROM THE POWER SOURCE IF YOU HAVE TO REMOVE
A WORKPIECE FROM THE PLANER.
ON
OFF
REMOVE
TO LOCK
1
VI. Assembly and adjustments ... continued
13
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

VI. Assembly and adjustments
Before starting
Before you start, check for loose fasteners or hardware. Make sure the cutterhead knife guard
is securely mounted and the cutterhead rotates freely.
With the power switch in the OFF position, lower the cutterhead to about 1" (25.4 mm) to the
table. Turn the power switch to the ON position. Allow the planer to reach full speed. Watch
and listen for excessive vibration.
If any excessive vibration is recognized, turn planer OFF and unplug from the power source.
Check for any loose parts. Tighten or make adjustments if necessary. Do not operate the
planer until planer is running smoothly.
Mounting your planer (Fig. 4)
Before operating your planer it must be firmly
mounted to your workbench or other ridged
frame. Use the four rubber feet (1)
supplied and quality hardware when mounting
your planer. Install the cutterhead depth
adjustment handle (2) onto the planer. Use the
hex screw provided.
Planing specifications
Plane select lumber or wood that has a
minimum number of tight knots. Wood with
many and loose knots has a tendency to cause
premature cutterhead knife wear and increases risk of unsafe operation.
Do not plane lumber or wood contaminated with metal, paint, dirt, water or moisture from tree
sap, severely bowed, warped or twisted.
Practice on a scrap piece first to become familiar with the type of wood you are planing. Take
into consideration the hardness, grain pattern, dryness and straightness of the lumber or wood.
Stock Minimum Maximum
Thickness 1/4" (6.3 mm) 6" (152 mm)
Width 3/4" (19 mm) 12" (305 mm)
Length 14" (356 mm) unlimited
Depth of cut – 1/32" (0.8 mm)
1
1
2
VI. Assembly and adjustments ... continued
14
Fig. 4

Planing operation
NOTE: The planer will feed the workpiece automatically to and from the cutterhead. Do not
force the planer to work more than necessary. Damage to the workpiece and the planer can
result.
Planers work best if at least one side of the workpiece is flat. If both sides are rough, the
planer should be used to create one flat side. Plane the opposite side once one side is flat
and smooth.
Planing should be done in steps to achieve the
final planing thickness. If the thickness is to be
reduced by 1/4" (6.4 mm), 1/8" (3.2 mm) should
be removed from each side. This will also allow
the planed workpiece to dry and cure uniformly.
Measure the thickest part of the workpiece
being planed. Make light cuts on both sides.
Do not attempt to make a deep cut or a cut
deeper than 1/32" (0.8 mm). Make several
passes until the desired thickness is achieved.
Light cuts create a finer finish.
Avoid snipes or depressions made by the
cutterhead knives at the beginning or the end
of the board by supporting both ends evenly.
Keep the board level during the entire planing
operation.
Feeding the workpiece (Fig. 5, 6, 7)
NOTE: The planer will feed the workpiece
automatically to and from the cutterhead. Do
not force the workpiece into the planer or make
the planer work more than necessary. Damage
to the workpiece and the planer can result.
Always feed the workpiece with the grain (1) if
possible. If the workpiece must be fed against
the grain (2), make very light cuts.
Hold the workpiece firmly down along the
workpiece guides and allow the planer to
automatically feed the workpiece to the
cutterhead.
2
1
VII. Operation
15
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Workpiece support
Prevent sagging or snipes in the workpiece during planing. Support the workpiece by placing
supports on both ends of the planer or install your planer at a depth where the planer meets
your work bench. The supports must be at the same height of the planer or depth of
installation must be at the same height as the planer. The workpiece should be supported for
its entire length.
Setting the planing depth (Fig. 8, 9, 10)
NOTE: You must establish the starting point
before you attempt to plane the surface. The
cutterhead contact with the workpiece should
only be enough to brush the surface.
DO NOT set the cutterhead too deep.
Measure the workpiece at its thickest part.
Use the measurement scale (1) at the feed end
of the planer to approximate the starting point
of the first pass. Your first attempt at planing is
to brush the surface.
It is good practice to measure the workpiece
after every planing operation.
615
13
11
9
7
5
3
0
1
5
4
3
2
1
0
in mm
1
VII. Operation ... continued
16
Fig. 8

1. Turn the power switch to the ON position.
2. Slowly guide the workpiece along the
workpiece guides into the planer. If the
cutterhead makes contact with the
workpiece, back out the workpiece and
raise the cutterhead UP using the cutterhead
depth adjustment handle (2).
3. Repeat the step of slowly guiding the
workpiece along the guides into the planer,
rotate the cutterhead adjustment handle in
1/8 of a turn or less increments to LOWER
the cutterhead until the cutterhead just
brushes the surface of the workpiece. This
will establish the starting point for the next
pass.
4. Use the cutterhead depth adjustment scale
(3) to determine the desired amount to
plane. The planer will feed the workpiece
automatically to and from the cutterhead.
Do not force the planer to work more than
necessary. Damage to the workpiece and
the planer can result.
Remember, planing should be done in steps
to achieve the final planing thickness. If the
thickness is to be reduced by 1/4" (6.4 mm),
1/8" (3.2 mm) should be removed from each
side. Always measure the workpiece after
every planing operation.
up
down
1.5 mm - .06"
2.0 mm
.08"
0.5 mm - .02"
1.0 mm
.04"
2
3
PL006
VII. Operation ... continued
17
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Replacing cutterhead knives and cleaning
NOTE: Change one knife at a time. Take note
of the orientation of the knife and knife anchor.
Make sure when you remove and install the
knife, the springs below the knife stay in place.
Inspect the feed rollers after every use. Resin
and tar will build up. Use a nonflammable tar
and pitch remover solvent to clean the rollers.
Cutterhead guard (Fig. 11, 12)
1. Raise cutterhead to its highest position.
2. Remove the cutterhead depth adjustment
handle (1), remove planer cover screws (2)
using the hex key supplied and remove the
planer cover.
3. Remove the cutterhead guard by removing
the two wingnuts and washers (3).
4. Use a clean dry rag to clean any build-up
of debris from underneath cover and the
guard. Use penetrating oil to clean any
moving parts and the depth adjustment
screws. Apply a light coat of medium weight
oil after clean-up. Apply a light coat of paste
wax to table and infeed and outfeed
surfaces. Do not use too much wax; it can
disrupt the planing and staining of your
workpiece.
Knife removal (Fig. 12, 13, 14, 15)
1. Rotate the cutterhead at the pulley (4) so
one knife is facing up.
2. Loosen the knife anchor screws by turning
the screws in clockwise direction (5).
3. Carefully remove the knife.
5
3
4
2
21
WARNING: TURN THE POWER SWITCH OFF AND REMOVE THE POWER CORD
FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE ADJUSTING, MAINTAINING, CLEANING OR
LUBRICATING THE PLANER. USE CARE WHEN HANDLING THE KNIVES. THE
CUTTING EDGE CAN BE VERY SHARP.
VIII. Maintenance
18
Fig. 13
Fig. 12
Fig. 11

Knife installation (Fig. 14, 15)
1. Clean knives regularly. Gum and pitch
collects on knives and causes excess
friction during operation. Knives will
overheat and wear. Remove knives to clean.
Use a gum and pitch remover.
2. Carefully place knife (6) back into the
cutterhead (7).Make sure the springs (8)
are in place. The knife must be installed as
shown in Fig. 14.
3. Place the knife depth/alignment tool (9) on
the cutterhead as shown in Fig. 14, with the
lobe (10) making contact on the knife’s edge.
4. Apply light pressure to the knife depth/
alignment tool and make sure the knife and
knife anchor (11) are centred in the cutterhead.
NOTE: The knives and the knife anchors must
be centred in the cutterhead. If the knives and
anchors are not centred in the cutterhead they
will rub against the cutterhead carrier and
planer damage will result.
5. While applying light pressure to the knife
depth/alignment tool, tighten anchor
screws (12) in counter-clockwise direction
(13) alternately, side-to-side, starting from
the outside, working toward the inside.
Repeat steps for second knife.
6. Reinstall guard and cover. Use care when
installing the planer cover and make sure
the measurement scale is outside of the
cover.
7. Clean exterior of planer with a clean dry
rag. Apply a light coat of paste wax to
ease cleaning and reduce dust build-up.
Storing (Fig. 16)
Your planer should be stored in a cool dry
place. Clean and lubricate prior to storage.
Fold the infeed and outfeed rollers up when
the planer is not in use and during storing.
Wrap the power cord (1) around the hangers
(2) under the infeed table. Apply a light coat of
oil to the knives to protect them from moisture.
Be sure to clean knives after storing.
9
12
11
8
7
6
19
VIII. Maintenance ... continued
13
12
9
1
2
2
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Carbon brush replacement (Fig. 17)
Check the condition of the carbon brushes after 50 hours of use of your new planer. If the
brushes are worn to 1/16" (2 mm) in length, replace them.
To inspect the carbon brushes:
1. With the planer cover off, loosen and remove the two brush caps using a slotted screwdriver.
2. Carefully remove the caps from the motor. The caps are spring-loaded from the spring on
the brush. Take note of their position in the motor.
3. Pull out the brush. Inspect the brush and replace if necessary. Be sure to replace both
brushes even if only one is damaged.
NOTE:After inspecting the brushes, be sure to install the brushes into the same position that
they were removed from if you are not installing new ones.
4. Position the brushes into the motor. Tighten the brush caps snugly. Do not overtighten.
WARNING: BE SURE TO UNPLUG THE POWER CORD FROM THE POWER SOURCE
BEFORE INSPECTING THE CARBON BRUSHES.
VIII. Maintenance ... continued
20
Fig. 17