MasterForce 241-0824 User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
Compact Planer
241-0824
IMPORTANT :
Read through this operating manual carefully before using your new tool.
Pay close attention to all Safety Instructions, Warnings and Caution sections.
Use your tool properly and only for its intended use.
Safety symbols in this manual are used to flag possible dangers. The safety
symbols and their explanations require your full understanding. The safety
warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger, nor are they substitute
for proper accident prevention measures.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates caution, warning, or danger. Failure to
obeyasafetywarningcanresultinseriousinjurytoyourselforothers.Toreduce
the risk of injury, fire, or electric shock, always follow the safety precautions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications................................................................................................. Page 2
Rules for Safe Operation ..............................................................................Page 3
Assembly and adjustment ............................................................................ Page 7
Operation......................................................................................................... Page 10
Accessories .................................................................................................... Page 12
Maintenance................................................................................................... Page 12
Warranty.......................................................................................................... Page 13
Specifications:
Model 241-0824
Motor 120 V ~60 Hz, 3.5 A
Motor speed: 16000 RPM (no load)
Planing capacity:
Width 2 3/8” (60mm)
Rabbeting depth 5/16” (0-8mm)
Planing depth 0-1/16” (0-1.6mm)
Cord length 8’
Net Weight: 4LBS 5OZ
SAFETY SYMBOLS FOR YOUR TOOL
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V Volts
A Amperes
Hz Hertz
W Watts
min Minutes
~Alternating current
Direct current
noNo-load speed
Class II construction, Double Insulated
.../min Revolutions or Strokes per minute
Indicates danger, warning or caution. It means attention!
Your safety is involved.

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RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
KNOW THE TOOL
Before operating this tool, carefully read this operating manual and all of the
labels affixed to the planer. Keep this manual available for future reference.
IMPORTANT
This tool should only be serviced by a qualified service technician.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY
GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR ALL POWER TOOLS
WARNING!Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious
personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas
invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in an explosive environment, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power
tool.Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one
way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet.
Do not change the plug in any way. Double insulation eliminates the
need for the three wire grounded power cord and
grounded power supply system.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your
body is grounded.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
120V ~ 60Hz

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Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tools or pull
the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord
marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce
the risk of electric shock. The following table shows the correct size to
use, depending on cord length and nameplate amperage rating of the tool.
When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. Always use UL and CSA listed
extension cords.
Recommended sizes of extension cords
Tool’s Ampere rating Volts
Total length of cord in feet
Cord size in A. W. G.(minimum)
25’ 50’ 100’ 150’
0-6
120
V~
18 16 16 14
6-10 18 16 14 12
10-12 16 16 14 12
12-16 14 12 Not Recommended
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating
power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.
Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before plugging in.
Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have
the switch on invites accidents.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.A wrench
or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in
personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.Proper footing
and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.Dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Before connecting the tool to a power source (receptacle, outlet, etc.), be
sure voltage supplied is the same as that specified on the nameplate of
the tool. A power source with voltage greater than that specified for the

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tool can result in serious injury to the user – as well as damage to the tool.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Use clamps or other practical way to secure and support the workpiece
to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is
unstable and may lead to loss of control.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct
tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which is designed.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons.
Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained tools, with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are
easier to control.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other condition that may affect the tools operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for
your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become
hazardous when used on another tool.
Do not alter or misuse tool. These tools are precision built. Any alteration or
modification not specified is misuse and may result in a dangerous condition.
Service
Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result
in a risk of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow
instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of
unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may
create a risk of electric shock or injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR PLANER
1. Hold the tool by its insulated gripping surfaces when performing an
operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own

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cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool
“live” and shock the operator.
2. Secure the material being planed. Never hold it in your hand or across
legs. A small workpiece must be adequately secured so that the rotating
planer blades will not pick it up during forward motion of the planer.
Unstable support can cause the blades to bind, causing loss of control
and injury.
3. Always start the planer and allow the blade to come to full speed before
the blade is in contact with the workpiece. The tool can vibrate or chatter
if the blade speed is too slow at the beginning of the cut and could possibly
kickback.
4. Check the workpiece for nails. If there are nails, either remove or set them
well below the intended finished surface. If the planer blades strike objects
like nails they may cause the tool to kickback, and serious personal injury
may result.
5. Never leave the trigger locked “ON”. Unplug the planer before changing
accessories. Before plugging the tool in, check that the trigger lock is
“OFF”. Accidental start-ups may occur if the planer is plugged in while
changing an accessory.
6. After changing blades, rotate the blade drum to make sure that blades
are not hitting any part of the blade-head housing and that the blade-
locking screws are tight. Spinning blades could strike the tool housing and
damage the tool as well as possibly causing injury.
7. Always hold the tool firmly with both hands for maximum control.
8. Never pull the plane backward over the workpiece. Loss of control may occur.
9. Do not put fingers or any objects into the chip ejector or clean out chips
while the tool is running. Contact with the blade drum will cause injury.
10. Remove the plug from the power source if it becomes necessary to
remove chips. The blades are hidden from view and you may be cut if the
blade is contacted.
11. Never place the plane down until the blade has stopped completely.
Surface contact with a coasting blade drum may cause the plane to walk
out of control.
12. Never use dull or damaged blades. Sharp blades must be handled with
care. Damaged blades can snap during use. Dull blades require more
force to push the tool, possibly causing the blade to break.
13. Always wear safety goggles, respiration mask, and ear protection.

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ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT
The planer is intended only for planing firmly supported wooden materials,
such as beams and boards. It is also suitable for beveling edges
and rabbeting.
KNOW YOUR PLANER
1. On/off trigger switch
2. Lock-off button
3. Depth-adjustment knob
4. Handle
5. Dust/chip extraction adaptor
6. Too park rest
2
4
5
13
12
6
7
1
3
8
10
11
9

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7. Reversible blade (x2)
8. Cutter block
9. Clamping screw (x3)
10. Adjustable front shoe
11. Fixed rear shoe
12. Blade retainer (x2)
13. Power-On indicator
ADJUSTMENT AND ASSEMBLY
ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF CUT
WARNING! Always ensure that the tool is switched off and unplugged from
the power supply, and wait until the blades have come to a complete standstill
before adjusting the depth of cut.
Rotate the depth-adjustment knob
(3) clockwise for a deeper cut and
counter-clockwise for a shallower
cut. (Fig. 1)
NOTE: If it is necessary to
accurately determine the depth
of cut, plane a scrap piece of
wood, measure the difference in
thickness and adjust the setting
if necessary.
BLADE REPLACEMENT
Your planer is fitted with two
reversible blades (7). Blades can
be reversed when they become
blunt. After both sides of the
blades have been used they
should be replaced.
NOTE: These blades cannot be re-
sharpened.
1. Unplug the planer.
1. Use the wrench (included) to
loosen all the clamping screws
(9).
2. Slide out the blade (7).
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

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3. Clean out all chips or foreign
matter adhering to the cutter
block (8) and the blade.
4. Either turn over the planer blade
(7) or replace it if required.
5. Slide the good blade face up
into the blade retainer (17) of
the cutter block (8). The ridge
along the blade should be on the
opposite side from the clamping
screws (9).
NOTE: The blades are preset so
that the cutting edge is level, i.e.,
parallel to the surface of the rear
shoe (11).
6. Tighten the clamping screws
(9), ensuring they are tightened
evenly.
7. Repeat for the second blade,
making sure that both blades
are set to the same cutting level
and positioned in the center of
cutter block (8). Otherwise your
planing surface will be rough and uneven. (Fig. 2-4)
NOTE: Always change both blades at the same time, and use blades of the
same dimensions and weight, otherwise the resulting imbalance can cause
vibration, poor planing action and shorten the blade and tool life.
CAUTION: Tighten all the clamping screws (9) carefully when attaching the
blades to the planer. A loose clamping screw could be extremely dangerous.
Regularly check to see they are
tightened securely.
DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT (Fig.5)
1. Remove the cross-head screws
that secure the drive belt cover
on the left-hand side of the
planer as viewed from the rear.
2. Remove the damaged belt and
use a soft brush to clean the
pulleys and the surrounding
area.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

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NOTE: Wear eye protection when cleaning out the pulley area.
3. With the continuous “V” profiles on the inside, place the new belt over the
bottom pulley. Half fit the other end of the belt on the top pulley then roll the
belt in place while turning the pulley.
4. Check that the belt runs evenly by manually turning the belt.
5. Replace the cover and the fixing screws.
6. Run the planer for a minute or two to make sure that the motor and belt are
operating correctly.
OPERATION
SWITCHING ON AND OFF (Fig.6)
The tool is equipped with a lock-
off button (2) to avoid unintentional
starting.
CAUTION: Before plugging the
tool into the power point always
checking that the trigger switch
(1) and lock-off button (2) work
properly.
To switch on, keep the lock-off
button (2) depressed and squeeze
the trigger switch (1).
To switch off, release the trigger switch (1).
POWER-ON INDICATOR LIGHT
Your planer also has a “POWER-ON INDICATOR” red light. This red light is
always on when planer motor is plugged into power source.
PLANING
1. Rest the front shoe (10) flat on the workpiece surface without the blades
making any contact with the workpiece.
2. Switch on the tool and wait for the blades to reach full speed.
3. Move the tool gently forward, applying pressure on the front of the tool at
the start of planing and pressure at the rear of the tool towards the end of
the planing stroke.
4. Push the planer beyond the edge of the workpiece without tilting
it downwards.
NOTE: Planing is easier if you incline the workpiece slightly away from you so
that you plane “downhill”.
Fig. 6

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The rate of planing and the depth of cut determine the quality of the finish.
For rough cutting, you can increase the depth of cut. To achieve a good finish
you will need to reduce the depth of cut and advance the tool more slowly.
CAUTION: Moving the machine too quickly may cause a poor quality of cut
and can damage the blades or the motor. Moving the machine too slowly may
burn or mar the cut.
The proper feed rate will depend on the type of material being cut and the
depth of the cut.
Practice first on a scrap piece of material to gauge the correct feed rate and
the cut dimensions.
CAUTION: Always use two hands to hold the planer.
CAUTION: Where possible, clamp the workpiece to the bench.
CHAMFERING (Fig.7)
To make a chamfered cut, first
align the “V” groove in the front
shoe (10) of one of the three
planer with the corner edge of the
workpiece.
Choose the “V” groove that is best
suited for the required chamfer
depth.
Run the planer along the corner edge.
CHIP EXTRACTION (Fig.8)
If desired, attach the dust bag by
simply sliding the dust bag nozzle
onto the dust extraction port .
For efficient operation, empty the
dust bag when it is no more than
half full. This allows better airflow
through the bag.
Alternatively, the dust-extraction
adaptor (5) can be fitted to the
dust extraction port to connect a
suitable vacuum cleaner.
NOTE. Shavings may jam in the dust extraction port (5) when cutting damp
wood. Never stick your finger into the dust extraction port (5). Clean out the
shavings with a stick, but only when the cutter has stopped running and the
tool has been unplugged from the power point.
Fig. 7
450
Fig. 8

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ACCESSORIES
1. Dust bag…………………………………………………………………1pc
2. Wrench…………………………………………………………………1pc
3. Vacuum adaptor………………………………………………………..1pc
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Always ensure that the tool is switched OFF and unplugged from the power
supply before making any adjustments or carrying out any maintenance
procedures.
Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at all times. Using compressed
air may be the most effective cleaning method. Always wear safety goggles
when cleaning tools with compressed air.
Regularly check to see if any dust or foreign matter has entered the grates
near the motor and around the trigger switch. Use a soft brush to remove
accumulated dust.
If the body of the tool needs cleaning, wipe it with a soft cloth.
CAUTION: Water must never come into contact with the tool.
WARNING: Do not let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products,
penetrating oil, etc., come into contact with plastic parts. They contain chemi-
cals that can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic.
WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. The use
of any other parts may create a hazard or cause damage to the product.
WARNING: Use only accessories that are recommended for your model by
the manufacturer. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become
hazardous when used on another tool.
WARNING: Maintain tools with care. Properly maintained tools work to
their best advantage and are easier to control.
WARNING: Check the power cord before each use. If it is damaged, re-
place it immediately. Never use a tool with a damaged cord.
WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed
by a qualified service technician.

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WARRANTY
If, during normal use, this MASTERFORCE
TM
power tool breaks or fails due
to a defect in material or workmanship within three years from the date of
original purchase, simply bring this tool and its sales receipt back to your
nearest Menards®retail store for a free equivalent replacement within those
three years.
The warranty:
(1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades, bits, light
bulbs, and/or batteries;
(2) shall be void if this tool is used for commercial or/and rental purposes;
and
(3) does not cover any losses, injuries to persons/properties, or costs. This
warranty does give you specific legal rights and you may have other
rights, which vary from state to state.

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