Powermatic PM15 Service manual

Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
15-inch Planer-Molder
Model PM15
*Manual Revision F for machines with serial number 0412PM15488 and higher
WMH TOOL GROUP, Inc.
2420 Vantage Drive
Elgin, Illinois 60124 Part No. M-0460264
Ph.: 800-274-6848 *Revision F 9/07
www.powermatic.com Copyright © 2007 WMH Tool Group, Inc.

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Warranty and Service
WMH Tool Group, Inc., warrants every product it sells. If one of our tools needs service or repair, one of our Authorized Service
Centers located throughout the United States can give you quick service. In most cases, any of these WMH Tool Group
Authorized Service Centers can authorize warranty repair, assist you in obtaining parts, or perform routine maintenance and
major repair on your POWERMATIC
®
tools. For the name of an Authorized Service Center in your area call 1-800-274-6848.
MORE INFORMATION
WMH Tool Group is consistently adding new products to the line. For complete, up-to-date product information, check with your
local WMH Tool Group distributor, or visit powermatic.com.
WARRANTY
POWERMATIC products carry a limited warranty which varies in duration based upon the product.
WHAT IS COVERED?
This warranty covers any defects in workmanship or materials subject to the exceptions stated below. Cutting tools, abrasives
and other consumables are excluded from warranty coverage.
WHO IS COVERED?
This warranty covers only the initial purchaser of the product.
WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE?
The general POWERMATIC warranty lasts for the time period specified in the product literature of each product.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
The Five Year Warranty does not cover products used for commercial, industrial or educational purposes. Products with a Five
Year Warranty that are used for commercial, industrial or education purposes revert to a One Year Warranty. This warranty does
not cover defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, normal wear-and-tear, improper repair or
alterations, or lack of maintenance.
HOW TO GET SERVICE
The product or part must be returned for examination, postage prepaid, to a location designated by us. For the name of the
location nearest you, please call 1-800-274-6848.
You must provide proof of initial purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our
inspection discloses a defect, we will repair or replace the product, or refund the purchase price, at our option.
We will return the repaired product or replacement at our expense unless it is determined by us that there is no defect, or that the
defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty in which case we will, at your direction, dispose of or return the
product. In the event you choose to have the product returned, you will be responsible for the handling and shipping costs of the
return.
HOW STATE LAW APPLIES
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
LIMITATIONS ON THIS WARRANTY
WMH TOOL GROUP LIMITS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES TO THE PERIOD OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR EACH
PRODUCT. EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS ARE
EXCLUDED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG THE IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WMH TOOL GROUP SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR DEATH, INJURIES TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, OR FOR
INCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OF OUR PRODUCTS.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WMH Tool Group sells through distributors only. The specifications in WMH catalogs are given as general information and are
not binding. Members of WMH Tool Group reserve the right to effect at any time, without prior notice, those alterations to parts,
fittings, and accessory equipment which they may deem necessary for any reason whatsoever.

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Table of Contents
Warranty and Service .............................................................................................................................. 2
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 3
Warning................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Contents of the Shipping Container......................................................................................................7
Installation and Assembly ........................................................................................................................ 7
Installing Dust Chute............................................................................................................................ 7
Installing Handwheel ............................................................................................................................ 7
Electrical Connections ............................................................................................................................. 8
Extension Cords................................................................................................................................... 8
Adjustments ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Belt Tension......................................................................................................................................... 9
Planer Knife Replacement.................................................................................................................... 9
Sharpening Knives...............................................................................................................................9
Depth of Cut....................................................................................................................................... 10
Feed Rate.......................................................................................................................................... 11
The Planer’s Feed System ................................................................................................................. 11
Leveling Cutterhead with Bed............................................................................................................. 14
Interlock Switch.................................................................................................................................. 14
Caster Lock........................................................................................................................................ 14
Operation .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Kinds of Warp .................................................................................................................................... 15
Planing to Desired Thickness ............................................................................................................. 15
Depth of Cut....................................................................................................................................... 16
Thickness Planing Steps.................................................................................................................... 16
Planing for Finish ............................................................................................................................... 16
Introduction to Molding .......................................................................................................................... 17
Pattern Knives ................................................................................................................................... 17
Optional Bedboard and Guide ............................................................................................................ 17
Homemade Bedboard ........................................................................................................................ 17
Homemade Featherboard .................................................................................................................. 17
Homemade Guide Set-Up for Edge Molding....................................................................................... 18
Installing Single Pattern Knives .......................................................................................................... 18
Installing Three-Knife Set................................................................................................................... 18
Pattern Knife Clearance ..................................................................................................................... 19
Installing Bedboard ............................................................................................................................ 19
Face Molding with pattern knives ....................................................................................................... 20
Edge Molding with pattern knives ....................................................................................................... 20
Edge Planing ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Common Molding Applications ........................................................................................................... 21
Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 22
Lubrication ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Replacement Parts................................................................................................................................ 27
Parts List: Base Assembly.................................................................................................................. 28
Base Assembly .................................................................................................................................. 29
Parts List: Gearbox Assembly ............................................................................................................ 30
Gearbox Assembly............................................................................................................................. 31
Parts List: Stand Assembly................................................................................................................. 32
Stand Assembly................................................................................................................................. 33
Parts List: Cutterhead, Hood and Table Assembly.............................................................................. 34
Cutterhead, Hood and Table Assembly .............................................................................................. 36
Accessories: Knives and Moldings for PM15 Planer/Molder ................................................................... 37
Accessories: Knives and Moldings (cont.) .............................................................................................. 38
Electrical Connections ........................................................................................................................... 39

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Warning
1. Read and understand the entire owners manual before attempting assembly or operation.
2. Read and understand the warnings posted on the machine and in this manual. Failure to comply with
all of these warnings may cause serious injury.
3. Replace the warning labels if they become obscured or removed.
4. This planer-molder is designed and intended for use by properly trained and experienced personnel
only. If you are not familiar with the proper and safe operation of a planer-molder, do not use until
proper training and knowledge have been obtained.
5. Do not use this planer-molder for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, WMH Tool
Group, Inc. disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless from any injury that may
result from that use.
6. Always wear approved safety glasses/face shields while using this machine. Everyday eyeglasses
only have impact resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses.
7. Before operating this planer-molder, remove tie, rings, watches and other jewelry, and roll sleeves up
past the elbows. Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair. Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor
strips are recommended. Do not wear gloves.
8. Wear ear protectors (plugs or muffs) during extended periods of operation.
9. Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples
of these chemicals are:
•Lead from lead based paint.
•Crystalline silica from bricks, cement and other masonry products.
•Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
Your risk of exposure varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area and work with approved safety
equipment, such as face or dust masks that are specifically designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
10. Do not operate this machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication.
11. Make certain the switch is in the OFF position before connecting the machine to the power supply.
12. Make certain the machine is properly grounded.
13. Make all machine adjustments or maintenance with the machine unplugged from the power source.
14. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting
wrenches are removed from the machine before turning it on.
15. Keep safety guards in place at all times when the machine is in use. If removed for maintenance
purposes, use extreme caution and replace the guards immediately.
16. Make sure the casters are locked before operating the planer-molder.
17. Check damaged parts. Before further use of the machine, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting
and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should
be properly repaired or replaced.
18. Provide for adequate space surrounding work area and non-glare, overhead lighting.
19. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
20. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area. Keep children away.

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21. Make your workshop child proof with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.
22. Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation and “horse-play” are
careless acts that can result in serious injury.
23. Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do not fall or lean against the knives or other
moving parts. Do not overreach or use excessive force to perform any machine operation.
24. Use the right tool at the correct speed and feed rate. Do not force a tool or attachment to do a job for
which it was not designed. The right tool will do the job better and safer.
25. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.
26. Maintain tools with care. Keep knives sharp and clean for the best and safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
27. Turn off the machine and disconnect from power before cleaning. Use a brush or compressed air to
remove chips or debris — do not use your hands.
28. Do not stand on the machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine tips over.
29. Never leave the machine running unattended. Turn the power off and do not leave the machine until it
comes to a complete stop.
30. Remove loose items and unnecessary work pieces from the area before starting the machine.
Familiarize yourself with the following safety notices used in this manual:
This means that if precautions are not heeded, it may result in minor injury and/or
possible machine damage.
This means that if precautions are not heeded, it may result in serious injury or possibly
even death.
- - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - -

6
Introduction
This manual is provided by WMH Tool Group, Inc. covering the safe operation and maintenance
procedures for a Powermatic Model PM15 Planer-Molder. This manual contains instructions on
installation, safety precautions, general operating procedures, maintenance instructions and parts
breakdown. This machine has been designed and constructed to provide years of trouble free operation if
used in accordance with instructions set forth in this manual. If there are any questions or comments,
please contact either your local supplier or WMH Tool Group. WMH Tool Group can also be reached at
our web site: www.wmhtoolgroup.com.
Specifications
Model Number.................................................................................................................................. PM15
Stock Number...............................................................................................................................1120003
Table overall size (in.).........................................................................................................27-1/2 x 15-3/4
Maximum cutting width (in.) ................................................................................................................... 15
Maximum thickness (in.) .................................................................................................................... 6-1/2
Full width depth of cut (in.).................................................................................................................... 1/8
Minimum planning length (in.) .................................................................................................................. 8
Number of planing knives ........................................................................................................................ 3
Cutterhead speed (RPM) ................................................................................................................... 4500
Cuts per minute.............................................................................................................................. 13,500
Cutterhead diameter (in.)............................................................................. 2-7/8 (3” with knives installed)
Feed rate (FPM) .........................................................................................................................10 and 20
Overall dimensions (LxWxH)(in.)........................................................................... 31-1/2 x 27-1/2 x 50-1/2
Motor........................................................................................................................ 5HP, 1PH, 230V only
Net Weight (lbs.).................................................................................................................................. 423
Shipping weight (lbs.) .......................................................................................................................... 550
The above specifications were current at the time this manual was published, but because of our policy of
continuous improvement, WMH Tool Group reserves the right to change specifications at any time and
without prior notice, without incurring obligations.

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Unpacking
Open shipping container and check for shipping
damage. Report any damage immediately to
your distributor and shipping agent. Do not
discard any shipping material until the
Planer/Molder is assembled and running
properly.
Compare the contents of your container with the
following parts list to make sure all parts are
intact. Missing parts, if any, should be reported
to your distributor. Read the instruction manual
thoroughly for assembly, maintenance and
safety instructions.
Contents of the Shipping Container
1 Planer/Molder
1 Handwheel
1 Knife setting gauge
1 Dust chute with fasteners
1 Owner's Manual
1 Warranty Card
Installation and Assembly
Tools required:
10, 11 and 13mm wrenches
Remove the screws holding the base of the
machine to the skid, and lift the planer/molder
off the skid.
The machine area should be clean, dry, well
ventilated, and well lighted. Since planers can
create noise problems, the site selection should
be one which minimizes reverberant sound from
walls, ceilings and other equipment. The
machine’s wheels should be in the locked
position prior to use.
Electricals should be installed so that they are
protected from damage and exposure. Be sure
to properly ground the machine frame.
Exposed metal parts, such as the bed surface,
have been given a protective coating at the
factory. This should be removed with a soft rag
and kerosene or a good commercial solvent.
Do not use an abrasive pad.
Installing Dust Chute
Mount the dust chute with the washer head
screws, using a 10mm wrench. See Figure 1.
Installing Handwheel
Mount the handwheel by fitting the notches in
the handwheel over the pins on the shaft. See
Figure 2.
Figure 1
Figure 2

8
Electrical Connections
Electrical connections must
be made by a qualified electrician in
compliance with all relevant codes. This
machine must be properly grounded to help
prevent electrical shock and possible fatal
injury.
This machine must be grounded. In the event of
a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides
a path of least resistance for electric current to
reduce the risk of electric shock.
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor can result in a risk of
electric shock. The conductor with insulation
having an outer surface that is green 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 the grounding instructions are not
completely understood, or if in doubt as to
whether the tool is properly grounded. Repair or
replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
Make sure the voltage of your power supply
matches the specifications on the motor plate of
the planer-molder.
Extension Cords
If an extension cord is necessary, make sure the
cord rating is suitable for the amperage listed on
the machine’s motor plate. An undersize cord
will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss
of power and overheating.
Use the chart in Figure 3 as a general guide in
choosing the correct size cord. If in doubt, use
the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge
number, the heavier the cord.
Adjustments
Tools required:
hex wrench
12mm & 14mm wrenches
Disconnect machine from
power source before making adjustments.
Recommended Gauges (AWG) of Extension Cords
Extension Cord Length *
Amps 25
feet
50
feet
75
feet
100
feet
150
feet
200
feet
< 5 16 16 16 14 12 12
5 to 8 16 16 14 12 10 NR
8 to 12 14 14 12 10 NR NR
12 to 15 12 12 10 10 NR NR
15 to 20 10 10 10 NR NR NR
21 to 30 10 NR NR NR NR NR
*based on limiting the line voltage drop to 5V at 150% of the
rated amperes.
NR: Not Recommended.
Figure 3

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Belt Tension
To adjust tension of the belts, open the rear
panel and use the nuts (A) on the threaded
shaft, shown in Figure 4, to either raise or lower
the motor. Re-tighten nuts when satisfied.
Proper tension is achieved when there is
approximately 1/4” deflection in the belt using
moderate finger pressure.
Planer Knife Replacement
1. The planer knives are held in position by
wedge action. The set screws press against
the bottom of the cutterhead slot forcing the
gibs into a wedge type seal. To break this
seal and remove the knife, simply loosen
the gib set screws until they are flush with
the top of the gibs. See Figure 5.
2. Tap the gibs down using either a wood
block or a soft piece of aluminum or brass.
Once the gibs are free, remove the knife
first, then the gibs can be easily removed.
Mark all gibs and matching slots to be sure
they are replaced in their original position.
3. Clean the knives and cutterhead slot with a
non-flammable solvent to remove all pitch
and gum residue.
4. Install the gibs back into their original slots,
then install the planer knives.
5. Place the knife-setting gauge on the
cutterhead, centered over the knife. See
Figure 6. Check the height of the knife at
several locations along the length of the
knife. At all points, it should just contact the
center of the gauge.
6. Tighten the gib set screws, beginning with
the center one first. This will lessen the
tendency of the knife to creep upward.
Sharpening Knives
Your Planer/Molder is a high precision machine,
and the knives are an integral part of that
precision. For the Planer-Molder to work most
effectively, the knives must be ground on a
machine that will produce a high quality
professional edge.
Knives should be sharpened promptly when the
edge is lost rather than letting them get to the
chipping and tearing out stage. A regular
schedule of sharpening should be arranged.
Always sharpen knives at the recommended
levels and angles. Figure 7 shows the proper
bevel for the planer knives.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7

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Proper grinding done at the right time will do
more than anything to prolong the life of knives.
More dulling occurs in the last 20% of the useful
life of the knife than in the other 80% of use. If
the knives are sharpened on schedule and
before the last 20% of possible use they can be
resharpened with .002” to .005” of material
being removed. If, however, they are sharpened
during the last 20% of the useful life, it will be
necessary to take off .006” to .010” of material.
TIP: An occasional use of a hand held hone will
extend the sharpening life of the knife.
If your planer knives have struck bits of dirt,
gravel, or other foreign objects, etc., they will
leave behind nicks and burrs on the cutting
edge of the planer knives. If the nicks are heavy
enough to the degree where the nick shows up
in the same spot on all three knives, this will
affect the appearance of the finished surface on
your stock.
Occasionally you can hone some of the nicks
out with a knife hone immediately after the nicks
occur. These nicks must eventually be ground
out in the sharpening process if your planer
knives are to do an effective job of planing.
This type of knife damage usually nicks the
knives in the same cutting circle. A simple way
to remedy this is to stagger the knives on the
cutterhead: move one knife 3/32” to the left, the
next knife 3/32” to the right, leaving the third
knife in its original position.
If only one knife is nicked, the other knives will
clean up the rough edge left by the nick, and no
adjustments may be necessary.
Depth of Cut
The depth of cut scale, shown in Figure 8, has
been calibrated at the factory. However, it
should be checked periodically to maintain
accuracy:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Lift the hood and rotate the cutterhead by
hand until one of the planer knives is at the
bottom of its rotation nearest the planer bed.
Hand crank the planer bed down and place
a piece of stock underneath both feed
rollers and the cutterhead. Measure the
thickness of the piece of stock.
3. Hand crank the planer bed up until the knife
at the bottom of the rotation has just
touched the top of the stock lying on the
planer bed. Compare the measured
thickness of the board to the reading on the
depth of cut scale.
Figure 8
Figure 9

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4. If the reading on the depth of cut scale is
incorrect, loosen the two mounting screws
on the clear plastic plate and adjust
accordingly. The top scale (A, Fig. 8) is in
English units, the bottom scale (B, Fig. 8) is
metric.
5. Test the adjustment by planing a piece of
scrap lumber, and make further adjustments
as necessary.
NOTE: The table lock (C, Fig. 9) must be
tightened before operating the planer/molder.
Feed Rate
The feed rate is set by the adjustment lever on
the side of the machine. See Figure 10. Always
change feed rate WHILE THE MACHINE IS
RUNNING.
The Planer’s Feed System
(Figure 11)
1. Anti-kickback fingers
2. Infeed roller
3. Chipbreaker
4. Cutterhead
5. Outfeed roller
Anti-Kickback Fingers
Anti-kickback fingers help prevent stock from
being thrown from the machine. These fingers
operate by gravity and should be inspected
before each day's use for pitch or gum buildup.
The fingers must operate freely and move
independently for correct operation.
Infeed Roller
The function of the infeed roller is to feed the
material into the machine. To provide proper
drive, it should be set so that the bottom of its
arc is 1/16" (1.6mm) below the arc of the
cutterhead knives. The infeed roller is under
spring tension and this tension must be
sufficient to feed the stock uniformly through the
planer without slipping but should not be so tight
that it causes damage to the rubber coating on
the rolls, or damage to the boards. Adjustment
of height and spring tension should be done in
conjunction with one another as follows.
To adjust the HEIGHT of infeed roller:
1. Place a bed and feed roll gauge (accessory
#2230002), shown in Figure 12, under a
planer knife in the cutterhead and raise the
table until the gauge contacts the knife at
the apex of its curve. Set the gauge to zero.
Figure 10
Figure 11

12
NOTE: If a bed and feed roll gauge is not
available, use a finished block of wood with
notches cut out for the table rollers, and a
feeler gauge. See Figure 13 for an example
of a wood block used as a gauge.)
2. Move the gauge to the extreme right end of
the infeed roller and check the
measurement. It should be 1/16” below the
knife measurement. If it is not, loosen the
nut (B, Fig. 14), place a wrench upon the
flats of the screw (C, Figure 14) and turn the
screw as needed, to raise or lower the
infeed roller at the right end.
3. Move the gauge to the extreme left end of
the infeed roller and check the
measurement. If it is not 1/16” below the
knife, make the same adjustment for the left
end of the infeed roller.
IMPORTANT: Both ends of the infeed roller
should be the same height to help avoid
skewing the material as it is fed through the
machine.
To adjust the TENSION of the infeed roller:
1. Rotate the lock nut (A, Fig. 14), clockwise to
increase tension, counterclockwise to
decrease.
Do not over-compress the
spring on the infeed roller! Carefully observe
the following instructions.
2. Notice that as the spring tension is adjusted,
the infeed roller moves up or down. This will
affect the height of the roller which was
previously set. After tensioning is done, the
height adjustment elements (B & C, Figure
14) should be re-adjusted to counteract the
tensioning adjustment, and to set the roller
back to the original height.
3. The spring which is located above the
bushing block (see Figure 14) must not
be compressed too tightly, as this will
restrict movement of the infeed roller and
may cause machine damage due to flexing
of the roller. Lift up the infeed roller with
your hand – there should still be sufficient
travel in the infeed roller.
4. If necessary, continue to adjust tension and
height in combination with one another,
while being careful to prevent excess spring
compression.
5. Repeat for the other end of the infeed roller.
The tension should be equal at both ends of
the roller.
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14

13
Chipbreaker
The functions of the chipbreaker are to break
chips into small pieces, help avoid splintering of
the wood, help avoid board bounce on thinner
boards, and to direct the flow of chips out of the
machine.
The chipbreaker is factory adjusted to be 1/32”
below the cutting arc of the knives. Tension is
adjusted by the screw and spring (D, Fig. 14).
The height is adjusted with the socket head
screw (E, Fig. 14).
Some molding applications may require the
spring tension to be relieved to avoid scraping
the profile of a part.
A chipbreaker set too low
may prevent stock from feeding into the
machine.
NOTE: If the infeed roller setting is altered, the
chipbreaker tension may need to be readjusted
as well.
Outfeed Roller
The outfeed roller should exert enough pressure
to pull the board through the cutterhead after it
leaves the infeed roller. The correct position of
the outfeed roller is 1/32” below the arc of the
cutterhead knives. If the board halts or bumps
when it first contacts the outfeed roller, tension
should be reduced. If the board stops or does
not continue feeding smoothly after starting
under the outfeed roller, then tension should be
increased. As with the infeed roller, height and
tension of the outfeed roller should be set in
combination with each other.
To adjust the height of the outfeed roller, loosen
the nut (G, Fig. 15), place a wrench upon the
flats of the screw (H, Fig. 15) and rotate the
screw as needed. Re-tighten the nut (G, Fig. 15)
when finished.
To adjust the tension of the outfeed roller, turn
the lock nut (F, Fig. 15) as needed.
Do not over-compress the
spring on the outfeed roller! Carefully
observe the same instructions concerning
the infeed roller height and tension
adjustments, on pages 11-12.
If the feed rollers are not able to be adjusted to
the proper tension, they should be replaced.
Figure 15

14
Leveling Cutterhead with Bed
The cutterhead has been leveled with the
surface of the planer bed at the factory.
However, should future adjustment be needed,
proceed as follows:
1. Place a bed and feed roll gauge (or wood
block) beneath one end of the cutterhead.
Crank the planer bed up until the cutterhead
is just touching the gauge, and check the
measurement. Move gauge to the opposite
end and check.
2. If the cutterhead is not level with the table,
remove the drive belts, and the four hex
head screws (A, Fig. 16) holding the
platform to the stand. Turn the head
assembly over to reach the sprocket
adjustments underneath the platform.
3. Loosen the cap screws (B, Fig. 16 & 17)
near the idler sprocket to relieve tension on
the chain. Remove chain from sprocket on
the end that needs adjustment.
4. Turn the sprocket (C, Fig. 17) to raise or
lower that edge of the table. NOTE: This
adjustment is sensitive and it should not be
necessary to turn the sprocket more than
one or two teeth.
5. After checking with the gauge to make sure
the adjustments are correct, place chain
back on sprocket, re-tension idler sprocket,
tighten cap screws (B, Fig. 17) and secure
head assembly back on to the stand with
the four hex head screws (A, Fig. 16)
Interlock Switch
This machine has an interlocking safety switch
located under the hood. The hood must be in
the “down” position in order for the planer motor
to engage.
If the hood is lifted while the machine is
operating, the motor will cut off. The interlock
switch must be adjusted so that it will turn off the
motor if the hood is raised more than 11/16”.
Do not operate the planer
unless the interlock switch is working
properly.
Caster Lock
The casters should be locked before operating
the planer-molder. The foot pedal on the right
side of the machine can be pressed down to
lock the casters as shown in Figure 18.
Figure 16
Figure 17
Figure 18

15
Operation
Kinds of Warp
Warp is a variation from a plane or true surface.
Warping of wood is caused by uneven
shrinkage during the drying process. Shrinkage
is not the same in all directions of the grain and
due to the different grain direction in pieces of
lumber, different types of warpage can occur.
Cup or warped across width
With a board that is cupped you would first
plane the top flat and then turn the board over
and plane the bottom flat. See Figure 19. If
possible, ripping the board down the middle of
the cup would eliminate a large amount of waste
in planing to thickness.
Bow or warped lengthwise
The feed rollers on a thickness planer are going
to flatten a bowed board down against the
planer bed and thickness plane the board as if it
had little or no warpage. Then after the board is
removed from the planer it will be planed to
thickness but still have its original bow. See
Figure 20. The only way to remove the bow from
a board is to joint the board flat on one side on a
jointer. Then the board can be thickness planed.
Twist or twisted lengthwise
Twisted lumber is the most difficult warpage to
plane to thickness. In some cases the twisting is
so great that planing to thickness is impossible.
In this case you might saw the board into
smaller pieces and see if planing to thickness
can be achieved.
Planing to Desired Thickness
Thickness planing is the sizing of material to a
desired thickness, while creating a smooth
surface parallel to the opposite side of the
board. See Figure 21.
The art of thickness planing consists mainly of
using good judgment about the depth of cut in
various situations. You must take into account
not only the width of the stock, but the hardness
of the board, its dampness, straightness, grain
direction, and grain structure.
The effects of these factors upon the quality of
the finished work can only be learned through
experience. It is always advisable, whenever
working with a new type board, or one with
unusual problems, to make test cuts on scrap
material if possible prior to working on your
finished product.
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21

16
Depth of Cut
The thickness of stock run through the planer is
controlled by the distance you adjust the bed
from the cutting knife. Always start your work by
making a light planing cut. The depth of cut on
subsequent passes may be increased, up to
1/8”, however, remember that a light cut creates
a finer finish than a heavier cut. See Figure 22.
Never plane more than 1/8”
in one pass and never attempt to plane a
board under 8” in length.
Thickness Planing Steps
To properly use your planer/molder for thickness
planing, follow these steps:
1. Measure the thickest part of the board to be
planed. Turn the elevation control handle
until the scale depth of cut reads the
thickness of the board to be planed. Each
revolution of the handle raises the bed 1/16”
(1.5mm)
2. If desired thickness is greater than 3/16”,
make several passes.
NOTE: It is recommended that a board be
planed on both sides to the desired thickness.
Then the moisture content will be uniform and
the drying process will not warp the board. For
example, if 3/16” thickness is desired, remove
3/32” from each side.
3. Stand to one side of the machine and start
the board under the infeed roller so that it
travels in a straight line. As the infeed roller
takes hold, let go and remain standing to
one side of the unit – never directly in line
with the board. The power feed will
complete the travel without further pushing
or pulling.
Planing for Finish
Planing for a smooth finish is best accomplished
by taking light cuts on the board. However,
several other things are important to achieve a
smooth finish.
Always feed board in a direction that allows the
planer blades to cut with the grain as shown in
Figure 23. This aids the knife in severing the
wood fibers rather than lifting and tearing the
fibers. Torn fibers give a fuzzy appearance to
the surface. Feeding against the grain can also
cause your knife to lift large chips from the
board’s surface, causing a very unsightly
appearance.
Figure 22
Figure 23

17
Introduction to Molding
Pattern Knives
Custom molding knives are ground from high
speed hard steel. Your PM15 planer-molder will
accept a single knife set, which uses gibs and
counterbalances to ensure the cutterhead is in
balance at all times. See Figure 24. It will also
accept a three-knife set.
The three-knife molding set allows the planing
knives to remain within the cutterhead, as long
as the pattern knife is no more than 1/8” thick
and no wider than 3”.
Optional Bedboard and Guide
There is an optional bedboard with adjustable
guides offered as an accessory (#2253082). Or
a home-made bedboard and guide can be
made, as discussed below.
The use of a bedboard is highly recommended
and can be extremely critical in cases such as
custom pattern knives and molding bits where
they are designed to cut below the molding to
eliminate rough edges and to final size the
molding. In this case, the use of a bedboard is
mandatory in keeping the tips of the custom
pattern knives away from the cast planer bed.
Always use a bedboard with
a custom pattern knife, or damage to the
knives, planer bed and cutterhead can result.
Homemade Bedboard
A homemade bedboard can be made as shown
in Figure 25. Permanent guide rails are mounted
as shown.
Homemade Featherboard
For face molding, a homemade guide and comb
or featherboard can be combined to position
stock for desired pattern cuts. See Figure 26.
Select a straight piece of hardwood for the
guide. This piece should be 2” x 1/2” and at
least 27-1/4” long. The guide should be exactly
parallel to the milled edge of the planer bed. The
guide can be held in place with C-clamps. You
will have to cut clearances in the guide so the
guide will fit beneath the rollers.
A featherboard can be of great help in guiding
stock. It is quickly made from any piece of 1”
thick stock, approximately 8” long and 3” wide.
Saw the parallel slots about 4” deep and 1/8”
apart. The feather board can be C-clamped at
any position to exert a spring tension to hold the
stock against the guide.
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26

18
Homemade Guide Set-Up for Edge
Molding
Figure 27 shows a wooden guide set-up for
edge molding. The guides are C-clamped on
each side of the stock and are within 3/4” of the
top edge to provide maximum support so that
the narrow stock will travel beneath the knife.
Installing Single Pattern Knives
Custom pattern knives are easy to install and
adjust.
Always disconnect machine
from power source before changing knives
or molding bits.
1. Loosen the gib set screws and tap all gibs
down to release the planer knives.
2. Remove the planer knives, then the gibs
and jack screws. Clean the cutterhead slots
and the custom pattern knife thoroughly with
a nonflammable solvent to remove all wood,
dust, gum, and any protective coatings.
3. Re-install the jack screws. Install the
aluminum gib and then the pattern knife into
one of the cutterhead slots. See Figure 28.
Tighten the gib set screws. Double check
during this tightening, to insure against the
knife creeping up during the tightening
process. If necessary, tap the knife down
with a hard wood block until it has bottomed
out in the cutterhead slot.
4. Install one steel gib and the steel
counterweight in the second slot. Tighten
the gib set screws. (The steel gib and
counterweight are ground to balance the
cutterhead.) See Figure 29.
5. Install the other steel gib and counterweight
in the third slot and tighten the gib set
screws.
Do not interchange counter-
weights between sets of pattern knives. They
are properly sized for the one set. Machine
vibration may result if counterweights are
accidentally interchanged.
Installing Three-Knife Set
1. Loosen the set screws on the gib in the first
slot. Tap the gib down to release the planer
knives.
2. Insert the pattern knife next to the planer
knife, as shown in Figure 30. Note: Small
molder knives (1” and under) will require a
spacer.
Figure 27
Figure 28
Figure 29
Figure 30

19
3. Mount the molding cutter gauge (A, Fig. 31)
to the theaded hole in the casting with the
socket head cap screw (B, Fig. 31). The
guide may be attached to either side.
4. Adjust the gauge (A, Fig. 31) so that the end
of it meets the pattern knife, then tighten the
screw (B, Fig. 31).
5. Tighten gib screws to hold pattern knife in
place.
6. Rotate the cutterhead and adjust the other
two knives to meet the the gauge (A, Fig.
31).
7. Securely tighten all gib screws and remove
gauge from machine.
Pattern Knife Clearance
The knives should clear both the chipbreaker
and the chip deflector.
Check the knife for clearance by rotating the
chipbreaker toward the knife and rotating the
cutterhead slowly by hand. There should be no
contact between the pattern knife and chip
breaker. If there is contact, loosen the gib set
screw and tap the gib down, making sure the
knife is bottomed in the cutterhead slot. Re-
tighten the gib set screws when the knife has
been properly adjusted.
Also the rear chip deflector (A, Fig. 32) must be
set properly. There must be no contact between
the pattern knife and the chip deflector. Rotate
the cutterhead by hand to make sure there is
clearance. This is especially important when the
operator has inserted a pattern knife and left the
planer blades in the cutterhead. The chip
deflector must be moved to clear the pattern
knife.
Double check all gib screws
for tightness before operating the machine. If
the chipbreaker is damaged or worn it must
be replaced.
Installing Bedboard
The knives are made so the extreme cutting tips
can cut into the wood bedboard by
approximately 1/16”. This is necessary to
eliminate rough edges and for final sizing.
Always use a bed board so the knife does not
come into contact with the cast iron bed of the
planer.
Once the bedboard is securely mounted, the
guides must be adjusted so they are in line with
the pattern knife. Proper adjustment of the
guides will insure quality cut moldings.
Figure 31
Figure 32

20
1. To adjust the guides, lower the bed and
place a board of correct width to be molded
under the cutterhead.
2. Loosely adjust the guides to the board.
Rotate the cutterhead by hand and see if
the pattern knife will line up with the board.
Adjust accordingly until the pattern knife and
board are lined up as in Figure 33.
3. When properly adjusted, firmly tighten the
bed guides.
NOTE: On some pattern knives the cutter trims
a small portion of the width away as it cuts the
pattern. The outfeed guides on the bedboard
must be adjusted to compensate for the
decreased width of the molding.
Face Molding with pattern knives
The art of creating quality molding requires
planning your molding operations prior to
starting. The depth of cut can dictate the
smoothness of the finish. Remember, a light cut
creates a finer finish than a heavier cut.
Always pre-size your stock to within 1/16” of the
final thickness before running your molding. If
possible, pre-size it to within 1/8” in width also
as shown in Figure 34. Before you begin
molding, you must also consider the hardness of
the board, its moisture content, straightness,
grain direction, and grain structure. All of these
factors will play a part in the quality of your
molding.
Stand to one side of the machine and start the
board under the infeed roller so that it travels in
a straight line. When the feed roller takes hold,
let go of the piece and remain standing to one
side of the machine – not in direct line with the
board. The power feed completes the travel
without further pushing or pulling.
Edge Molding with pattern knives
This procedure is easily done by installing the
proper pattern knife and setting up the bedboard
and guide system with guides tall enough to
hold the stock on edge.
Edge Planing
A bedboard must be installed
on the planer when edge planing.
Edge planing can be done on stock up to 3/4”
thick and 11” wide with the following set-up:
Install the rabbet cutter knife, at the right or left
edge of the cutterhead, so that the rabbet knife
extends inside of the guide approximately 1/16”
to 1/8” or just enough to clean up the stock. See
Figure 35.
Figure 33
Figure 34
Figure 35