Powermatic 15HH Service manual

Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
15-inch Planer
Models 15S and 15HH
WALTER MEIER (Manufacturing), Inc.
427 New Sanford Road
LaVergne, Tennessee 37086, USA Part No. M-0460286
Ph.: 800-274-6848 Revision E3 11/2010
www.powermatic.com Copyright © 2010 Walter Meier (Manufacturing), Inc.

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Warranty and Service
Walter Meier (Manufacturing), 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 Walter
Meier 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
Walter Meier is consistently adding new products to the line. For complete, up-to-date product information, check with your local
Walter Meier distributor, or visit powermatic.com.
WARRANTY
POWERMATIC products carry a limitedwarrantywhich 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 thetime 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, industrialor 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 call1-800-274-6848.
You must provide proof of initial purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our
inspection discloses a defect, wewill 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 legalrights; youmay also have other rights which vary from state to state.
LIMITATIONS ON THIS WARRANTY
WALTER MEIER (MANUFACTURING), INC., 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 LIMITATIONSON HOW LONG THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONMAY NOT APPLY TOYOU.
WALTER MEIER (MANUFACTURING), INC., 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 LIMITATIONOR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Walter Meier sells through distributors only. The specifications in Walter Meier catalogs are given as general information and are
not binding. Members of Walter Meier 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
Features ............................................................................................................................................6
Specifications.....................................................................................................................................6
Unpacking..........................................................................................................................................7
Installation and Assembly....................................................................................................................8
Handwheel......................................................................................................................................8
Starter Box......................................................................................................................................8
Extension Tables.............................................................................................................................9
Dust Hood.......................................................................................................................................9
Electrical Connections .....................................................................................................................9
Extension Cords............................................................................................................................10
Adjustments .....................................................................................................................................10
Belt Tension..................................................................................................................................10
Pulley Alignment ...........................................................................................................................11
Table Rollers.................................................................................................................................11
Cutterhead....................................................................................................................................12
Replacing Knives (Model 15S only) ................................................................................................12
Replacing or Rotating Knife Inserts (Model 15HH only)....................................................................13
Work Table Parallel to Cutterhead..................................................................................................14
Know the Transmitting Rollers of Your Planer..................................................................................14
Anti-Kickback Fingers....................................................................................................................15
Infeed and Outfeed Roller Spring Tension.......................................................................................15
Height of Infeed Roller, Chipbreaker and Outfeed Roller ..................................................................15
Outfeed Roller Height ....................................................................................................................16
Infeed Roller Height.......................................................................................................................16
Chipbreaker Height........................................................................................................................16
Chip Deflector...............................................................................................................................17
Feed Speed Control ......................................................................................................................17
Stock Return Rollers......................................................................................................................17
Depth of Cut..................................................................................................................................18
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................18
Lubrication....................................................................................................................................18
Functions of the Digital Scale (Model 15S only) ..................................................................................20
Troubleshooting: Performance Problems............................................................................................23
Troubleshooting: Mechanical and Electrical Problems.........................................................................24
Troubleshooting: Digital Scale – Model 15S only.................................................................................26
Switch Lock......................................................................................................................................26
Optional Accessories ........................................................................................................................26
Replacement Parts...........................................................................................................................26
Head Assembly.............................................................................................................................27
Parts List: Head Assembly .............................................................................................................28
Base Assembly .............................................................................................................................30
Table Assembly.............................................................................................................................32
Parts List: Table Assembly.............................................................................................................33
Gearbox Assembly........................................................................................................................34
Parts List: Gearbox Assembly ........................................................................................................35
Cabinet Assembly .........................................................................................................................36
Parts List: Cabinet Assembly..........................................................................................................37
Electrical Connections – Single Phase, 230 Volt .................................................................................38

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Warning
As with all machines, there is a certain amount of hazard involved with the use of this planer. Use the
machine with the respect and caution demanded where safety precautions are concerned. When normal
safety precautions are overlooked or ignored, personal injury to the operator can result.
Read, understand and follow the safety and operating instructions found in this manual. Know the
limitations and hazards associated with this machine.
Electrical grounding. Make certain that the machine frame is electrically grounded and that a ground
lead is included in the incoming electrical service. In cases where a cord and plug are used, make certain
that the grounding plug connects to a suitable ground. Follow the grounding procedure indicated in the
National Electrical Code. If connected to a circuit protected by fuses, use time delay fuse marked “D”.
Eye safety. Wear an approved safety shield, goggles, or glasses to protect eyes. (NOTE: Common
eyeglasses are only impact-resistant, they are not safety glasses.)
Personal protection. Before operating the machine, remove tie, rings, watch and other jewelry and roll
up sleeves above the elbows. Remove all loose outer clothing and confine long hair. Protective type
footwear should be used. Where the noise exceeds the level of exposure allowed in Section 1910.95 of
the OSHA Regulations, use hearing protective devices. Do not wear gloves.
Guards. Keep the machine guards in place for every operation for which they can be used. If any guards
are removed for maintenance, DO NOT OPERATE the machine until the guards are reinstalled.
Placement. Place machine so that potential kickback area is not in line with aisles, doorways, wash
stations, or other work areas. Do not expose machine to rain or use in damp locations.
Work area. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, saw dust, oil and other
liquids to minimize the danger of tripping or slipping. Be sure the table is free of all scrap, foreign material
and tools before starting to cut. Make certain the work area is well lighted and that a proper exhaust
system is used to minimize dust. It is recommended that anti-skid floor strips are used on the floor area
where the operator normally stands and that each machine’s work area be marked off. Provide adequate
work space around the machine.
Avoid accidental starting: Make certain motor switch is in off position before connecting power to the
machine.
Operator position. Maintain a balanced stance and keep your body under control at all times. Stand to
one side out of line with the table and make sure no one else is standing in line with the table.
Housekeeping. Before turning on machine, remove all extra equipment such as keys, wrenches, scrap,
and cleaning rags away from the machine
Careless acts. Give the work you are doing your undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a
conversation, and “horseplay” are careless acts that can result in serious injury.
Disconnect machine before performing any service or maintenance or when changing blades. A
machine under repair should be RED TAGGED to show it should not be used until the maintenance is
complete.
Maintain tools in top condition. Keep tools sharp and clean for safe and best performance. Dull tools
increase noise levels and can cause kickbacks and glazed surfaces. Check the condition and adjustment
of the tools before making any cuts. Follow the sharpening instructions on knife grinding and jointing,
installing and adjustments.

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Hand safety. Keep hands outside the machine. NEVER reach under the guards to try to clear stock that
stops feeding. Do not clear chips and sawdust with hands; use a brush. Do not have any part of the
hands under that part of the board that is over the table when starting a cut; the infeed roll will engage the
board and force it down against the table causing a pinching action. Do not operate machine while the
gear cover is open.
Cutterhead rotation: Be sure cutterhead rotates under power in a counterclockwise direction when
viewed from the main drive motor side.
Material condition: Do not plane boards with loose knots or with nails or any foreign material on its
surface. Knife impact on these objects can cause the knives to be pulled out and cause them to shatter
against the chipbreaker or pressure bar. Twisted, warped, or in wind stock should first be jointed on one
surface before attempting to plane a parallel surface on the planer. Serious stock flaws cannot be
removed by use of a planer alone.
Machine adjustments: Make all machine adjustments with power off except feed rate.
Avoid kickback: To avoid kickbacks, use this machine for single board surfacing only. Never make cuts
deeper than 1/8 inch (3mm).
Job completion. If the operator leaves the machine area for any reason, the planer should be turned
"off" and the cutterhead should come to a complete stop before his departure. In addition, if the operation
is complete, he should clean the planer and the work area. Never clean the planer with power "on" and
never use the hands to clear sawdust and debris; use a brush.
Replacement parts. Use only Powermatic or factory authorized replacement parts and accessories;
otherwise the warranty and guarantee is null and void.
Misuse. Do not use this Powermatic planer for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes,
Walter Meier (Manufacturing), Inc., disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless for
any injury or damage which may result from that use.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of planers, obtain advice from your supervisor,
instructor or other qualified person.
Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate this machine while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
any medication.
Health hazards. 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 and cement and other masonry products.
* Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures 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 those dust masks that are specifically designed to filter out microscopic particles.
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.

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Features
Figure 1
Specifications
Model Number...........................................................................15S ...........................................15HH
Stock Number ....................................................................1791210.......................................1791213
Maximum Cutting Width (in.)....................................................14-7/8..........................................14-7/8
Maximum Cutting Thickness (in.)....................................................6..................................................6
Full Width Cutting Depth (in.)....................................................... 1/8...............................................1/8
Minimum Planing Length (in.) .........................................................8..................................................8
Minimum Stock Thickness (in.)...................................................3/16.............................................3/16
Knives...........................................................................................3 ................... 74 four-sided inserts
Cutterhead Speed (RPM).........................................................4,500........................................... 4,500
Cuts per Minute.....................................................................13,500...............................not applicable
Cutterhead Diameter (in.)......................................................... 2-7/8............................................2-7/8
Sound Rating @ 2” distance (dB)..........................................82 to 85........................................80 to 84
Knife Insert Screw Max. Torque (pound force–inch) ......................-----........................................45 to 55
Feed Rate (FPM)..............................................................16 and 20.....................................16 and 20
Motor..................................................TEFC, 3HP, 1Ph, 230V, 60Hz....... TEFC, 3HP, 1Ph, 230V, 60Hz
Dust Chute Diameter (in.)...............................................................4..................................................4
Overall Dimensions, Assembled (LxWxH)(in.)............48 x 28 x 43-1/2............................48 x 28 x 43-1/2
Cabinet Footprint, including foot pedal (LxW)(in.).............. 23-1/2 x 23...................................23-1/2 x 23
Net Weight (lbs.).........................................................................507..............................................502
Shipping Weight (lbs.).................................................................573..............................................568
The above specifications were current at the time this manual was published, but because of our policy of
continuous improvement, Walter Meier (Manufacturing) Inc., reserves the right to change specifications at
any time and without prior notice, without incurring obligations.

7
Unpacking
Open 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 is
assembled and running properly.
Compare the contents of your container with the
following list to make sure all parts are intact.
Report any missing parts to your distributor.
Read this owner’s manual thoroughly for
assembly, maintenance and safety instructions.
Crate Contents (Figure 2):
1 Planer (not shown)
1 Dust hood
2 Cast iron extension tables
1 Handwheel
1 Handle
4 Hex wrenches (3, 4, 5 and 6mm)*
2 Open-end wrenches (8-10, 12-14mm)*
3 Bags of fasteners* – see below
1 Owner’s manual (not shown)
1 Warranty card (not shown)
Model 15S only:
1 T-handle hex wrench (4mm)*
2 Adjustment pins*
Model 15HH ONLY (Figure 4):
1 1/4” Drive Screwdriver
1 T25P Torx Plus Drive Socket Adaptor
1 Set of 10 Knife Inserts
Contents of fastener bags* (Figure 3):
A – (for installing handwheel)
1 Direction label
1 Hex nut
1 Flat washer
1 Key
B – (for installing extension tables)
6 Hex cap screws, M8x25
6 Socket set screws, M8x20
C – (for installing dust hood)
3 Socket head cap screws, M6x12
3 Lock washers, M6
3 Hex cap screws, M5x10
3 Flat washers, M5
*indicates parts included in hardware kit 15S-HK
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

8
Installation and Assembly
Tools required for assembly:
Forklift or hoist with slings
10-12,12-14mm open-end wrenches (provided)
4 and 5mm hex wrenches (provided)
16mm open-end wrench
Remove the screws holding the planer to the
pallet and use a forklift or hoist to lift the planer
off the pallet. Forks and straps should always be
placed under the four lifting handles when lifting
this machine (Figure 5). The lifting handles can
be pushed back in when not in use.
The planer should be operated in a well-lit area
with good ventilation. It can be rolled on its
casters to the desired location. Press the foot
pedal (Figure 6) to prevent movement during
operation or adjustments.
Exposed surfaces, such as tables, rollers,
cutterhead, etc., have been given a protective
coating at the factory. This should be removed
with a soft cloth moistened with a good
commercial solvent. Do not use acetone,
gasoline, lacquer thinner, or other solvents with
a low flash point. Do not use an abrasive pad
because it may scratch the polished cast iron
surfaces.
Use care when cleaning
around the cutterhead area – knives are
extremely sharp!
Handwheel
1. Place the key into the slot on the shaft
(Figure 7), and mount the handwheel to the
shaft, making sure it is oriented so it slips
over the key.
2. Peel off the backing of the directional label,
and attach it to the center of the handwheel.
Place flat washer and hex nut on shaft and
tighten with 16mm wrench.
3. Mount the handle in the threaded hole in the
handwheel, and tighten with a 12mm wrench
placed over the flat on the handle.
Starter Box
Mount the controls as shown in Figure 8, with
the two socket head cap screws which
y
ou’ll find
mounted to the head casting. Use a 5mm hex
wrench.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8

9
Extension Tables
1. Mount a cast iron table to the edge of the
main table with three M8 x 25 hex cap
screws (Figure 9) using a 12mm wrench. Do
not fully tighten yet.
2. The extension table must be leveled with the
main table. Place a straight edge (such as a
jointed board) across the extension table
and the main table.
NOTE: The straight edge should not lie over
the raised table rollers, as this would distort
the leveling process. Either place the
straight edge just short of the table rollers, or
lower the table rollers completely into the
table (see page 11) while mounting the
extension tables.
3. Insert three socket set screws with a 4mm
hex wrench, and screw them in or out as
needed until tables are level.
4. Securely tighten the hex cap screws.
5. Mount the second extension table to the
opposite side of the planer table, using the
same procedure.
Dust Hood
Mount the dust hood to the rear of the head
casting with three M6 x 12 socket head cap
screws with lock washers, and three M5 x 10
hex cap screws with flat washers. See Figure
10.
It is recommended that you use a dust collection
system with this planer. If you are not using a
dust collection system, do not attach the dust
hood to the planer, as the accumulation of dust
inside the hood may create a safety hazard, or
eventually cause jamming of the rollers.
Electrical Connections
Electrical connections must
be made by a qualified electrician in
compliance with all relevant codes. The
machine must be properly grounded to help
prevent electrical shock and possible fatal
injury.
A power plug is not provided with the 15S or
15HH planers. You may either connect a 230
volt plug or "hard-wire" the machine directly to
your electrical panel provided there is a
disconnect near the machine. Consult electrical
schematic on page 38 for further clarification of
wiring setup.
Figure 9
Figure 10
It is recommended that the 15S or 15HH Planer
be connected to a dedicated, minimum 40 amp
circuit with a 40 amp circuit breaker or time
delay fuse. Local codes take precedence over
recommendations.

10
This machine must be
g
rounded. Groundin
g
provides a path of least resistance to help divert
current away from the operator in case of
electrical malfunction.
Make sure the voltage of your power supply
matches the specifications on the motor plate of
the machine.
Extension Cords
The use of an extension cord is not
recommended for this machine, but if one 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.
The chart in Figure 11 shows the correct size
cord to use based on cord length and motor
plate amp rating. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number
the heavier the cord.
Adjustments
Tools required for assembly:
10, 12 and 17mm open-end wrenches
3, 5 and 6mm hex wrenches
0.2” (0.5mm) feeler gauge
straight edge
gauge block
cross-point screwdriver
Disconnect machine from
power source before making any
adjustments (except feed rate).
Belt Tension
Inspect the tension of the belts frequently during
the first few times you use the planer. Belts often
stretch during this trial period. If they require
tightening, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the belt guard and the rear panel.
2. Loosen the bottom nut on the motor
adjustment screw (Figure 12) with a 17mm
wrench.
3. Turn the top nut on the adjustment screw to
lower the motor plate, which will increase
the belt tension.
4. Proper tension is achieved when there is
slight deflection in the belt midway between
the pulleys, using moderate finger pressure.
5. Tighten the bottom nut on the adjustment
screw (Figure 12).
Recommended Gauges (AWG) of Extension Cords
Amps
Extension Cord Length *
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 11
Figure 12