Powermatic 15S User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Model 15S Planer
WMH TOOL GROUP
Consumer Woodworking Division
2420 Vantage Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
Ph: 888-804-7129
▪ Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] M-0460286 10/03
www.wmhtoolgroup.com Copyright © WMH Tool Group

2
This manual has been prepared for the owner and operators of a Powermatic Model 15S
Planer. Its purpose, aside from proper machine operation, is to promote safety through the use
of accepted correct operating and maintenance procedures. Completely read the safety and
maintenance instructions before operating or servicing the machine. To obtain maximum life
and efficiency from your planer, and to aid in using the machine safely, read this manual
thoroughly and follow all instructions carefully.
Warranty & Service
WMH Tool Group warrants every product it sells. If one of our tools needs service or repair, one of our
Authorized Repair Stations located throughout the United States can give you quick service.
In most cases, any one of these WMH Tool Group Repair Stations can authorize warranty repair, assist you in
obtaining parts, or perform routine maintenance and major repair on your JET, Performax, Powermatic or
Wilton tools.
For the name of an Authorized Repair Station 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 wmhtoolgroup.com.
Limited Warranty
WMH Tool Group (including JET, Performax, Powermatic and Wilton brands) makes every effort to assure
that its products meet high quality and durability standards and warrants to the original retail
consumer/purchaser of our products that each product be free from defects in materials and workmanship as
follows: 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON ALL PRODUCTS UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE. This
warranty does not apply to defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, normal
wear-and-tear, repair or alterations outside our facilities, or to a lack of maintenance.
WMH TOOL GROUP LIMITS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES TO THE PERIOD SPECIFIED ABOVE, FROM
THE DATE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED AT RETAIL. EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN, ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTIBILITY 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 CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES, SO THEABOVE
LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned for examination, postage prepaid, to
an Authorized Repair Station designated by our office. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the
complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection discloses a defect, WMH Tool Group will
either repair or replace the product, or refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide a
repair or replacement, if you are willing to accept a refund. WMH Tool Group will return repaired product or
replacement at our expense, but if it is determined there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes
not within the scope of our warranty, then the user must bear the cost of storing and returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
WMH Tool Group sells through distributors only. WMH Tool Group reserves 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
Safety Rules.......................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Safety Decals........................................................................................................................................... 6
Features................................................................................................................................................... 7
Specifications........................................................................................................................................... 8
Receiving................................................................................................................................................. 9
Installation & Assembly............................................................................................................................10
Handwheel ........................................................................................................................................10
Starter Box........................................................................................................................................11
Extension Tables...............................................................................................................................11
Dust Hood.........................................................................................................................................11
Electrical Connections.......................................................................................................................12
Extension Cords................................................................................................................................12
Adjustments.............................................................................................................................................13
Belt Tension......................................................................................................................................13
Pulley Alignment ...............................................................................................................................13
Table Rollers.....................................................................................................................................14
Cutterhead ........................................................................................................................................15
Replacing Knives ..............................................................................................................................15
Work Table Parallel to Cutterhead.....................................................................................................16
Know the Transmitting Rollers of Your Planer....................................................................................17
Anti-Kickback Fingers........................................................................................................................17
Infeed & Outfeed Roller Spring Tension ............................................................................................18
Height of Infeed Roller, Chipbreaker, & Outfeed Roller......................................................................18
Outfeed Roller Height........................................................................................................................19
Infeed Roller Height...........................................................................................................................19
Chipbreaker Height............................................................................................................................19
Chip Deflector...................................................................................................................................20
Feed Speed Control ..........................................................................................................................20
Changing Accessories for Lowest Feed Speed..................................................................................20
Stock Return Rollers..........................................................................................................................21
Depth of Cut......................................................................................................................................21
Maintenance............................................................................................................................................22
Lubrication ........................................................................................................................................22
Gearbox Lubricant.............................................................................................................................23
Functions of the Digital Scale..................................................................................................................24
Calibrating & Using Digital Scale.............................................................................................................25
Optional Accessories...............................................................................................................................27
Trouble-Shooting: Digital Scale ...............................................................................................................27
Trouble-Shooting: Performance Problems...............................................................................................28
Trouble-Shooting:Mechanical & Electrical Problems...........................................................................29-30
Replacement Parts & Service..................................................................................................................31
Parts Lists & Exploded Views:
Base Assembly.............................................................................................................................32-33
Table Assembly............................................................................................................................34-35
Gearbox Assembly.......................................................................................................................36-37
Cabinet Assembly ........................................................................................................................38-39
Head Assembly............................................................................................................................40-42
Electrical Schematic................................................................................................................................43
Maintenance Checklist.............................................................................................................................44

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!
SAFETY RULES
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.
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.
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. Powermatic recommends the use of anti-skid floor strips 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 the
left 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/LOCKED OUT 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.

5
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 roller 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 drive belt 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.
Cutting Depth: Do not exceed maximum cutting depth of 3/16”. It is easier and much safer to take smaller
cuts and make several passes.
Machine adjustments: Make all machine adjustments with power off except feed rate.
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,
Powermatic 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:
!
CAUTION: (This means that if precautions are not heeded, it may result in minor or moderate injury
and/or possible machine damage)
!
WARNING: (This means that if precautions are not heeded, it could result in serious injury or
possibly even death).

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!
SAFETY
Familiarize yourself with the location and content of these decals on your machine.
!
1. Readinstructionmanualbefore operatingmachine.
2. Donotoperatewithoutallguardsproperlyinstalled.
3
. Removeorfastenloosearticlesofclothingsuchasneckties,etc.
Containlonghair.
4. Removejewelrysuch asfingerrings,watches,bracelets,etc.
5. Useapprovedsafetyglassesand/orfaceshieldtoprotecteyes,and
use other personal safety equipmentas required. Do not wear
gloves.
6. Disconnect machinefrom power source beforemaking any
adjustmentsor cleaning chipsawayfrom machine.
7. Keeptheflooraround machinecleanandfreefromscraps,
sawdust,oilandgreasetominimizethedangerofslipping.
8. Donotoperatethismachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol
ordrugs.
9. Failuretocomply with these warningsmayresult inserious
personalinjury.
DO NOT REMOVE OR OBSCURE THIS LABEL
Fig. 1

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FEATURES: 15S Planer
Fig. 2

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SPECIFICATIONS: 15S Planer
Stock number..............................................................................................................1791210
Maximum cutting width (in) ............................................................................................ 14-7/8
Maximum cutting thickness (in).............................................................................................. 6
Full width cutting depth (in) ................................................................................................. 1/8
Maximum cutting depth (in)............................................................................................... 3/16
Minimum planing length (in)................................................................................................... 8
Number of high speed steel knives.........................................................................................3
Cutterhead speed (RPM)................................................................................................. 4,500
Cuts per minute..............................................................................................................13,500
Cutterhead diameter (in) ..................................................................................................2-7/8
Feed rate (FPM)...........................................................................................................16 & 20
Dust chute diameter (in).........................................................................................................4
Motor .........................................................................................TEFC, 3HP, 1Ph, 230V, 60Hz
Overall dimensions (in) H x W x L...................................................................43-1/2 x 28 x 48
Net weight (lbs).................................................................................................................. 507
Gross weight (lbs) .............................................................................................................. 573
NOTE: The above specifications were current at the time this manual was published, but because of our
policy of continuous improvement, Powermatic reserves the right to change specifications without notice and
without incurring obligations.

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RECEIVING
Open shipping crate and check for shipping
damage. Report any damage immediately to your
distributor and shipping agent. Before operating
the planer, read the owner’s manual thoroughly
for assembly, maintenance and safety
instructions.
Contents of crate (Fig. 3):
1 planer
1 dust hood
2 cast iron extension tables
1 handwheel
1 handle
4 hex wrenches (3, 4, 5 & 6mm)
1 T-handle hex wrench (4mm)
2 open-end wrenches (8-10, 12-14)
1 knife adjustment tool
3 bags of fasteners*
1 owner’s manual
1 warranty card
*Contents of fastener bags (Fig. 4):
A – (for installing handwheel)
1 direction label
1 hex nut
1 flat washer
1 key
B – (for installing extension tables)
6 hex cap screws, M8 x 25
6 socket set screws, M8 x 20
C – (for installing dust hood)
3 socket head cap screws, M6 x 12
3 lock washers, M6
3 hex cap screws, M5 x 10
3 flat washers, M5

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INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY
Tools required
forklift or hoist with slings
8/10, 12/14mmopen-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 (Fig. 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 (Fig. 6) to lock the casters 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.
CAUTION: Use care when cleaning
around the cutterhead area – knives are
extremely sharp!
HANDWHEEL
1. Place the key into the slot on the shaft (Fig.
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.
!

11
STARTER BOX
Mount the controls as shown in Fig. 8, with the
two socket head cap screws which you’ll find
mounted to the head casting. Use a 5mm hex
wrench.
EXTENSION TABLES
1. Mount a cast iron table to the edge of the
main table with three M8 x 25 hex cap
screws (Fig. 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 14) 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 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 Fig. 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.

12
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
WARNING: 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 planer.
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 43 for
further clarification of wiring setup.
This machine must be grounded. Grounding
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.
!

13
ADJUSTMENTS
Tools required
3, 5 and 6mm hex wrenches
10, 12 and 17mm open-end wrenches
0.2” (0.5mm) feeler gauge
straight edge
gauge block
cross-point screwdriver
WARNING: 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 (Fig. 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 (Fig. 12).
PULLEY ALIGNMENT
The pulleys should be in line for proper belt
operation.
1. Remove the belt guard and place a straight
edge against the faces of both pulleys (Fig.
13).
2. If the straight edge does not lie flat on both
pulley faces, open the rear panel and loosen
the four hex nuts on the motor plate (see
Fig. 12) with a 12mm wrench.
3. Nudge the motor left or right until the pulleys
are in alignment.
4. Tighten hex nuts and replace covers.
!

14
TABLE ROLLERS
Your planer is supplied with two table rollers (Fig.
14) which turn as the stock is fed into the
machine, thus reducing friction. It is not possible
to give exact dimensions on the proper height
setting of the table rollers because each type of
wood behaves differently. As a general rule,
however, when planing rough stock the table
rollers should be set at high position. When
planing smooth stock the rollers should be set at
low position.
NOTE: When raising the roller higher above the
table, the range is from zero to 0.06" (Fig. 15).
The table rollers are factory set for average
planing and are parallel to the table surface. If
you desire to adjust the table rollers higher or
lower, proceed as follows:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Lay a straight edge across both rollers.
3. On one side of the table, loosen the set
screws (Fig. 16) with a 3mm hex wrench,
and turn the eccentric shafts to raise or lower
the rollers.
4. When proper height is achieved, tighten set
screws.
5. Adjust the rollers from the opposite side of
the table in the same manner.
IMPORTANT: Be sure that the height of front and
rear rollers are the same. And the table rollers
must always be set parallel to the table.

15
CUTTERHEAD
Although your planer was carefully adjusted at the
factory, it should be checked before being put into
operation. Any inaccuracies due to rough handling
in transit can be corrected by following the
directions in this manual.
To check the adjustments you will need feeler
gauges, and a home-made gauge block made of
hardwood. This gauge block can be made by
following the dimensions shown in Figure 17.
REPLACING KNIVES
WARNING: Use caution and proceed
slowly when working with and around
the knives – they are extremely
sharp!
When dull knives are replaced, care must be
exercised in setting the new knives into the
cutterhead. There is a certain procedure to follow
which will ensure a proper setting of knives on the
15S Planer. Proceed as follows:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Remove the dust hood and the top cover.
Remove the chip deflector (Fig. 27 shows
the chip deflector). Remove the belt guard
so you can rotate the cutterhead using the
pulley.
3. Remove the gib screws with the T-handle
hex wrench (shown in Fig. 18) and remove
each gib one at a time.
4. Remove the knife, and clean the cutterhead
slot of any dust or debris.
5. Place the new knife loosely into the slot. Put
the first gib (gib #1, Fig. 18) in place at the
end of the cutterhead, and insert one screw
in the location shown in Fig. 18. Make the
screw snug – do not fully tighten yet.
NOTE: There are a total of three short gibs
and twelve long gibs on the cutterhead. It is
not important whether long or short gib is
used in any particular location along the
knife. Of course, each knife must use one
short gib.
6. Throughout this procedure, use the knife
adjustment tool (Fig. 19) to hold the blade in
place while installing gibs and screws. The
adjustment tool has a protrusion which fits
into the holes in the gibs and knife.
!

16
7. Put the second gib (gib #2, Fig. 19) in place
and insert a screw into gib #2 in the location
shown in Fig. 19. Use the adjustment tool to
hold the knife in place while making the
screw snug. Do not fully tighten screws yet.
8. Return to gib #1 and insert screws into the
first two holes. Make these screws snug.
9. Now that one end of the knife has been
secured, continue across the knife, placing
each gib and inserting its screws, while using
the adjustment tool to align and hold the
knife. Make all screws snug only. Continue
until the last gib at the opposite end has
been made snug.
10. Rotate the cutterhead and repeat the
process for each of the remaining two
knives. Make all gib screws snug only.
11. Now fully tighten all gib screws on one knife,
beginning at both ends of the knife and
working your way to the middle.
12. Tighten all gib screws on the other two
knives in the same fashion, until all gib
screws on the cutterhead are firmly
tightened.
(NOTE: The purpose of this incremental
tightening process is to prevent any slight
deflection or warpage of the cutterhead.)
WARNING: After installing knives, check
again carefully. Make certain all gib
screws are tightened securely. Failure to
heed may result in personal injury.
13. Re-install chip deflector (see “Chip
Deflector”, page 20). Re-install cover with
the four washer head screws, and then re-
install dust hood.
WORK TABLE PARALLEL
TO CUTTERHEAD
The work table is set parallel to the cutterhead at
the factory and no further adjustment should be
necessary. If your machine is planing a taper, first
check to see if the knives are set properly in the
cutterhead. Then check to see if the work table is
set parallel to the cutterhead. Proceed as follows:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Place the gauge block (Fig. 20) on the work
table directly under the front edge of the
head casting as shown. Make slight contact
by gently raising table.
!

17
3. Move the gauge block to the opposite end of
the work table. NOTE: Distance from the
work table to edge of head casting should be
the same.
4. Adjust opposite end in the same manner.
If the work table is not parallel to the cutterhead,
perform the adjustment procedure as follows:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Remove bolts holding the planer to the
stand. Carefully tilt planer on its side to
expose underside of base (Fig. 21).
3. Remove bolt (A, Fig. 21) and loosen bolt (B-
Fig. 21) which will allow you to move the
idler sprocket assembly (C, Fig. 21) far
enough to release tension on the chain.
4. Remove the chain from the particular
sprocket on the corner of the base that you
need to adjust.
5. Turn the sprocket by hand to bring that
corner into adjustment with the other three
corners. NOTE: Turning sprocket clockwise
will increase the distance between the
working table and the head casting;
counterclockwise will decrease the distance.
This adjustment is very sensitive and it
should not be necessary to turn the sprocket
more than one or two teeth.
6. When adjustments are correct, replace chain
around corner sprocket, slide idler sprocket
(C-Fig. 21) back to re-tension chain, tighten
bolt (B, Fig. 21) and insert and tighten bolt
(A, Fig. 21).
KNOW THE TRANSMITTING ROLLERS
OF YOUR PLANER
A. Anti-Kickback Fingers
B. Infeed Roller
C. Chipbreaker
D. Cutterhead
E. Outfeed Roller
ANTI-KICKBACK FINGERS
The anti-kickback fingers (A, Fig. 22) are an
important safety feature, as they help prevent
kickback of stock. They operate by gravity and
should be inspected frequently to make sure they
are free of gum and pitch, so that they move
independently and operate correctly.

18
INFEED & OUTFEED ROLLER
SPRING TENSION
The infeed roller (B, Fig. 22) and outfeed roller
(E, Fig. 22) are those parts of your planer that
feed the stock while it is being planed. The infeed
roller and the outfeed roller are 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 board. The tension should be
equal at both ends of each roller.
To adjust the spring tension of the infeed and
outfeed rollers, turn screws (Fig. 23) with a hex
wrench. Turn screws on both ends of
infeed/outfeed rollers in the same manner.
HEIGHT OF INFEED ROLLER,
CHIPBREAKER, & OUTFEED ROLLER
The infeed roller, chipbreaker and outfeed roller
are adjusted at the factory. The height
relationship between these items and the
cutterhead is crucial for accurate and safe
planing. The infeed roller, chipbreaker, and
outfeed roller should each be set at 0.02"
(0.5mm) below the cutting circle. See Fig. 24.
If any adjustments are necessary for the infeed
roller, chipbreaker, or outfeed roller, they should
be done carefully. Use the following steps as an
example of procedure.

19
NOTE: This procedure uses a home-made gauge
block and feeler gauges, which should be
sufficient for most planer operations. If extra
precise measurements are desired, however, use
a dial indicator device. A bed and feed roller
gauge with dial indicator (stock # 2230002) is
available as an accessory for this machine, and
may be purchased through our customer service
department.
OUTFEED ROLLER HEIGHT
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Make sure the knives are set properly as
previously explained under "Knife
Adjustment."
3. Place the gauge block (F, Fig. 25) on the
table directly beneath the cutterhead (D, Fig.
25).
4. Using a 0.02" (0.5mm) feeler gauge (G, Fig.
25) placed on top of the gauge block, raise
the work table until the knife just touches the
feeler gauge when the knife is at its lowest
point. Do not move the work table any
further until the outfeed roller is adjusted.
5. Remove the feeler gauge and move the
gauge block (F, Fig. 26) under one end of
the outfeed roller. The bottom of the outfeed
roller should just touch the top of the gauge
block. If an adjustment to the outfeed roller
is necessary, loosen the lock nut (J, Fig. 26)
and turn screw (H, Fig. 26) until the outfeed
roller just touches the gauge block. Then
tighten lock nut (J, Fig. 26).
6. Check and adjust the opposite end of the
outfeed roller in the same manner.
INFEED ROLLER HEIGHT
Use the exact same procedure for checking the
infeed roller as you did for the outfeed roller, Use
the .02" (0.5mm) feeler gauge atop the gauge
block. If adjustment is necessary, use the lock nut
and screw on each end of the infeed roller.
CHIPBREAKER HEIGHT
The chipbreaker breaks off the larger chips before
the stock reaches the cutterhead. Use the gauge
block and a .02" (0.5mm) feeler gauge to check
the height of the chipbreaker, following the same
procedure as above. If adjustment is needed:

20
1. Remove top cover.
2. Loosen the lock nuts (A, Fig. 27) at both
ends of the chipbreaker, and turn the set
screws to raise or lower the chipbreaker as
needed. The set screws should be turned the
same amount.
3. When the chipbreaker contacts the gauge
block, tighten both lock nuts (A, Fig. 27).
CHIP DEFLECTOR
The chip deflector (B, Fig. 27) keeps wood chips
from falling into the outfeed roller. The deflector
should be set approximately 1/16" to 1/8” from the
tip of the knives. Make sure the deflector is
oriented so the bevel on its front edge matches
the shape of the cutterhead.
FEED SPEED CONTROL
Your machine is equipped with a spiral, serrated
infeed roller and a solid steel outfeed roller. When
the feed rollers are engaged, they turn to feed the
stock. The feed rollers slow automatically when
the machine is under heavy load for best planing
in all conditions. The feed rollers are driven by
chains and sprockets (see Fig. 28) which take
power directly from the cutterhead through the oil
bath gear box. The drive chain does not need
tensioning, as a tension device (Fig. 28)
maintains proper tension at all times.
To gain access to the chain and sprockets:
1. Remove the handwheel from the machine.
See Fig. 29.
2. Remove the socket head cap screw from the
center of the cover, and remove the left
triangular back plate.
3. Pull the cover off the machine.
4. Always install cover before operating planer
WARNING: Always install cover over the
chain and sprockets before operating
planer.
!