Powermatic 201 Service manual

Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
22-inch Planer
Models 201 and 201HH
WALTER MEIER (Manufacturing) Inc.
427 New Sanford Road
LaVergne, Tennessee 37086 Part No. M-0460224
Ph.: 800-274-6848 Revision G2 11/2011
www.waltermeier.com Copyright © 2011 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 thatthe
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 AREEXCLUDED. SOME STATESDO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG THEIMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONMAY NOT APPLY TOYOU.
WALTER MEIER 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 THEEXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONOF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSIONMAY NOT APPLYTO 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
Introduction........................................................................................................................................6
Specifications.....................................................................................................................................6
Receiving...........................................................................................................................................7
Installation..........................................................................................................................................7
Installing Dust Hood ........................................................................................................................8
Grounding Instructions........................................................................................................................8
Inspection ..........................................................................................................................................9
Adjustments .......................................................................................................................................9
Depth of Cut....................................................................................................................................9
Feed Rate Adjustment .....................................................................................................................9
Belt Tension....................................................................................................................................9
Opening Hood...............................................................................................................................10
Knife Installation and Adjustment (Straight Cutterhead only)............................................................10
Replacing or Rotating Knife Inserts (Helical Cutterhead only) ...........................................................11
The Planer’s Feed System ................................................................................................................12
Anti-Kickback Fingers....................................................................................................................12
Infeed Roller .................................................................................................................................12
Chipbreaker ..................................................................................................................................13
Pressure Bar.................................................................................................................................13
Outfeed Roller...............................................................................................................................14
Table Rollers.................................................................................................................................14
Table Adjustments.........................................................................................................................15
Operating Controls............................................................................................................................16
Test Cutting and Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................16
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................18
Lubrication....................................................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting: Planer Operating Problems......................................................................................19
Troubleshooting: Mechanical and Electrical Problems.........................................................................20
Replacement Parts...........................................................................................................................21
Parts List: Base Assembly..............................................................................................................22
Gearbox Assembly........................................................................................................................24
Parts List: Gearbox Assembly ........................................................................................................25
Column Assembly .........................................................................................................................26
Parts List: Column Assembly..........................................................................................................27
Table Assembly.............................................................................................................................28
Parts List: Table Assembly.............................................................................................................29
Parts List: Top Cover Assembly......................................................................................................30
Cutterhead Assembly ....................................................................................................................31
Parts List: Cutterhead Assembly.....................................................................................................32
Electrical Connections – 1 Phase, 230 Volt.........................................................................................34
Electrical Connections – 3 Phase, 230 Volt.........................................................................................35
Electrical Connections – 3 Phase, 460 Volt.........................................................................................36

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Warning
1. Read and understand the entire owner’s 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 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, do not use until proper training and
knowledge have been obtained.
5. Do not use this 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 from any injury
that may result from that use.
6. Always wear approved safety glasses/face shields while using this planer. Everyday eyeglasses only
have impact resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses.
7. Before operating this planer, 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
contain 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 machine is properly grounded.
12. With the exception of feed rate adjustment, make all machine adjustments or maintenance with the
machine disconnected from the power source. A machine under repair should be RED TAGGED to
show it should not be used until the maintenance is complete.
13. 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.
14. 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 after completion of maintenance.
15. 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.
16. Provide for adequate space surrounding work area and non-glare, overhead lighting.
17. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
18. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area. Keep children away.

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19. Make your workshop child proof with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.
20. Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation and “horse-play” are
careless acts that can result in serious injury.
21. Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do not fall or lean against moving parts. Do not
overreach or use excessive force to perform any machine operation. Stand to the side out of line with
the table and make sure no one else is standing in line with the table.
22. 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 more safely.
23. Maintain tools with care. Keep knives sharp and clean for the best and safest performance. Dull tools
increase noise levels and can cause kickbacks and glazed surfaces. Broken gibs/knives that are not
securely locked in the cutterhead can be thrown out of the planer causing severe or fatal injury as
well as severe damage to the machine. Follow instructions for lubricating machine and changing
accessories. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.
24. Do not attempt to plane boards shorter than 10” (254mm) in length without butting a board of equal
thickness behind it to help it through the planer. Be sure the last board of a butted sequence is 10” or
longer.
25. Do not feed stacked boards through a planer; a kickback may occur causing severe or fatal injury.
26. Do not plane a board with loose knots or with nails or any foreign material on its surface. Twisted,
warped, or wind-in 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.
27. If the board being planed stops feeding, disengage or turn the feed off and turn the power off. Wait
until the cutterhead comes to a complete stop before lowering the table to remove the board. Never
lower the table with the power on and the stock still in the machine, as a kickback can occur.
28. Keep hands outside of the machine. Never reach under the guards to try to clear stock that has
stopped feeding. When starting a cut, do not have any part of the hands under that part of the board
that is over the table; the infeed roller will engage the board and force it down against the table
causing a pinching action.
29. Disconnect machine from power source before cleaning. Use a brush or compressed air to remove
chips or debris — do not use your hands.
30. Do not stand on the machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine tips over.
31. Never leave the machine running unattended. Turn the power off and do not leave the machine until it
comes to a complete stop.
32. 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 - -

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Introduction
This manual is provided by Walter Meier (Manufacturing) Inc., covering the safe operation and
maintenance procedures for a Powermatic Model 201 and 201HH Planer. 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 Walter Meier. Walter Meier can also be reached at
our web site: www.waltermeier.com.
Specifications
Model Number....................................................................201.................................................201HH
Stock Number (7.5HP, 1Ph, 230V)................................1791261...............................................1791267
Stock Number (7.5HP, 3Ph, 230V)................................1791262...............................................1791268
Stock Number (7.5HP, 3Ph, 460V)........................................n/a...............................................1791269
Working Width (in.) ...............................................................22........................................................22
Maximum Depth of Cut (in.)................................................3/16.....................................................3/16
Minimum Thickness (in.) ......................................................1/8.......................................................1/8
Maximum Thickness (in.)...................................................9-1/4....................................................9-1/4
Segmented Infeed Roller Diameter (in.)....................................3..........................................................3
Steel Outfeed Roller Diameter (in.) ..........................................3..........................................................3
Feed Speeds (FPM)...................................................20 and 30.............................................20 and 30
Bed Rollers, Front Adjustable ..................................................2..........................................................2
Minimum Length Workpiece (in.)............................................10........................................................10
Cutterhead Style............................................................straight..................................................helical
Cutterhead Diameter (in.)..................................................3-1/4....................................................3-1/4
Number of Knives...................................................................4............................150 four-sided inserts
Cutterhead Speed (RPM)..................................................4800....................................................4800
Cuts per Minute............................................................. 19,200.......................................not applicable
Table Size (LxW)(in.)...............................................32-1/2 x 24...........................................32-1/2 x 24
Table Support.............................................................2-column..............................................2-column
Manual Table Height Adjustment (in.)......................1 turn = 1/16.........................................1 turn = 1/16
Readout Scale.................................................................mm/in...................................................mm/in
Dust Port Diameter (in.)...........................................................5..........................................................5
Dust Collection Minimum CFM Required..............................900......................................................900
Shipping Weight, approximate (lbs.)...................................1430....................................................1430
Net Weight, approximate (lbs.)...........................................1350....................................................1350
Overall Dimensions (LxWxH)(in.)............................ 42 x 49 x 59......................................... 42 x 49 x 59
The above specifications were current at the time this manual was published, but because of our policy of
continuous improvement, Walter Meier reserves the right to change specifications at any time and without
prior notice, without incurring obligations.

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Receiving
Open shipping crate and check for shipping
damage. Report any damage immediately to
your distributor. Read the instruction manual
thoroughly for assembly, maintenance and
safety instructions.
Contents of crate:
1 planer
1 dust chute w/ fasteners
4 screws w/ hex nuts (for leveling feet)
4 leveling feet
1 knife-setting gauge (201 only)
2 star point screwdrivers (201HH only)
1 set of 10 knife inserts (201HH only)
10 knife insert screws (201HH only)
1 6mm hex wrench
1 8mm hex wrench
1 10mm hex wrench
1 12mm & 14mm wrench
1 22mm & 24mm wrench
1 Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
1 Warranty Card
Installation
Remove the screws holding the base of the
machine to the skid. Use the lifting eyes on front
and back of the planer for hoisting it off the skid.
See Figure 1. Make sure the hex nuts are
tightened before lifting. The lifting eyes can be
removed once the planer is situated.
Place the planer on a solid foundation,
preferably a concrete floor. The four leveling feet
should be placed beneath the corners, and the
screws and hex nuts used for leveling
adjustments. See Figure 2. Alternatively, you
can secure the machine to the floor by using lag
screws through the holes in the base.
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. Electricals
should be installed so that they are protected
from damage and exposure.
Exposed metal parts 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, as it may scratch polished metal surfaces.
Figure 1
Figure 2

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Installing Dust Hood
Mount the dust hood with the eight M6 x 10mm
hex screws, eight spring washers, and eight flat
washers. See Figure 3.
It is strongly recommended that a dust collection
system be connected to the 5” port on the
planer’s dust hood. The system should be of
sufficient volume for this size planer. If a dust
collection system is not used, the user is
cautioned against the health hazard and the
limitations in the OSHA regulation for employee
or student exposure to dust particles.
Contact your dealer or visit waltermeier.com for
a line of available dust collectors.
Grounding Instructions
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.
Make sure the voltage of your power supply
matches the specifications on the motor plate of
the Planer. The machine should be connected to
a dedicated circuit.
You may either install a plug or “hard-wire” the
Planer directly to a control panel. If the Planer is
to be hard-wired to a panel, make sure a
disconnect is available for the operator. During
hard-wiring of the Planer, make sure the fuses
have been removed or the breakers have been
tripped in the circuit to which the machine will be
connected. Place a warning placard on the fuse
holder or circuit breaker to prevent it being
turned on while the Planer is being wired.
Figure 3

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Inspection
Before putting power to the machine, check that
all screws are tight, that all mechanical functions
work freely and that the cutterhead turns freely
without knife contact with the chipbreaker or
pressure bar.
Adjustments
Tools required:
Philips screwdriver
Hex wrenches (provided)
Open-end wrench (provided)
Depth of Cut
Depth of cut is controlled by raising or lowering
the table. This is done by using the handwheel
(A), shown in Figure 4.
1. Loosen the lock knob (B, Figure 4).
2. Raise or lower the table to the desired
position (clockwise to raise). One revolution
of the handwheel equals 1/16". The distance
can be read on the scale (C, Figure 4).
3. Retighten lock knob (B, Figure 4).
4. The pointer (D, Figure 4) can be adjusted
slightly if the scale should ever need
recalibrating.
Feed Rate Adjustment
The Model 201 is equipped with selectable feed
speed rollers that feed stock at 20 and 30 feet
per minute. To adjust speed, turn lever shown in
Figure 5, while the planer is running.
Always change speeds while
the planer is running to avoid damage to the
gearbox.
Belt Tension
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Remove lower rear cover of machine, and
use the hex nuts to adjust tension. See
Figure 6. Adjust motor plate up or down until
correct belt tension is achieved. To lower
motor plate, loosen lower nuts and tighten
upper nuts. To raise motor plate, do the
opposite.
3. Correct tension is obtained when there is
approximately 1/4" deflection in the center
span of the belts using light finger pressure.
4. Re-tighten the nuts and re-install cover.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6

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Opening Hood
To open the hood for access to the cutterhead,
remove the two hex screws with the 22mm
wrench provided. See Figure 7.
Knife Installation and Adjustment
(Straight Cutterhead only)
Use care when placing hands
near knives as they are extremely sharp and
can cause severe cuts.
Installing knives on a planer is an exacting
process. If the knives are not to be jointed and
ground, end-to-end and knife-to-knife
relationship must be held within .001" (.03mm)
for accurate and smooth planing. To help avoid
cutterhead distortion when changing out a set of
knives, remove and replace the knife in one slot
before changing the next knife. Snug down each
knife until all four are ready to fully tighten, as
described below. It may be helpful to number
the knives with a felt-tip marker to keep track of
progress.
Any knife adjustment or replacement should be
done to all four knives at the same time. Failure
to do this may result in an out-of-balance
cutterhead which can lead to bearing failure.
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. To remove a knife, loosen the eight screws
along its gib. See Figure 8.
3. The springs will cause the knife to rise in the
slot. Carefully remove knife from cutterhead
by lifting straight out. Remove gib and
springs, and clean any dust, pitch or
accumulated foreign matter from the slot
and the gib.
4. Replace the springs and gib into the slot,
then insert new knife and lightly snug the
eight gib screws.
5. Place the knife-setting gauge on the
cutterhead as shown in Figure 9, with the
flanges resting upon the cutterhead and the
center protrusion pushing down upon the tip
of the knife. This will hold the high point of
the knife to the proper height above the
cutterhead (approximately 1/8” or 3.18mm).
6. Use the gauge at both ends of the knife,
then check the center section to be sure it is
even. If the knife is low in the center, try
backing off slightly on the center gib screw
to allow the blade to come up. Gently tap
blade down with a piece of wood until it
conforms to the gauge height. Re-check the
full length of the knife.
Figure 7
Figure 8 – Model 201 only
Figure 9 – Model 201 only