Powermatic 54A User manual

Instruction Manual & Parts List
M-0460246
[phone]
www.powermatic.com
6" JOINTER
Model 54A

2
Warranty & Service
TheWMH ToolGroup warrantsevery productit sells. Ifone ofour toolsneeds serviceor repair, oneof our
AuthorizedRepairStations locatedthroughout theUnited States cangive youquick service.
In most cases, any one of these WMH Tool Group Repair Stations can authorize warranty repair, assist you in
obtainingparts,or performroutine maintenanceand majorrepaironyour JET, Powermatic,Performax,or
Wilton tools.
Forthe nameof anAuthorizedRepair Stationin yourarea, pleasecall1-800-274-6848.
More Information
Remember, the WMH Tool Group is consistently adding new products to the line. For complete, up-to-date
productinformation, checkwith yourlocal WMHTool Groupdistributor.
WMH Tool Group Warranty
The WMH Tool Group makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards
andwarrants tothe originalretail consumer/purchaserof ourproducts thateach productbe freefrom defectsin
materialsand workmanshipas follow: 1YEARLIMITED WARRANTYONALLPRODUCTS UNLESSSPECI-
FIED OTHERWISE. This Warranty does not apply to defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse,
negligenceor accidents,normal wear-and-tear, repair oralterations outsideour facilities,or toa lackof mainte-
nance.
THEWMH TOOLGROUPLIMITSALLIMPLIEDWARRANTIESTOTHEPERIOD SPECIFIEDABOVE,FROM
THEDATETHEPRODUCT WASPURCHASEDATRETAIL.EXCEPTASSTATEDHEREIN,ANYIMPLIED
WARRANTIESORMERCHANTIBILITYANDFITNESSAREEXCLUDED.SOMESTATESDONOT
ALLOWLIMITATIONS ONHOWLONGTHE IMPLIEDWARRANTYLASTS,SOTHEABOVELIMITATIONMAY
NOTAPPLYTOYOU.THE WMHTOOLGROUP SHALLINNO EVENTBELIABLE FORDEATH,INJURIES
TOPERSONS ORPROPERTY, ORFORINCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT,SPECIAL, ORCONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGESARISING FROMTHEUSEOFOURPRODUCTS. SOMESTATESDO NOTALLOWTHEEXCLU-
SIONORLIMITATIONOFINCIDENTALORCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES,SOTHEABOVELIMITATIONOR
EXCLUSIONMAYNOTAPPLYTOYOU.
To take advantage of this warranty, the productor part mustbe returned forexamination, postage prepaid, to an
AuthorizedRepairStation designatedby ouroffice. Proofof purchasedate andan explanationof thecomplaint
must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection discloses a defect, we will either repair or replace the
product,or refundthe purchaseprice ifwe cannotreadily andquickly providea repairor replacement,if youare
willing to accept a refund. We will return repaired product or replacement at WMH's expense, but if it is
determined there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of WMH's 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.
The WMH Tool Group sells through distributors only. Members of the WMH Tool Group reserve the right to
effect at any time, without prior notice, those alterations to parts, fittings, and accessory equipment which they
maydeem necessaryfor anyreasonwhatsoever.
This manual has been prepared for the owner and operators of a Powermatic Model 54A, 6"
Jointer. Its purpose, aside from machine operation, is to promote safety through the use of
acceptedcorrectoperatingandmaintenanceprocedures. Completelyreadthesafetyandmain-
tenance instructions before operating or servicing the machine. To obtain maximum life and
efficiency from your jointer and to aid in using the machine safely, read this manual thoroughly
and follow all instructions carefully.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety:
Instructions .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Decals ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Receivingthe Jointer ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Installation ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
MountingJointerto Stand ........................................................................................................................ 7
Installing Belt ........................................................................................................................................... 8
InstallingPulley Cover.............................................................................................................................. 8
FenceInstallation &Removal................................................................................................................... 8
Cutterhead GuardInstallation &Removal ................................................................................................. 8
InstallingDust Chute................................................................................................................................ 9
GroundingInstructions ............................................................................................................................. 9
ExtensionCords .............................................................................................................................10
Rewiringmotor for230Volts ...........................................................................................................10
Safety Switch .........................................................................................................................................11
Adjustments:
Raising& LoweringTables......................................................................................................................11
InstallingNew Knives ..............................................................................................................................12
OutfeedTable & Knives ...........................................................................................................................13
Depthof Cut............................................................................................................................................14
JointingKnives........................................................................................................................................14
TableGibs andLeveling ..........................................................................................................................15
FenceAdjustments: Tilt ..........................................................................................................................15
FenceAdjustments: Stop........................................................................................................................16
CutterheadRemoval................................................................................................................................16
BasicOperations ............................................................................................................................................17
Surfacing ................................................................................................................................................17
SurfacingLong Boards............................................................................................................................18
Jointing(or Edging) .................................................................................................................................19
Beveling ..................................................................................................................................................19
CrossGrain ............................................................................................................................................19
Skewing(Shear Cutting) .........................................................................................................................20
Push Blocks ...................................................................................................................................................20
OptionalAccessories ......................................................................................................................................21
Parts List / Exploded Views:
FenceAssembly................................................................................................................................22-23
Base & Table Assembly .....................................................................................................................24-25
CutterheadAssembly.........................................................................................................................26-27
StandAssembly.................................................................................................................................28-29

4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Aswith allmachines,thereis acertainamountof hazardinvolvedwith theuseofthisjointer. Usethemachine with
therespectandcautiondemandedwhere safetyprecautionsare concerned. Whennormalsafetyprecautions are
overlookedor ignored,personal injurytotheoperatorcan result.
Read the manual. Read, understand, and follow the safety instructions found in this manual. Know the limita-
tionsand hazardsin usingthe model54A-6" Jointer. Decalsare placedon eachmachine asreminders ofgood
safety practice.
Guards. Be sure machine guards are in place and in good working order. Use them at all times on operations
where they can be used. If a guard must be removed for any operation, make sure it is replaced immediately
followingcompletion ofthatoperation.
Work area. Keeptheflooraroundthe machineclean andfreeofscrapmaterial, sawdust, oiland otherliquidsto
minimizethe dangerof trippingor slipping. Besure thetable isfree ofallscrap,foreignmaterial andtools 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.
Don't use machine in damp or wet locations, or expose it to rain.
Keep children away. All visitors should be kept a safe distance from the work area.
Make workshop child-proof with padlocks, master switches, or by removing starter keys.
Don't force tool. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Personalprotection.Beforeoperating themachine,removetie, rings,watchandotherjewelryandrollupsleeves
above the elbows. Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair. Protective type footwear should be used.
Wherethe noiseexceedsthe levelofexposure allowedinSection 1910.95ofthe OSHARegulations,use hearing
protectivedevices. Do notweargloves.
Eye safety. Always wear approved safety goggles, glasses, or a face shield when operating this machine.
Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistant lenses, they are NOT safety glasses.
Support the workpiece adequately at all times during operation; maintain control of the work at all times.
Use clamps or a vise to hold work when practical. It’s safer than using your hand and it frees both hands to
operatetool.
Don't overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Follow instructions
forlubricationand changingaccessories.
Disconnect machine beforeperforminganyservice ormaintenance.
Reduce the risk of unintentional starting. Make sure switch is in off position before plugging in.
Use recommended accessories. Consult theowner’s manual forrecommended accessories.The useof
improper accessories may cause risk of injury to persons.
Never stand on machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine is tipped or if the cutting tool is uninten-
tionally contacted.
Check damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, 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
alignmentofmoving parts,binding ofmoving parts,breakage of parts,mounting, andany otherconditions that
may affect its operation. Aguard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced.
!

5
Direction of feed. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation of the blade or cutter only.
Never leavemachinerunning unattended. Turnpower off. Don’tleave machine untilit comesto acomplete
stop.
Do not perform jointing operations on material shorter than 8", narrower than 3/4 inch, or less than 1/4 inch
thick.
Do not perform planing operations on material shorter than 8", narrower than 3/4 inch, or wider than 6", or
thinner than 1/2 inch.
Maintain the proper relationships of infeed and outfeed table surfaces and cutter head knife path.
Do not back the work toward the infeed table.
Do not attempt to perform an abnormal or little-used operation without study and the use of adequate hold-
down/push blocks, jigs, fixtures, stops, and the like.
Hand safety. It is good practice to move the hands
in an alternate motion from back to front as the work
continues through the cut. Never pass the hands
directly over the cutter knife. As one hand approaches
the knives remove it from the stock in an arc motion
and place it back on the stock in a position beyond
thecutterknife.
Three inch rule. When working a piece of wood on
the jointer, follow the 3 inch radius rule. The hands
must never be closer than 3 inches to the cutter head.
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:
* Leadfromlead-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
exposuretothese chemicals,work ina well-ventilatedarea,and workwith approvedsafety 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).
!
!

6
SPECIFICATIONS - Model 54A Jointer
Table ...................................................................................................................................................... 7" x 66"
Table support ............................................................................................................................dove-tailedways
Cutterhead ......................................................................................................... 3 knife "controlled chip" design
Cutterheadspeed........................................................................................... 6000 RPM (18,000 cuts per min.)
Cutting capacity....................................................................................................................................1/2" x 6"
Knives ..................................................................................................................... (three) 6-1/16" x 5/8" x 1/8"
Fencesize overall .................................................................................................................................. 4" x 38"
Fence tilt .....................................................................................................................................+/-45degrees
Stops ....................................................................................................- 45 degrees, + 45 degrees, 90 degrees
Heightwithstand .......................................................................................................................................... 32"
Motor ..............................................................................................1HP, 1Ph, 115/230v,60 Hz(prewired 115v)
Baseweight........................................................................................................................................... 134 lbs.
Standweight ............................................................................................................................................ 64 lbs.
Switch..............................................................................................................................................pushbutton
SAFETY DECALS
!
Familiarize yourself with the location of these decals on your jointer.
NOTE: The above specifications were current at the time this manual was published, but because of our policy
ofcontinuous improvement,Powermatic reservesthe righttochangespecificationswithout noticeand without
incurringobligations.

7
RECEIVING THE JOINTER
Upondelivery, openshippingcontainersandcheckthat
allpartsare ingood condition. Anydamageshould be
reportedtoyour distributorand shippingagent imme-
diately. Before proceeding further, read your manual
and familiarize yourself thoroughly with assembly,
maintenanceand safetyprocedures.
Contents of box 1:
1 jointer stand
1door
1 dust chute
Contents of box 2:
1 jointer assembly
1 fence assembly
1pulley cover
1 belt
1cutterhead guard
2hold-downs
1hardwarebag
Thecontents ofthe hardwarebag aredrawn fullscale
in Figure 1.
Moisten a soft cloth with kerosene and remove the
protective coating from all machined surfaces of the
jointer. Do NOT use an abrasive pad. Do not use
gasoline,acetone orlacquerthinner,asthis maydam-
agepainted surfaces.
Althoughsome usersprefera waxcoatingforthetable
surfaces, white talcum powder rubbed in vigorously
oncea weekwith ablackboard eraserwillfill anycast-
ingpores andform amoisture barrier. Talcumpowder
will not stain wood or mar finishes.
INSTALLATION
Tools required
12mm and 14mm wrenches
screwdriver
Locatethejointer inan areathat islevel and provides
asolidfoundation. Make surethat anypotential kick-
back is not in line with aisles, doorways, wash sta-
tions or other work areas.
MOUNTING JOINTER TO STAND
1. Position the jointer on the stand so that the pul-
leyattachedto thecutterhead onthe jointeris directly
above and on the same side as the motor pulley.
2. Usethree lockboltsandspringwashers tofirmly
fastenthe jointertothe stand. Thebolts arethreaded
up through the holes in the stand into the base of the
jointer. See Figure 2. Use a wrench to tighten.
FIGURE1
FIGURE2
Handle screw
1/4-20 x 1/2
Qty. 8
Lock bolts
Qty. 3
Spring washer
10.2 mm x 18.5 mm
Qty. 3
Flat washer
4.3 mm x 10 mm x 1 mm
Qty. 8

8
INSTALLING BELT
To attach the belt to the cutterhead pulley and motor
pulley, first reach into the dust chute with a wrench
and loosen the four bolts holding the motor to the
mount bracket. Align the pulleys using the slotted
holes on the mounting bracket. Raise the motor as
high as possible and mount the belt on to both pul-
leys. Allow the motor to drop and create tension on
the belt. Pull down on the motor to achieve the de-
siredbelt tension(the correctbelttension isachieved
whenthebeltcanbe deflectedapproximatelyoneinch
at the center belt span using light finger pressure as
shown in Figure 3.) Snug tight the four bolts.
INSTALLING PULLEY COVER
The pulley cover is mounted with four 1/4-20 x 1/2
handle screws and four flat washers to the threaded
holes in the base, as shown in Figure 4.
FENCE INSTALLATION & REMOVAL
Place the key (A) into the machined slot of the fence
support as in Figure 5. The spring pin (B) should go
into the hole in the slot. The key should be firmly
seated in the slot. Lightly coat the mating surfaces
ofthe fencesupport andthe fenceslide basewith oil.
Placethefence slidebaseonthe fencesupport,align-
ing the key with the machined slot in the fence slide
base.
Attach the two hex nuts and flat washer (C) on to the
locking screw (D) and tighten, as shown in Figure 5.
Whenthe lockingscrewistightened, thefenceshould
be secure. Loosen the locking screw to slide the
fencetothe desiredpositiononthe tableandretighten
the locking screw.
CUTTERHEAD GUARD INSTALLATION &
REMOVAL
WARNING: Use the jointer guard for all
operations.
1. Disconnectjointer frompower source.
2. Turn knob (A) counterclockwise to create ten-
sion on spring, and hold it there. See Figure 6
3. Insertguard post(B) downthrough holeinfront
ofledge.
FIGURE3
FIGURE4
FIGURE5
!

9
4. Slightlyturnknob(A),ifnecessary,untiltheguard
seats itself, and the spring engages the slot at the
endofthe guardpost.
5. Checktheguardforpropertension. Ifguarddoes
not spring back into place when pulled back from
cutterhead, remove guard and adjust spring tension
by repeating steps 1-3 until correct tension is
achieved. NEVER run the jointer without the guard
beinginplace andin perfectworking order.
INSTALLING DUST CHUTE
Mount the dust chute to the pre-tapped holes in the
sideof thestand withfour 1/4-20x1/2handlescrews
and four flat washers. See Figure 7.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: If the machine does not come
wired to run, the electricals and motor
wiring must be done by a qualified
electrician. The machine must be
properly grounded to help avoid
electrical shock and possible death.
Follow the recommendations made by
the National Electrical Code for
grounding.
1. Allgrounded, cordconnected tools:
Intheeventofamalfunction orbreakdown,grounding
providesa pathof leastresistance forelectric current
to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is
equippedwithan electriccord havingan equipment-
groundingconductor anda groundingplug. Theplug
must be plugged into a matching outlet that is prop-
erlyinstalledand groundedin accordancewith alllo-
cal codes and ordinances. Do not modify the plug
provided - if it will not fit the outlet, have the proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
Improperconnectionof theequipment-groundingcon-
ductorcanresult ina riskof electric shock. Thecon-
ductor with insulation having an outer surface that is
green, with or without yellow stripes, is the equip-
ment-groundingconductor. Ifrepairor replacementof
theelectriccord orplug isnecessary,donot connect
theequipment-grounding conductortoa liveterminal.
Check with a qualified electrician or service person-
nel if the grounding instructions are not completely
understood, or if in doubt as to whether the tool is
properlygrounded.
Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong
grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept
the tool’s plug.
Repairorreplace damagedorworn cordimmediately.
FIGURE6
FIGURE7
!

10
2. Grounded,cord-connectedtoolsintendedfor use
on a supply circuit having a nominal rating less than
150volts:
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an
outlet that looks like the one illustrated in Sketch A,
Figure 8. The tool has a grounding plug that looks
like the plug illustrated in Sketch A.
Atemporary adapter, which looks like the adapter il-
lustrated in Sketches B and C in Figure 8, may be
used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle as
shownin SketchB ifa properlygroundedoutletisnot
available. Thetemporaryadaptershouldbe usedonly
until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a
qualifiedelectrician. The green-coloredrigid ear,lug,
andthe like,extendingfromtheadapter mustbecon-
nected to a permanent ground such as a properly
groundedoutlet box.
3. Grounded,cord-connectedtoolsintendedfor use
on a supply circuit having a nominal rating between
150-250volts, inclusive:
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an
outlet that looks like the one illustrated in Sketch D
Figure 8. The tool has a grounding plug that looks
like the plug illustrated in Sketch D.
Make sure the tool is connected to an outlet having
the same configuration as the plug. No adapter is
available or should be used with this tool. If the tool
must be reconnected for use on a different type of
electric circuit, the reconnection should be made by
qualifiedservicepersonnelandafter reconnection,the
toolshouldcomplywithalllocalcodesandordinances.
EXTENSION CORDS
Use proper extension cord. Make sure your exten-
sioncord isingoodcondition. Whenusinganexten-
sion cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry
thecurrentyour productwilldraw. Anundersizedcord
will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of
power and overheating. Figure 9 shows the correct
sizetouse dependingon cordlength andnameplate
ampererating. Ifindoubt,use thenextheaviergauge.
Thesmaller thegauge number, theheavier thecord.
REWIRING MOTOR FOR 230 VOLTS
Whenrewiringthesuppliedelectric motorfor230volts,
be sure power cord is unplugged then change the
connectionsas illustratedin thediagram inthe motor
wiringbox. Always securewirenutswith frictiontape.
Anew plugwill berequired for230 voltsas illustrated
in Figure 8, Sketch D.
FIGURE8
FIGURE9
Ampere Rating Volts Total length of cord in feet
115/230 25' 50' 100' 150'
More Not
Than More
Than AWG
0 6
6 10
10 12
12 16
18 16 16 14
18 16 14 12
15 16 14 12
14 12 Not
recommended

11
SAFETY SWITCH
Thejointeris equippedwith apush-button switch
with safety padlock, shown in Figure 10. To safe-
guardyour machinefromunauthorized operationand
accidental starting by young children, the use of the
padlockishighly recommended.
ADJUSTMENTS
Tools required
8mm, 10mm 12mm, and 19mm wrenches
3mm and 6mm hex wrenches
RAISING AND LOWERING TABLES
Figures11and12
To adjust infeed table:
1. Loosen the rear thumb screw (B), and the lock-
inghandle (C).
2. Raiseorlowertheheight adjustmenthandle (D)
untilthescale (G)reads approximatelyat thecorrect
depth of cut.
3. Turn the locking handle (C) until it is snug, then
fine-tune the adjustment with the height adjustment
handle (D) by rotating it until the scale reads exact.
(Clockwiseraises thetable, counterclockwiselowers
thetable.)
4. When set, retighten screw (B).
To adjust outfeed table:
1. Loosenthumbscrew(E).
2. Turnhandwheel (F)located ontheundersideof
theoutfeed table.
3. When set, retighten thumbscrew (E).
FIGURE10
FIGURE11
FIGURE12

12
INSTALLING NEW KNIVES
Unplug or disconnect jointer from power source and
lock out power. When installing new knives remove
only one knife at a time. Clean the knife slot and
install the new knife. Adjust and lock new knife in
cutterheadassembly beforeproceedingto nextknife.
Toremove theold knives,loosengib lockingbolts (A)
withan 8mmwrench, andremove gib,knife,and jack
screws, Figure 13. Using a hex wrench, turn jack
screws (B) down one turn.
Clean the jack screws, gib, knife slot, and knife thor-
oughly and replace jack screws.
Sandwich knife and gib together and drop into knife
slot. Be certain that the back of the knife is resting
on the seat of the jack screw plug. Next, a shop
scale should be placed flat on the end of the
cutterhead. Slidethe knifeoutuntilitis flushwith the
end of the shop scale. Set the knife locking gib 1/32
inch in from the end of the knife, Figure 14.
WARNING: Set the knives no more than
.015 inches above the body of the
cutterhead to minimize the hazard of
kickback and severe personal injury.
Snugthe twooutsidegiblockingscrews. Ifyouhave
a Powermatic knife setting gauge, place it on the
outfeedtable and"0" theindicatoras shownin Figure
15. Liftthe gaugeoff theoutfeed tableto seehow far
below the bottom of the gauge the indicator travels.
The indicator should read between .025 and .050 as
shown in Figure 16. If the indicator reads outside of
this range, loosen the set screw in the side of the
gaugeandadjust theindicatorsothatitwill readwithin
therangeabove. Zero theindicator asshown inFig-
ure15. Repeatthisprocess untilindicatorreadswithin
the.025to .050range. Always zerothe indicator(as
shownin Figure15)before eachuse. Nowplace iton
theoutfeed tabletothe rearof thecutterheadwith the
flatindicator pointover thecutterhead (Figure17)
Insert a hex wrench into the jack screw and rock the
cutterhead back and forth. Watch the pointer on the
knife-settinggauge. The pointerwillbegin movingto-
ward "0". When the pointer reaches "0", it is parallel
withthe outfeedtable. Move thegauge tothe frontof
thecutterhead andrepeat theabove procedure.
This adjusting process puts the knife into the knife
slot with the tip parallel and flush with the outfeed
table. Oncethecorrect knifeheight hasbeen estab-
lished,securethegiblocking screws. Beginwith the
centerscrew (toprevent bucklingor unevenknives).
FIGURE14
FIGURE15
FIGURE13
!

13
FIGURE16
If a Powermatic knife gauge is not available, use a
standard shop scale. Stand the scale on its edge on
the outfeed table; the scale should extend over the
cutterhead. Usingthe abovemethod,raiseknifeuntil
it just touches the scale at the high point of the
cutterheadarc.
OUTFEED TABLE AND KNIVES
The outfeed table must be set exactly level with the
knivesatthehighestpoint oftheir revolution. Knives
must also be parallel to the outfeed table. To check
alignment:
WARNING: Disconnect machine from
power source before making alignments.
1. Placea steelstraightedge onoutfeed tableand
extend it over the cutterhead as shown in Figure 18.
2. Rotate the cutterhead by hand. If a knife is too
low or too high at either end, lightly loosen the two
lockscrews intheknife, asshowninFigure18. Move
theknifeuntil itbarely scrapesthe straightedge, and
tighten the lock screws securely. Make sure each
knifedoesnot extendmore than.015 inchesbeyond
thecutterhead.
3. Forafinal check,setthe infeedtableforno more
than a 1/64" cut, turn on machine and run a piece of
woodover thecutterheadfor6to 8inches. Thestock
shouldrestfirmlyonboth tableswith nospace under
the finished cut as shown in Figure 19.
Remember, NEVER attempt to take off more than
1/64" in each pass when making outfeed table ad-
justments.
FIGURE17
FIGURE18
FIGURE19
!

14
DEPTH OF CUT
Depthof cutisdeterminedbytheheightoftheinfeed
table relative to the high point of the knives on the
cutterhead.
When facing the width of a board (as opposed to the
edge of a board), NEVER attempt to take off more
than 1/64" with each pass.
The depth of cut is indicated by the scale located on
the front of the jointer base as shown in Figure 20.
JOINTING KNIVES
After extended use it will be necessary to sharpen
thekniveson thecutterheadassemblysothat allthree
knives protrude exactly the same height above the
cutterhead.
To jointtheknives:
WARNING: Disconnect machine from
power source. Use approved eye
protection whenever sharpening blades.
1. Removethecutterhead guard.
2. Place a metal straightedge across both tables
as shown in Figure 21, and make sure both tables
are set to the exact height of the high point of the
knives.
3. Clamp a block of wood across the infeed table
as shown in Figure 22 in order to block the end of a
fine India stone or oilstone during the jointing opera-
tion. This helps to prevent kickback of the stone.
4. Turnmachineon.
5. Keepinghandswellclear ofthe cutterhead,place
the stone into position as shown in Figure 22, and
slide the oilstone back and forth across both tables
until the knives are lightly jointed.
6. TURN MACHINE OFF andvisuallyinspecteach
knife. If only the high knife has been touched, lower
the OUTFEED table .003 inches and continue the
sharpening process until all three knives have been
touched by the stone.
7. Replacecutterheadguard.
FIGURE22
FIGURE20
FIGURE21
!

15
TABLE GIBS AND LEVELING
The table gibs on your machine are factory adjusted
and may never require readjustment. Should any
adjustmentbecomenecessary,do thefollowing:
1. Lightlyloosen thegib adjustingscrews (A),Fig-
ure23. By looseningthelocknutsfirst thesetscrews
should be loose enough to move the table.
2. Support the end of the table and at the same
time, raise it up slightly, (it is recommended that an-
other person hold and support the table when per-
formingtheseadjustments).Snug thegib screws. Any
adjustment of the gibs is very minute, perhaps even
1,000thof aninch. If thegibs aretoo tightthe adjust-
ment handles will be difficult to turn. If the gibs are
too loose the tables could sag. Keep checking the
levelofthe tableswith astraightedge untillevelingis
achieved. When tables are level, tighten the lock
screws.
FENCE ADJUSTMENTS: TILT
Fence adjustments are made with the lock handles
shown in Figure 24. To slide the fence forward or
back on the table, loosen lock handle (A), slide the
fence to the desired position and tighten handle (A)
to secure fence.
To tilt the fence forward:
1. Loosen locking bolt (B), Figure 24.
2. Place a machinist protractor or triangle on the
table and against the fence. Adjust the fence to the
desired angle and tighten locking bolt (B) to secure
thefence.
To tilt the fence back:
1. Loosen locking bolt (B), Figure 24.
2. Flip back the stop block (C).
3. Adjustthefence tothedesired angleandtighten
locking bolt (B) to secure fence.
CAUTION: When the jointing operation is
finished with the fence tilted back, do not
forget to flip the pivot stop block back to
its original position.
FIGURE23
FIGURE24
!

16
FENCE ADJUSTMENTS: STOP
Periodically check the 90 degree and 45 degree tilt
accuracyofthe fencewith amachinist’s protractor. If
adjustments are necessary, do the following:
90 degree stop:
1. The90 degreestopiscontrolledby thehexago-
nal stop screw (D), shown in Figure 25.
2. Release the locking bolt (B).
3. Set the protractor on the table and against the
fence, and move the fence to fit flush against the 90
degree angle by adjusting the stop screw (D).
4. Retighten the locking bolt (B).
45 degree forward stop:
1. The 45 degree forward stop is controlled by the
cap screw (E) in Figure 25.
2. Make adjustments by the same method used
forthe90 degreestop usinga 45degree protractor.
45 degree back stop:
1. In order for the fence to move back at an angle
past 90 degrees, flip back the stop block (C) in Fig-
ure25.
2. The 45 degree back stop is controlled by the
hexagonal screw (F) as shown in Figure 25.
3. Make adjustments by the same method used
for the 90 degree stop using the protractor set at 45
degrees beyond the right angle (a total of 135 de-
grees).
CUTTERHEAD REMOVAL
If removal of the cutterhead is necessary, do the fol-
lowing:
WARNING: Disconnect jointer from power
source.
1. Removetheentirefenceassembly byreleasing
lock handle and removing hex nuts (see page 8) Lift
the fence off the machine.
2. Loosen the bolts connecting the motor to the
motor mount and remove the drive belt from cutter-
headpulley(see page8).
FIGURE26
3. Lower both infeed and outfeed tables to expose
thecutterhead.
4. Removethetwoboltsand springwashers which
securethe cutterheadto thebase,asshownin Figure
26.
5. Removethe cutterheadassembly,with studsat-
tached,bylifting cutterheadstraightupfrombase. The
belt pulley may be left on cutterhead to assist in rais-
ingthecutterhead.
6. Remove pulley and both bearing housings with
attached studs from the cutterhead.
NOTE: You may wish to keep on hand an extra
cutterheadinorder tomaintainshop productivity.
7. When mounting new cutterhead to base, make
surethe curvedseatsofthe basearecleaned andfree
ofdustand grease.
!
FIGURE25

17
BASIC OPERATIONS
Before making any cuts on the stock, make a few
practice cuts by raising the infeed table to “0" and
withthepowerdisconnected. Inthis manneryou will
acquaintyourselfwith thefeel ofjointer operations.
SURFACING
Adjust depth of cut. It is better to make cuts of ap-
proximately 1/64 inch. This will enable you to have
bettercontrol overthematerial beingsurfaced. Make
several passes if necessary to obtain proper stock
removal.
Never surface pieces shorter than 12 inches or thin-
ner than 3/8 inch without the use of a special work
holding fixture. Never surface pieces thinner than 3
inches without the use of a push block. On stock 8"
to 12" long use a single two-handed push block (Fig.
27a). On stock longer than 12 inches use two push
blocks (Fig. 27b). With narrow stock use the type
push block shown in Fig. 27c. When surfacing short
stock over 4 inches wide, use two (2) push blocks to
guidematerial overcutterhead (Fig.27d).
FIGURE 27a
FIGURE27b
FIGURE27c
FIGURE27d
twohanded push
block
two push blocks
forstocklonger
than 12 inches
L-shapedpush block
fornarrow stock
two push blocks
withdowels
for short stock
over4 incheswide

18
SURFACING: LONG BOARDS
The use of push blocks will help to insure against
handscoming incontactwith cutterheadin theevent
ofa kickbackandas trailingendof boardpassesover
cutterhead.
When surfacing long stock, place push block near
thefront ofpieceandstartfeeding woodwiththe right
hand until guard has opened and cut is started (Fig.
28a). Placesecondpushblocknearthe rearofinfeed
tableand continuefeeding stockusing thehand over
handmethod (Fig.28b). Before theleft handis inthe
3inchareaofthecutterheadmoveitovertotheoutfeed
side (Fig. 28c). As soon as pos-sible follow with the
righthandovertotheoutfeedsideandcontinuethrough
with cut (Fig. 28d).
Beginbyfeedingstockwithrighthandandapplypres-
sure to front of stock with push block.
When the stock is longer than twice the length of the
infeed and outfeed tables, another helper or support
table must be used to support the stock.
FIGURE 28a
FIGURE28b
FIGURE28c
FIGURE28d
lefthand pushes
downtowardfence
asrighthand
starts feed
nearcutter,
feedhand
overhand
left hand is
movedto
outfeedside
onoutfeed
side both
handspull
stock
through

19
JOINTING (or EDGING)
Never edge a board that is less than 3 inches wide,
less than 1/4 inch thick, or 12 inches long, without
using a push block.
CAUTION: When workpiece is twice the
length of the jointer infeed or outfeed
table use an infeed or outfeed
support.
Beginbyfeedingstockwithrighthandandapplypres-
sure to front of stock with push block. When edging,
make cuts of approximately 1/16 inch for hardwood
and1/8inch forsoftwood.
When edging wood wider than 3 inches lap the fin-
gers over the top of the wood, extending them back
overthe fencesuchthat theywill actas astop forthe
handsin theevent ofa kickback. Keepstock against
thefence(Fig. 29).
BEVELING
Whenbevelingnever makecutdeeperthan 1/16inch.
Makecertain materialbeingbeveledis over12inches
long, more than 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide.
Set fence to desired angle.
CAUTION: Although fence may be tilted in
or out for bevel cut, POWERMATIC
recommends for safety reasons the fence
be tilted in, if possible, making a cradled
cut (Fig. 30a).
Forwood widerthan 3inches, holdwith fingersclose
together near the top of the stock, lapping over the
board and extending over the fence. When beveling
material less than 3 inches wide, use beveled push
blocks and apply pressure toward the fence. Keep
fingers near top of push block (Fig. 30b).
Whenbevelingshortmaterialuseonebevelhold down
and apply pressure toward the fence. Keep thumb
abovetheledge onhold downblock (Fig. 30c).
CROSS GRAIN
NOTE: When beveling around four edges of a
workpiece,make crossgrain cutsfirst. Thiswill help
clean up any chipping or splintering when beveling
theendgrain.
Forlongboards, followthesamehand-over-hand pro-
cedureused forsurfacinglong boards,(pg. 13).
FIGURE29
FIGURE 30a
FIGURE30b
FIGURE30c
movefenceforward
to expose only amount
ofcutterhead required
!
!

20
SKEWING (SHEAR CUTTING)
When edging or facing burl or birds-eye maple, it is
not unusual to deface or mar the surface being fin-
ished. This is caused by the cutterhead blades at
times cutting against the grain. In order to prevent
thedefacingor marringof thistype wood,it isneces-
sary to skew, or angle finish, the material being
worked. SeeFigure31.
1. Release the fence locking handle and remove
thetwohex nutsand flatwasher holdingthe fenceto
thefencesupport (seepage 8). Removethe fence.
2. Remove the key from the fence slide base.
3. Replacethefence assemblyatthedesiredangle
across the cutterhead. Secure the fence to the sup-
portwiththetwohexnutsand flatwasher,then tighten
thefencelocking handle.
PUSH BLOCKS
Push blocks are simple, yet necessary tools to as-
sistthe operatorespecially whenjointing thinorshort
stock. Illustratedin Figure32 arethree typesof push
blocks commonly used in jointing. Push blocks may
be obtained commercially or easily constructed.
NOTE: The 54A Jointer is supplied with two hold-
downsfor feedingstock.
FIGURE31
FIGURE32