Steel City 40285 User manual

User Manual
Read and understand this manual before using machine.
20” HEAVY DUTY PLANER
STEEL CITY TOOL WORKS
VER. 11.19.13
Model Number
40285
40285H
®

THANK YOU for purchasing your new Steel City Planer.
This planer has been designed, tested, and inspected with you,
the customer, in mind. When properly assembled, used and main-
tained, your planer will provide you with years of trouble free
service, which is why it is backed by one of the best machinery
warranties in the business.
This planer is just one of many products in the Steel City’s
family of woodworking machinery and is proof of our commitment
to total customer satisfaction.
At Steel City we continue to strive for excellence each and every
day and value the opinion of you, our customer. For comments
about your planer or Steel City Tool Works, please visit our web
site at www.steelcitytoolworks.com .
®

1
SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all warnings and operating instructions before using any tool or equipment. When
using tools or equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of
personal injury. Improper operation, maintenance or modification of tools or equipment could result in
serious injury and property damage. There are certain applications for which tools and equipment are
designed. Steel CityTool Works strongly recommends that this product NOT be modified and/or used for any
application other than for which it was designed.
SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR
SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS.The symbols below are used to help you recognize this information.
indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERALSAFETY RULES
ADDITIONALSPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
CARTON CONTENTS
UNPACKING AND CLEANING ADJUSTINFEED/OUTFEEDROLLERS&PRESSUREBAR
TABLE PARALLELISM
If you have any questions relative to its application DO NOTuse the product until you have contacted Steel City Tool
Works and we have advised you. Contact us online at or call 877-724-8665.www.steelcitytoolworks.com
Information regarding the safe and proper operation of this tool is available from the following sources:
,QVWLWXWH 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2851 or online at www.powertoolinstitute.comPower Tool
1DWLRQDO6DIHW\&RXQFLO1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143-3201
American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, 4floor, NewYork, NY 10036 www.ansi.org - ANSI 01.1
Safety Requirements for Woodworking Machines
86'HSDUWPHQWRI/DERUUHJXODWLRQVZZZ.osha.gov
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
Lead from lead-based paints
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products
Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).
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 specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
IDENTIFICATION OF PLANING COMPONENTS
ATTACHING HANDWHEEL
IMPORTANT SAFETY & GUIDELINES
ATTACHING TOP COVER AND DUST PARTS
HOW TO CONTROL THE FEED SPEED
OPERATING CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS
SPEED HANDLE INSTALLATION
USE OF THE ANTI-KICKBACK FINGERS
HOW TO ADJUST BELT TENSION
HOW TO ADJUST BED ROLLERS
HOW TO ADJUST FEED ROLLERS
HOW TO CHECK, ADJUST AND REPLACE KNIVES
WARNING:
WARNING:
WARNING:
CAUTION:
NOTICE:
DANGER:
.....................1
...........................11
...12
.......................13
.....................13
...............................13
................................14
..............................14
...15
...................................................18
....20
......................................2
................3
...................3
..................................5
...............................................5
.................................6
....................................7
.....8
......................................9
......10
ADJUST CHIPBREAKER/DEPTH SCALE
ADJUST TABLE GIBS
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
.......................22
....................................................23
.......................................24
MAINTENANCE WITH SCHEDULES.............................26

2
For your own safety, read the instruction manual1. before operating the machine. Learning the machine’s
application, limitations, and specific hazards will greatly
minimize the possibility of accidents and injury.
Wear eye and hearing protection and always use2. safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are not safety
glasses. Use certified safety equipment. Eye protection
equipment should comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Hearing equipment should comply with ANSI S3.19
standards.
Wear proper apparel.3. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves,
neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry which may get
caught in moving parts. Nonslip protective footwear is
recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain
long hair.
Do not use the machine in a dangerous environment.4. The use of power tools in damp or wet locations or in rain
can cause shock or electrocution. Keep your work area
well-lit to prevent tripping or placing arms, hands, and
fingers in danger.
Do not operate electric tools near flammable liquids5. or in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors and
switches in these tools may spark and ignite fumes.
Maintain all tools and machines in peak condition.6. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories. Poorly maintained tools and
machines can further damage the tool or machine and/or
cause injury.
Check for damaged parts.7. Before using the machine,
check for any damaged parts. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other conditions that may affect its operation.
A guard or any other part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced with SCTW or factory
authorized replacement parts.Damaged parts can cause
further damage to the machine and/or injury.
Keep the work area clean.8. Cluttered areas and benches
invite accidents.
Keep children and visitors away.9. Your shop is a
potentially dangerous environment. Children and visitors
can be injured.
Reduce the risk of unintentional starting.10. Make sure
that the switch is in the “OFF” position before plugging in
the power cord. In the event of a power failure, move the
switch to the “OFF” position. An accidental start-up can
cause injury. Do not touch the plug’s metal prongs when
unplugging or plugging in the cord.
Use the guards.11. Check to see that all safety devices are
in place, secured, and working correctly to prevent injury.
Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before starting12. the machine. Tools, scrap pieces, and other debris can
be thrown at high speed, causing injury.
Use the right machine.13. Don’t force a machine or an
attachment to do a job for which it was not designed.
Damage to the machine and/or injury may result.
Use recommended accessories.14. The use of accessories
and attachments not recommended by SCTW may cause
damage to the machine or injury to the user.
Use the proper extension cord.15. Make sure your
extension cord is in good condition. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry
the current your product will draw. An undersized cord
will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power
and overheating. See the Extension Cord Chart for the
correct size depending on the cord length and nameplate
ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Secure the workpiece.16. Use clamps or a vise to hold the
workpiece when practical. Loss of control of a workpiece
can cause injury.
Feed the workpiece against the direction of the17. rotation of the blade, cutter, or abrasive surface.
Feeding it from the other direction will cause the
workpiece to be thrown out at high speed.
Don’t force the workpiece on the machine.
18. Damage to
the machine and/or injury may result.
Don’t overreach.19. Loss of balance can make you fall into
a working machine, causing injury.
Never stand on the machine.20. Injury could occur if the
tool tips, or if you accidentally contact the cutting tool.
Never leave the machine running unattended.21. Turn
the power off. Don’t leave the machine until it comes to a
complete stop. A child or visitor could be injured.
Turn the machine “22. OFF”, and disconnect the machine
from the power source before installing or removing
accessories, changing cutters, adjusting or changing
set-ups. When making repairs, be sure to lock the start
switch in the “OFF” position. An accidental start-up can
cause injury.
Make your workshop childproof with padlocks, master23. switches, or by removing starter keys. The accidental
start-up of a machine by a child or visitor could cause
injury.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use24. common sense. Do not use the machine when you
are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication. A moment of inattention while operating
power tools may result in injury.
25. Use of this tool can generate and
disperse dust or other airborne particles, including
wood dust, crystalline silica dust and asbestos dust.
Direct particles away from face and body. Always operate
tool in well ventilated area and provide for proper dust
removal. Use dust collection system wherever possible.
Exposure to the dust may cause serious and permanent
respiratory or other injury, including silicosis (a serious
lung disease), cancer, and death. Avoid breathing the
dust, and avoid prolonged contact with dust. Allowing
dust to get into your mouth or eyes, or lay on your skin
may promote absorption of harmful material. Always
use properly fitting NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory
protection appropriate for the dust exposure, and wash
exposed areas with soap and water.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Failure to follow these rules may result in serious personal injury.WARNING:
WARNING:

3
DO NOT OPERATE THIS MACHINE until it is
completely assembled andinstalled according to the
instructions. A machine incorrectly assembled can
cause serious injury.
1.
2. OBTAIN ADVICE from your supervisor, instructor,
or another qualified person if you are not thoroughly
familiar with the operation of this machine. Knowledge
is safety.
4. KEEP KNIVES SHARPand free from rust and pitch.
Dull or rusted knives work harder and can cause
kickback.
5. NEVER TURN THE MACHINE“ON” beforeclearing the
table of all objects (tools,scraps of wood,etc.). Flying
debris can cause serious injury.
6. NEVER TURN THE MACHINE “ON” with the work-piece
contacting the cutterhead. Kickback can occur.
7. SECURE THE MACHINE TO A SUPPORTING SUR-
FACE to prevent the machine from sliding, walking or
tipping over.
8. PROPERLY SECURE THE KNIVES IN THE CUTTER-
HEAD before turning the power “ON”. Loose blades
may be thrown out at high speeds causing serious
injury.
9. LOCK THE SPEED SETTING SECURELY before feeding
the workpiece through the machine. Changing speeds
while planing can cause kick-back.
10. AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND POSI-
TIONS. A sudden slip could cause a hand to move
into the knives.
11. KEEP ARMS, HANDS, AND FINGERS away from the
cutterhead, the chip exhaust opening, and the feed
rollers to prevent severe cuts.
12. NEVER REACH INTO THE CUTTERHEAD AREA while
the machine is running. Your hands can be drawn into
the knives.
13. DO NOT STAND IN LINE OF THE WORKPIECE
Kickback can cause injury.
14. ALLOW THE CUTTERHEAD TO REACH FULL SPEED
before feeding a workpiece. Changing speeds while
planing can cause kickback.
15. WHEN PLANING BOWED STOCK place the concave
(cupdown) side of the stock on the table and cut with
the grain to prevent kickback.
16. DO NOT FEED A WORKPIECE that is warped ,contains
knots, or is embedded with foreign objects (nails,
staples, etc.). Kickback can occur.
17. DO NOT FEED A SHORT, THIN, OR NARROW
WORKPIECE INTO THE MACHINE. Your hands can be
drawn into the knives and/or the workpiece can be
thrown at high speeds. See the Operation section of
this instruction manual for details.
19. REMOVE SHAVINGS ONLY with the power “OFF” to
prevent serious injury.
20. PROPERLY SUPPORT LONG OR WIDE WORK-PIECES.
Loss of control of the workpiece can cause serious
injury.
21. NEVER PERFORM LAYOUT, ASSEMBLYor set-up work
on the table/work area when the machine is running.
Serious injury will result.
22. TURN THE MACHINE “OFF”, DISCONNECT ITFROM
THE POWER SOURCE,and clean the table/work area
before leaving the machine.LOCK THE SWITCH IN
THE “OFF” POSITION to prevent un-authorized use.
Someone else might accidentally start the machine
and cause injury to themselves or others.
23. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION regarding the safe and
proper operation of power tools (i.e. a safety video)
is available from the Power Tool Institute, 1300
Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2851 (www.
powertoolinstitute.com). Information is also available
from the National Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake
Drive, Itasca, IL 60143-3201.Please refer to the
American National Standards Institute ASNI 01.1
Safety Requirements for Woodworking Machines and
the U.S. Department ofLabor Regulations.
Failure to follow these rules may result in serious personal injury.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
POWER CONNECTIONS
A separate electrical circuit should be used for your machines. This circuit should not be less than #12 wire and should be
protected with a time delay fuse. NOTE: Time delay fuses should be marked “D” in Canada and “T” in the US. If an extension
cord is used, use only 3-wire extension cords which have 3-prong grounding type plugs and matching receptacle which will
accept the machine’s plug. Beforeconnecting the machine to the powerline, make sure the switchis(are) in the“OFF”position
and be sure that the electric current is of the same characteristics as indicated on the machine. All line connections should
make good contact. Running on low voltage will damage the machine.
MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Your machine is wired for 240 volt, 60 HZ alternating current. Before connecting the machine to the power source, make sure
the switch is in the “OFF” position.
Do not expose the machine to rain or operate the machine in damp locations.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to them often and use them to instruct others.
3. electrical connections to prevent shock or
electrocution.
FOLLOW ALL WIRING CODES and recommended
18. endof
the machine. The workpiece will be thrown out of the
opposite side at high speeds.
DO NOT FEED A WORKPIECE into the outfeed
DANGER:
WARNING: