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dpb[_3_] dpb[_3_] is offline
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Default Is My Planer Set Up Correctly?

On 1/27/2019 8:24 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
With the planer off, I lowered the cutter assembly just low enough that the
infeed roller exerted just a little bit of drag on the board as I manually
pushed it in. I ensured that the board was not tilted upward as I pushed it
through.

When I continued to push it through, it stopped when it reached the outfeed
roller. I had to raise the assembly just under 1/32" to allow the board to
go under the outfeed roller.

Is the outfeed roller supposed to be lower than the infeed roller since the
assumption is that the board is thinner once the blades have removed some
wood?

....

It needs to be where it will pull the material on through after passing
the cutterhead, yes, but not so low as to be a barrier.

I've never had one of the "lunchbox" small planers so I can't speak for
their precise adjustment processes, but every planer I've ever had or
used has detailed setup instructions that give precise measurements and
steps for adjustments.

They also have the outfeed rollers spring-loaded so to account for the
difference in thickness between taking off a thin shaving vis a vis a
full cut.

But, the unloaded position has to be high enough the infeed rollers have
enough "oomph" to get it under the outfeed roller so it can do its job;
if it's too low or the infeed doesn't have enough grip, then you can
have the issue.

I've been told these little guys don't have it, but it's also possible
with a "real" planer that the pressure bar is too low and the board will
hit or drag on it.

Another alternative on the cast iron machines I'm used to is that the
rear bed rollers may be too high but I understand these guys don't have
them, either???

What is the particular planer you have?

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