i have the older 12 inch delta planer, single speed.
the problem is that the board no longer is being pulled through, i have to push it, sometimes rather hard. The rollers are turning, but when it does pull, it moves the board about an inch, and stops, and inch, then stops, over and over.
the rollers seem to be at the right setting. is it possible that the rollers are worn out? that they are warn on one side more then the other?
any ideas?
Replies
Mikkimel,
Sometimes it appears to be the wood that causes the slipping. Last year at this time I had to really work hard to put mahogany through my 12 1/2" delta but since then no real problem. I think the rollers are a rubber and sometimes washing it a bit with vinegar and water can help the traction.
I had the same problem with mine. Cleaning the rollers with isopropil (sp?)alcohol worked.
Bais
I agree that you should first try to clean the rollers -- I too use denatured or rubbing alcohol. But I would also try waxing the bed with a furniture wax.If either of the above does not solve the problem, and if the planer is otherwise in good condition, you might want to look into replacing the rollers.********************************************************
EDIT: After cleaning the rollers and waxing the table, if the material is still not going through the machine as it should, try changing the blades. Dullish blades will also contribute to this problem.
Edited 6/22/2005 9:14 am ET by nikkiwood
Sounds very much like dirty rollers. They do need to be cleaned ya know.<insert grin here> Lots of things will work, but I've gone to household cleaner wipes for convenience. Kirkland brand from Costco works great. A Mr. Clean or other household cleaner wipe should work. If the rollers are really grungy (sticky), you may have to use a gentle scrubber too.
Once you get the rollers clean (be careful, unplug the machine!), wax your table too. After that's all done, try to get in the habit of running your hand across the rollers periodically (again, unplugged). You'll notice when they're getting deposits on them.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
M,
Assuming that the rubber (or polyurethane) covers on the rollers are not damaged or worn out in some adverse way - they are most likely in need of a serious cleaning.
You can do the initial cleaning by scrubbing the rollers with warm water and a mild dish soap using a Scotchbrite sponge. Before starting any clean up - unplug the machine! Raise the cutter head almost to the top so that you have easy access to the rollers. Watch out for the blades! Your hands will be in very close proximity and it is all too easy to get a nasty slice. You will have to turn the machine off and on to rotate the rollers so that you can clean the other side.
If you need to clean the rollers further, be sure that any chemicals that you use are safe for rubber or plastic. A diluted Simple Green solution works well.
Now would be a good time to thoroughly tune up the machine (degrease, lube, clean, etc...).
Clean all of the tables using a strong cleaner. This will remove the build up of pitch/resin and the like. Once clean, apply a few coats of a good non petroleum based paste wax (Butcher's Wax, Briwax, etc...)
If all of this doesn't correct the problem, the rollers are probably suspect, and should be repaired or replaced.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
Well, Its unanimous.
I have the same planer. I had the same problem. it's pitch buildup on the rollers.
Use naptha, methyl hydrate, or lacquer thinner to clean them.
(Thicknessing pine, ipe and teak did it to me)
The older I get, the better I was....
mikkimel,
Dont forget the knives. If the knives are dull the rollers have to work extra hard to pull the material through the planer.
Good luck,
Tom
I have a Makita 12 planer (note not a "thickness planer" ugh!) and had a similar problem. Manufacturer suggested to wax the feed table and it did the job. I waxed about 3 codes and rubbed out well. I also concur to make sure the blades have been replaced recently and are sharp.
JSM
well, i'm shocked!
i waxed the table, and cleaned the rollers, and the board sailed through smoothly!
works like a charm.
thanks everyone!
You might check the bed to see if ther is pitch and other gunck built up on it. If there is clean it off with naptha or mineral spirits ect, then wax it. Be sure to unplug the machine before you stick your hands in there
Have a nice day Lee.
When i have this problem, it's usually the blade getting dull. Cleaning the rollers has little effect, but replacing the blades eliminates the slipping whether I clean the rollers or not.
gripD
Isn't it great when a plan comes together. It's nice to hear of problems that are easy fixes instead of costly ones.
I can't imagine life without the collective knowledge of guys and gals like those found here. This is my second day on this forum and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Cudos to you all.
I second your opinion and comment about coming together.
I have a 13" Delta RC30 and have had the same problem.
I order of preference, I'd
Assuming I am not trying to bit off more than I can chew on wider stock,
Wax the 'Butcher floor wax" the table and extensions. Does the problem go away?
Clean the rollers. Does the problem go away
Change out the blades for the spare set. It will definitely go away.
As I read each post I wondered if they would come up with something different than what I do. All were good suggestions but I tend to want to keep water from my machines and besides it doesn't do much for pitch.
Hey, while you are at it, get that Butcher's wax and put a coat on the table saw and the jointer bed. You do have to be more cautious setting things down when the table saw is running because that table will be really slippery and wood will move around effortless, even toward the blade. At this time of year, keeps them from rusting too.
Jerry
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