Hi John. I’ve owned a 12-inch Delta bench top planer for years but have recently discovered that it’s out of parallel (I feel really stupid). Resetting the knives doesn’t do any good.
The only remedy I can think of is adjusting two of the threaded posts (if that’s even possible). Any other ideas? Thanks.
Klaus
Edited 12/10/2007 11:47 am ET by kwl10686
Replies
Klaus,
You are correct in thinking that bringing the head parallel to the table is done by adjusting the two drive screws. You may find that the procedure is described in the owner's manual, but, lacking that, the following instructions should help you out:
The first step in making the adjustment is to disconnect the linkage between the the two screws. The most common set up is for the screws to be connected by a bicycle chain with sprockets on each drive screw. The chain can be under either the top cover of the machine or it can be under the table, most are under the table.
On almost all chain drive machines the chain has one link, that can be hard to spot, that is designed to snap apart which allows you to remove the chain. On some machines you can get enough slack to turn the screws separately by just backing off a chain tensioner.
On a few other brands of planers the two drive screws are tied to each other by a geared cross shaft. On this style of machine, the shaft can usually be removed by unbolting a pair of small bearings that hold the shaft in place.
The easiest way I know of to adjust the screws after they are freed up is to make up a pair of height matched wood blocks about two inches tall. Place one block under each end of the cutter head and then bring the head down until it is bearing equally on both blocks. The blocks should bear against the cylindrical portion of the head between the knives, it isn't necessary to touch the knives themselves. The block shouldn't touch the infeed or outfeed rollers, just the head.
Once the head is bearing on the blocks equally, you need to reattach the drive linkage while turning the shafts as little as possible to get the linkage reconnected.
Hope this helps,
John White
I appreciate that, John. When I'm busting knuckles in my shop this weekend working on that contraption, at least I'll know I'm on the right track.
Klaus
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