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1. 
   JohnWW | Jan 14, 2006 12:52am | #1

   I can't go into detail without seeing the machine, but the process is similar on almost any benchtop planer.

   The position of the head is controlled by two screws that are visible if you look inside of the machine to either side.  The screws turn together when you turn the crank to adjust the cut on the machine, you can see the screws turn if you crank the power head up and down.

   To adjust the alignment of the head you need to unhook the two screws from each other so that you can turn just one of the screws to move just one side of the head up and down slightly and get the head parallel to the table.

   On almost all machines the two screws are hooked together by a chain drive, or occasionally a small geared shaft that is under the table.  If you flip the machine over you can get at the drive mechanism and unhook the chain or drive shaft, often times you have to remove a sheet metal cover to get at the drive.  On a few machines the connection between the two screws is on top of the machine, in which case you can get at the drive by removing the tin or plastic cover that connects the two sides of the planer.

   Now set the machine back upright and you will find that you can now turn the crank, just a little bit, and tweak just one side of the head up and down slightly.  Make a wood block with a screw sticking up out of it and adjust the screw so it just touches the smooth cylindrical part of the cutter head at the end that isn't being moved when you turn the crank.  Now move the block to the other end of the head and move the head up and down with the crank until the screw again just touches the head. At this point the head should be parallel to the table , but go back and forth a few times with the block to be sure the setting is right.

   Once you are sure of the setting, flip the machine back over and reconnect the drive, without moving the drive screws any more of the minimum necessary to reattach the chain or mesh the gears, and you are back in business.

   John W.