Hello,
I purchased a used Powermatic 15 planer. One of the older ones with the roller infeed and outfeed tables. It has worked flawlessly for the last 6 month or so. But it now has developed a problem. The table drifts slowly down as the work piece is feed through the machine. You can visibly see the height adjustment handle rotating as I move from infeed table to the out feed table. I am aware the are two height lock nobs on the table but they are annoying to use on every pass. Does anyone have an idea on how to fix this problem or what might have changed?
Replies
My best recommendation is that you uSe the carriage locks as designed.
The locks would not be there if they were not necessary.
Generally speaking, where you have an assembly moving on flat or dovetail slides such as a table, cutter head etc., there will be gibbs that can be tensioned with set screws that will eliminate play as well as the tendency of lead screws to turn do to vibration and gravity, allowing the table to float down.
I am not familiar with the small 15" planers with the table riding on 4 round columns, if that is what you have. I do suspect there is a way to to adjust this, or possibly there is a wear part that may need replacement. The fact that this has only recently occurred seems to confirm this.
I took a look at the manual online for this style planer and there is an "expansion band" (#8) and large nut (#30) which appears it might be used to compress it inside the column where the handle is located. Perhaps that is the key to solving your problem. The nut will probably require a spanner to turn it.
I think Powermatic still offers tech support, I would give them a call as well.
I do agree the locking knobs be set on the last pass to insure accuracy, however the table should not visibly or markedly float down when unlocked, and the locks should not be required in the preliminary or roughing passes.
Good Luck
Rob
It shouldn’t be drifting down. I never use the bed locks on mine.
Is there much backlash? Maybe a gear is loose?
I think rob^ may be onto something.
I suggest you call Powermatic tech support
I will be powermatic a call thank you!
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