I have a Makita 2012NB 12 inch planer. I’ve had absolutely no trouble with it but it is now exhibing a symptom and I would like to learn about what might be happening. Mid way through a board, it hesitates for a fraction of a second. It is as if something seizes. I believe I hear a ‘thunking’ sound. The board stops, then feeds properly. This may happen once or twice over the course of a 4 foot board. Again, this hesitation or balking lasts only a fraction of a second. It’s very quick, like the blink of an eye. There is a bruise, for lack of a better word on the board. It is a faint dark line, about 1/16 of an inch in width that I can see across the width of the board. I can’t feel a depression. This very slight mark is easily sanded out. I think this happens more often if the board is fed through one end of the 12 inch bed. Is this ominous? Should I send it off for repair before something catastrophic happens? Anything I can attend to myself? Thank you in advance.
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Replies
Clean the rollers first
Usually when there's a feeding problem with a planer, the first order of business is to clean the rollers and wax the table. Cleaning the rollers being the most important of the two. For the rubber rollers on my Delta lunchbox (12.5") planer I use a household cleaner such as Simple Green (diluted), 409, Mr. Clean, whatever. Based on my non-scientific study, cleaning cures 90% of the feeding problems reported on the forums I happen to read <big grin>)
The thunking sound may be the feed roller regaining traction after slipping a bit. If so, cleaning the feed rollers as FG suggested should solve the problem.
Why clean them if they are just going to get dirty again?
Rhetorical question. Clean the rollers and wax the bed. You might also check that the knives are sharp.
Just want to thank everyone for their advice. Cleaning the rollers and replacing the knives is a pretty easy fix. I was getting ready to crate it up and send it in for an overhaul before it blew up. I have to learn to calm down.
"I have to learn to calm down."
"I have to learn to calm down." Happens to most of us occasionally (at least!). I had a huge-long thread going here eons ago about bandsaw vibration -- was ready to tear the bearings out of the ol' Grizzly -- when I thought to check the bolts holding the body to the stand. Slinking away with embarrasment, LOL! Once the loose one was tightened up good, 90% of the vibration disappeared.
I have the same planer. I had some similar problems. I would start by cleaning the rollers and waxing the bed. If that does not solve the problem, unplug the machine and remove the side panel on the side away from the height adjustment handle and see if the chain is tight. I had vibration loosen a screw holding the chain drive gear once. Another problem I encountered was a worn bearing supporting one of the rollers which caused feed problems. All my problems were easily fixed. The manual and parts list can be found on-line. Good luck.
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