Trouble with my 13" planer

[lilolvintner]

I just bought a used 13" Rigid Planer, and I can't get the self feed mechanism to pull the lumber through. The rolls turn like they're supposed to, but can't seem to get any traction on the board I'm trying to plane. What could be wrong?

[amcnerl]

Rollers could be dirty, clean them with naptha. Check the in and out feed trays, the outside edges of each should be a tiny bit higher than the platen. Put some wax on the trays and the platen to make them slick for the wood to slide. Be sure you're not trying to take off to much material in 1 pass and also that you are taking some material when you feed the wood. Hope that helps...

[lilolvintner]

Thank You! I read through all the different planer threads after posting the question, and it appears this is a somewhat common problem.

[amcnerl]

Yes it is. I need to clean the rollers on mine too.