13" Planer Adjustments????

[Mark Christopher]

My ridgid planer is out of alignment. Out of the box it cuts 1/32" deeper at one end than the other. I've taken the table apart to make sure it is flat, and made sure the blades are in properly. It is apparent that I need to adjust the whole motor/blade assembly on the screw drive. Does anybody know how to do that?

[papadan]

Hi Mark, OK I checked the manual and under the trouble shooting section it list the problem and says to adjust the elavation screws. The manual does not say how to do this. LOL I went out to the shop and checked out mine to see how this can be done. Here is a picture I took, print this page and keep a copy in your manual. http://www.hoistman.com/HoistMan/TEST15/IMAG005.JPG #1 make sure the planer is unplugged and the key removed. #2 & #3 shows the elevation screws from the top with the guides in the corners. #4 with the planer laying on its side use a 11/16 or 17mm socket and turn this nut. Only adjust one end, opposite the height adjusting handle. I scratched a line across the end of the rod to use as a reference. Turn it 1/2 turn clockwise to lower the left side or counterclockwise 1/2 turn to raise the left side. Set it upright and run a test board. Repeat adjustment until it is cutting level. Remember to only go 1/2 turn at a time,and you may need to go 1/4 turn to get it set precise. It is tight so don't be affraid to put a little muscle into the socket.

[Mark Christopher]

Thanks Papadan,
I'll let you know how it goes.

[Mark Christopher]

Thanks again Papadan, the info you gave was definitely what I needed to complete the task. The pictures were worth a thousand words. Very nice touch. I found though that the nuts (#4)only loosened or tighened on mine and had to actually turn the elevation screws seperately with a 7/16" open end on the shaft itself (#5). After adjusted I had to keep the wrench on the shaft to keep it stable while I re-tightened the #4 nuts.

http://christopher-ink.com/cabes/pictures/hello/418214/1024/_5-2005.11.26-09.02.39.jpg

[papadan]

OK good to know and I'm glad you added your pic for that part of it. When I put the socket on mine it did not come loose or tighten, the whole thing turned and made the adjustment. I then turned it back to original. LOL Is yours an orange or gray model? Mine is the gray.

[Mark Christopher]

Yea. Mine's grey too.

[woodslayer]

You guys did an excellent job of clarifying how to accomplish this, pat yourselves on the back. This will be an excellent thread to reference back to when anyone else is confronted with this issue.

Woodslayer

[papadan]

Thanks,WS.hope this helps someone in the future.