Powermatic PM15 operating instructions Troubleshooting Operating Problems

Troubleshooting: Operating Problems

Trouble

Snipe

(Note: Snipe can not be eliminated, but can be so minimized as to become negligible.)

Fuzzy grain

Torn grain

Rough/Raised grain

Rounded, glossy surface

Wavy molding pattern

Tear-out at end of molding

Poor feeding of lumber

Probable Cause	Remedy
Dull knives	Sharpen or replace knives.
Inadequate support of long boards.	Use extensions to support boards.
Uneven feed roller pressure front to	Adjust feed roller tension.
back.
Corner screws loose.	Tighten corner screws.
Lumber not butted properly.	Butt end to end each piece of stock
	as they pass through the planer.
Planing wood with high moisture	Remove moisture by drying, or use
content.	different stock.
Dull knives.	Sharpen or replace knives.
Too heavy a cut.	Adjust proper depth of cut.
Knives cutting against grain.	Cut with grain whenever possible.
Dull knives.	Sharpen or replace knives.
Dull knives.	Sharpen or replace knives.
Too heavy a cut.	Adjust proper depth of cut.
Moisture content too high.	Remove moisture from wood or use
	different stock.
Dull knives.	Sharpen or replace knives.
Improper guide set-up.	Review proper guide set-up
Horizontal play of planer bed.	Remove play in planer bed.
Improper guide set-up.	Review proper guide set-up.
Inadequate outfeed pressure.	Adjust feed roller tension.
	Adjust feed roller tension. If proper
Inadquate feed roller pressure.	tension cannot be achieved, replace
	feed rollers.
Planer bed rough or dirty.	Clean pitch and residue, and was
	planer bed.
Transmission v-belt slipping.	Tighten transmission v-belt.
Surface of feed rollers too smooth.	Lightly roughen the feed roller surface
	with sandpaper.

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