Snipe

Some amount of snipe may be inevitable with many planer operations, but proper planer adjustments can so minimize snipe as to make it negligible.

If noticeable snipes appear on each end of the material, as shown in Figure 22, a table roller is too high causing a slight lift of the material as it passes through the machine. Normally these snipes are more noticeable on the trailing end of the board than on the lead end, and most often occur during planing of rough lumber.

Table rollers must be elevated for running rough or resaw lumber through the machine. When material is turned over to surface the other side, and you neglect to lower the table rollers for a finish cut, then definite snipes will appear on the ends of the material.

Chatter

Chatter marks usually appear on thin material. See Figure 23. Even at their lowest point, the table rollers are too high to handle thin material. Solve the problem by either using a slave board or making an auxiliary table out of Formica countertop material with cleating at each end to keep it stationary over the planer table.

Tapers

If the machine planes a taper across the full width of the board, as shown in Figure 24, the table is not parallel with the cutterhead. First check that all knives are properly installed with equal protrusion from the cutterhead. If they are, then the table itself must be adjusted. See “Table Adjustments” on page 15.

Twisting

If material twists while feeding through the planer, the pressure bar, outfeed roller or table rollers may be out of level. Refer to adjustment settings on pages 13 and 14.

Feed Restriction

This is caused either by the table rollers being set too low for roughing operations or by a low pressure bar. About 90 percent of the time the pressure bar is too low. As the sharp edge of the planer knives wear, you must compensate for this wear by raising the pressure bar an equal amount on each side. Your first indication of knife wear is hesitation in feed of the material through the machine after it leaves the corrugated infeed roller on its way out of the machine. Disconnect machine from power and adjust the pressure bar acordingly. The material will free up and feed through smoothly when the planer is restarted.

Figure 22 (snipe)

Figure 23

(chatter)

Figure 24 (taper)

201HH specifications

The Powermatic 201HH is a highly regarded 8-inch jointer, renowned for its robust construction, precision, and advanced technology. This machine is particularly well-suited for both professional woodworkers and serious hobbyists who demand the best performance from their tools.

One of the standout features of the Powermatic 201HH is the Helical Cutterhead. This technology distinguishes it from standard jointers featuring straight knives. The helical design incorporates numerous small, square inserts that can be rotated or replaced when worn, significantly extending the overall life of the cutterhead. The helical arrangement reduces noise during operation and provides a much smoother finish on the workpiece, minimizing the need for additional sanding.

Adjustability is another area where the Powermatic 201HH excels. It boasts an easy-to-use tables adjustment mechanism that allows users to fine-tune the infeed and outfeed tables for precise jointing. This feature is essential to ensure a perfectly flat and even surface on all types of wood. The large tables, measuring 74 inches in length, provide ample support for larger workpieces, making it easier to manage and maneuver materials during operation.

The 201HH also comes equipped with a powerful 3 HP motor that drives the machine with reliability and performance. This motor is a key component in delivering consistent power and maintaining speed even under heavier workloads. Coupled with a strong base and solid construction, the jointer maintains stability during operation, which contributes to both safety and precision.

Added convenience comes in the form of an integrated dust collection port, which facilitates cleaner operation by effectively managing sawdust and shavings. This reduces cleanup time and creates a more pleasant working environment.

Moreover, the design of the Powermatic 201HH incorporates safety features, including a push block that assists in guiding stock through the machine, minimizing the risk of injury. The solid build quality and attention to detail in the engineering provide confidence to users that they are working with a reliable tool that will stand the test of time.

In summary, the Powermatic 201HH offers an impressive array of features including a helical cutterhead, extensive adjustability, a powerful motor, efficient dust collection, and strong safety measures. These characteristics make it a top choice for anyone looking to achieve exceptional results in their woodworking projects.