Powermatic Troubleshooting the 1285 Jointer, Operating Problems, Probable Cause Remedy

13.0Troubleshooting the 1285 Jointer

13.1Operating Problems

Trouble

Finished stock is concave on back end.

Finished stock is concave on front end.

Finished stock is concave in the middle.

Ends of finished stock are cut more than the middle.

Chip out.

Fuzzy grain.

Cutterhead slows while operating.

“Chatter” marks on workpiece.

Uneven knife marks on workpiece.

Probable Cause	Remedy
Knife is higher than outfeed table.	Raise outfeed table until it aligns with tip
	of knife. (see section 9.2)
Outfeed table is higher than knife.	Lower outfeed table until it aligns with tip
	of knife. (see section 9.2)
Both tables have too much end fall.	Raise both table ends using the
	adjustment screws below the tables (see
	Figure 35 below).
	Figure 35
Table ends are raised higher than the	Lower both table ends using the
middle.	adjustment screws under the tables (see
	Figure 35).
Cutting against the grain.	Cut with the grain whenever possible.
Dull knives/inserts.	Sharpen or replace knives/inserts.
Feeding workpiece too fast.	Use slower rate of feed.
Cutting too deeply.	Make shallower cuts.
Knots, imperfections in wood.	Inspect wood closely for imperfections;
	use different stock if necessary.
Wood has high moisture content.	Allow wood to dry or use different stock.
Dull knives/inserts.	Sharpen or replace knives/inserts.
Feeding workpiece too quickly, or	Feed more slowly, or apply less pressure
applying too much pressure to	to workpiece.
workpiece.
Knife/inserts incorrectly set.	Set knives properly using provided knife
	setting gauge (straight cutterhead only –
	see section 9.4). Check that insert slots
	are clean and free of dust or debris
	(helical cutterhead only).
Feeding workpiece too fast.	Feed workpiece slowly and consistently.
Knives/inserts are knicked, or out of	Replace knicked knives/inserts; align
alignment.	knives properly with knife-setting gauge
	(straight cutterhead only).

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