Powermatic 54A, 54HH Troubleshooting Operating Problems, Probable Cause Remedy

11.Carefully remove the cutterhead (A, Fig. 48).

12.Before placing the new cutterhead back into the casting, thoroughly clean the "saddle" and the bearing housings of saw dust and grease so that they seat properly.

13.To re-install the cutterhead, reverse the above steps.

Note: When securing the fence base casting, make sure it is level with the outfeed table.

Figure 48

Troubleshooting Operating Problems

Trouble

Finished stock is concave on back end.

Finished stock is concave on front end.

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	Raise outfeed table until it aligns with tip of
table.	knife. See Outfeed Table Height Adjustment.
Outfeed table is higher than	Lower outfeed table until it aligns with tip of
knife.	knife. See Outfeed Table Height Adjustment.
Cutting against the grain.	Cut with the grain whenever possible.
Dull knives.	Sharpen or replace knives.
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	Allow wood to dry or use different stock.
content.
Dull knives.	Sharpen or replace knives/inserts.
Feeding workpiece too	Feed more slowly, or apply less pressure to
quickly, or applying too much
	workpiece.
pressure to workpiece.
	Set knives properly as described in the
Knives incorrectly set.	Setting Cutterhead Knives section. Check that
	knife slots are clean and free of dust or
	debris.
Feeding workpiece too fast.	Feed workpiece slowly and consistently.
	Align knives per the Setting Cutterhead
Knives are nicked, or out of	Knives section. Replace nicked knives or
alignment.	correct for small nicks – see Setting Knives
	for Rabbeting and Nicks.

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