Maintenance

Disconnect machine from power source before doing any maintenance.

The table and fence surfaces must be kept clean and free of rust for best results. Some users prefer a paste wax coating. Another option is talcum powder applied with a blackboard eraser rubbed in vigorously once a week; this will fill casting pores and form a moisture barrier. This method provides a table top that is slick and allows rust rings to be easily wiped from the surface. Important also is the fact that talcum powder will not stain wood or mar finishes as wax pickup does.

The fence assembly should slide easily over the fence support. Keep fence support greased.

The bearings in the cutterhead are sealed and do not require lubrication.

Gum and pitch which collect on the knives cause excessive friction as the work continues, resulting in overheating of the knives, less efficient cutting, and consequent reduction in the life of the knives. Use an oven cleaner or gum and pitch remover to wipe this off the knives.

Sharpening Knives

Knives should be kept sharp. This will contribute to better stock finish, longer machine life, and safer operation.

A jointer knife hone provides a simple way to sharpen knives. Hones are available from many woodworking supply stores. Carefully read any instructions that accompany the hone.

Use caution and proceed slowly when sharpening knives. Disconnect jointer from power source, and wear approved eye protection.

When finished sharpening knives, they should be re-set level to the outfeed table. See “Installing Knives” on page 13.

Knives can usually be whetted several times in the cutterhead before having to be removed and re-ground.

TIP: If the jointer is used frequently, keeping a spare set of knives on hand is recommended. Extra knives (stock no. 6427002, set of 3) may be obtained from your Powermatic distributor, or by calling WMH Tool Group at 1-800-274-6848.

Cutterhead Repairs

The entire cutterhead assembly may be removed for bearing replacement or other maintenance procedures.

1.Disconnect jointer from power source.

2.Remove fence assembly from jointer (see page 12, Figure 13).

3.Loosen motor mounting and push up on motor to create slack in belt (see page 9)

4.Remove drive belt from cutterhead pulley.

5.Lower both infeed and outfeed tables.

6.Loosen the two socket head cap screws on the fence support and pivot the fence support out of the way (Figure 34).

Figure 34

7.Remove rabbeting ledge by loosening the two hex cap screws and washers (A, Figure 35).

Figure 35

8.Loosen the two bolts (B, Figure 35) that secure the cutterhead to the bed – these are accessed from the underside of the bearing blocks.

9.Lift cutterhead straight up from base.

10.Remove pulley and both bearing housings.

22

Page 22
Image 22
Powermatic 60B operating instructions Maintenance, Sharpening Knives, Cutterhead Repairs