17
Inspecting Knives(W1723)
Figure 18. Correct jig position on the
cutterhead.
The Model W1723 features a three straight-
knife cutterhead. Correctly positioned knives
act as a reference point for adjusting the feed
rollers and the chip breaker. The knife edge
should be within 0.002" from one end to the
other. Improperly adjusted knives may
unbalance the cutterhead, reduce the
sharpness of knife edges prematurely, shorten
bearing life, and produce poor planing results.
To check the knives, do these steps:
1. UNPLUG THE PLANER!
2. Remove the upper dust cover and dust port
for access to the cutterhead.
3. Remove the plastic chip deflector.
4. Remove the V-belt cover from the left-
hand side of the planer (facing front).
5. Using the V-belt to rotate the cutterhead,
turn the cutterhead so a knife is
accessible.
6. Position both feet of the knife setting jig
on the cutterhead. The knife should barely
touch the center of the jig as shown in
Figure 18.
•If the knife does not contact the center
of the jig, or if the knife contacts the
center of the jig but both feet will not
sit solidly on the cutterhead, adjust the
knives as outlined on Page 18 in the
Knife Replacement procedure.
These Points Must
All Touch Evenly
WEAR thick gloves and use
extreme caution when
working near planer
knives. These knives are
dangerously sharp! Failure
to exercise care while
working near knives could
result in severe injury.
ADJUSTMENTS
NOTICE
For quick and easy knife adjustments to
within 0.001" from one knife end to the other,
use a Planer Pal®. Refer to Planer Accessories
on Pages 34 and 35 for more details.