Checking For Worn Knives; Maintenance; Lubrication; Cleaning The Knives - RIDGID TP1300 Owner's Manual

Basic Thickness Planer Operations (continued)
7. Replace the knob.
8. Plane a workpiece and check its thick-
ness. Repeat procedure, if necessary.

Checking for Worn Knives

The condition of knives will affect the pre-
cision of the cut.
Observe the quality of the cut the planer
produces to check the condition of the
knives.
Dull knives will tear, rather than sever
wood fibers, and produce a fuzzy appear-
ance.

Maintenance

The planer will operate best if it is kept in
good condition. Keep the unit adjusted as
described in the "Operation" section. Also,
the knives must be kept clean and sharp
to ensure the quality of cut and efficiency
of operation. Knives are "double edged".
When one side becomes dull they may be
turned over and the opposite edge used.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from unexpected starting
or electrical shock. Make certain
that the unit is disconnected
from the power source, before
attempting to service, or remove
any component.

Lubrication

Motor and cutter head bearings are
sealed and need no lubrication. Height
adjustment guides and elevation screws
should be cleaned of debris and greased
when needed.
A raised ridge will occur when dull knives
pound on wood that has a varying density.
If a raised ridge is produced running the
length of the workpiece, the knives have
been nicked. If the nick is small, shift one
knife to the right and the other to the left.
(see "Replacing Knives" section).
For knives replacement and installation
refer to "Replacing Knives" section.
Occasionally apply a few drops of light
machine oil to the four support rods to
keep the carriage sliding smooth.

Cleaning the Knives

Gum and pitch will collect on knives and
cause excess friction when working.
Knives will overheat and wear at an accel-
erated rate. Remove knives and clean
with a gum and pitch remover to keep
knives clean.

Cleaning The Feed Rollers

Excessive gum, pitch and sawdust can
reduce friction of the rubber rollers. Use
alcohol to wipe the rollers.

Motor Ventilation

Check the motor vents periodically while
planing and clear away any sawdust to
avoid motor heating.
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