Powermatic 15S Owner's Manual page 26

Using Relative Measurement Mode
The absolute setting, for which you should have
already established the zero point, gives the width
of your finished board after cutting (distance from
table to cutterhead).
The relative measurement mode is useful for
measuring only the amount of stock that you wish
to remove (i.e., depth of cut), and eliminates
having to add or subtract to find the proper setting.
It is especially helpful when planing many boards
to the same thickness.
Here is an example using relative measurement:
1. You have planed a board at a setting of 1-inch
at absolute measurement. Do not move the
table from this position. You wish to increase
the depth of cut on the next run by .063
inches.
2. Press ABS button
measurement mode ("INC" will appear on the
display).
3. Follow the previous instructions on using the
SET button function. You would input zeros for
all digits, thus establishing zero setting for
relative measurement mode.
4. After setting relative zero, bring the table up
until the digital display reads ".065" inches in
26
to start relative
relative measurement mode. You can now
plane your board with exact results. Of course,
you can now toggle back and forth between
relative and absolute mode (by pressing ABS
button) and get both stock thickness and depth
of cut readings at the same time.
Clearing a Jammed Board
If you have to temporarily move the planer table
(for example, to clear a jammed board) use the
HOLD button to remember your original setting.
1. If a board jams, press the HOLD button. Your
setting will be "frozen" on the display.
2. Lower the table and clear the jam.
3. Raise the table back up to the general location,
and check the number on the display.
4. Press HOLD to return the display back to
absolute measurement, and adjust the table
until it matches the measurement previously
held on the display.
NOTE: The HOLD button will not permanently
save a setting. When the button is pressed a
second time, the number disappears.
More Uses
The digital scale has been designed to save the
operator time and energy, leading to increased
productivity. As you become proficient with the use
of the digital readout and explore how to use one
function in conjunction with another, you'll be able
to tailor its functions to suit your own work habits
and planing needs.