WEN 6534 - 8-Amp 4-3/8-Inch Electric Hand Planer Manual

INTRODUCTION

Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN's highest standards for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings, and cautions. If you use your tool properly and for its intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

Thanks for purchasing the WEN Hand Planer. We know you are excited to put your tool to work, but first, please take a moment to read through the manual. Safe operation of this tool requires that you read and understand this operator's manual and all the labels affixed to the tool. This manual provides information regarding potential safety concerns, as well as helpful assembly and operating instructions for your tool.

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful attention and understanding. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury. However, please note that these instructions and warnings are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. WEN reserves the right to change this product and specifications at any time without prior notice.
At WEN, we are continuously improving our products. If you find that your tool does not exactly match this manual, please visit wenproducts.com for the most up-to-date manual or contact our customer service at 1-847-429-9263.

Keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the tool and review it frequently to maximize safety for both yourself and others.

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

WORK AREA SAFETY

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
5. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a respiratory mask, non-skid safety shoes and hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce the risk of personal injury.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits, etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
8. Use clamps to secure your workpiece to a stable surface. Holding a workpiece by hand or using your body to support it may lead to loss of control.
9. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

SERVICE

1. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities may contain chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints.
• Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area with approved safety equipment such as dust masks specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Do not operate the power tool until you have read and understood the following instructions and the warning labels.

WORKPIECE SAFETY

1. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform using clamps or another practical method. Never hold it in your hand or across your legs. Unstable support could result in a loss of control and personal injury.
2. Small workpieces must be adequately secured so that the rotating planer blades don't pick them up during the forward motion of the planer.
3. Check the workpiece for nails and other foreign objects. If there are nails, either remove them or set them well below the intended finished surface. Any article that encounters planer blades may be forcibly ejected from planer creating risk of injury.

OPERATION SAFETY

1. Always use ANSI Z87.1 approved safety glasses. Wear hearing protection to prevent hearing damage during operation. Use face mask or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty.
2. Keep handles and hands dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery surfaces can cause you to lose control of the power tool.
3. Always hold the planer firmly with both hands for maximum control.
4. Only hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces in case the cutter contacts its own cord. Cutting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
5. Always start the planer before the blade is in contact with the workpiece. Let the blade reach full speed before using the tool. The planer can vibrate and possibly kickback if the cutting speed is too slow.
6. Do not plane end grain, as the wood could splinter or possibly explode. Always plane along the grain direction of the wood. Never plane against the grain direction.
7. Never pull the planer backwards over the workpiece.
   Loss of control may occur.
8. Do not put fingers or any objects into the chip extraction port.
9. Remove the plug from power source before removing chips. Do not clean out chips while the tool is running. Contact with the blade drum will cause injury as the blades are hidden from view and you may be cut if the blade is contacted.
10. Wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down. An exposed rotating cutter may engage the surface, leading to possible loss of control and serious injury.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

1. Unplug the planer before making adjustments or changing accessories. Accidental start-ups may occur if the planer is plugged in during an accessory change.
2. Planer blades are sharp. Wear protective work gloves when removing/installing blades or turning the blade drum.
3. After changing blades, rotate the blade drum to make sure the blades don't hit any part of the blade head housing and that the blade locking screws are tight. Loose or misaligned blades have the potential to damage the tool and cause possible injury.
4. Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool. When cleaning be careful not to disassemble any portion of the tool. Internal wires may be misplaced or pinched and safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted.
5. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.

ELECTRICAL INFORMATION

DOUBLE-INSULATED TOOLS

The tool's electrical system is double insulated where two systems of insulation are provided. This eliminates the need for the usual three-wire grounded power cord. Double insulated tools do not need to be grounded, nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation.

Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by qualified service personnel using identical replacement parts. Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing.

1. POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a proper outlet. Do not modify the machine plug or the extension cord in any way.
2. GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION (GFCI) should be provided on the circuit or outlet used for this power tool to reduce the risk of electric shock.
3. SERVICE AND REPAIR. To avoid danger, electrical appliances must only be repaired by qualified service technician using original replacement parts.

GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXTENSION CORDS

When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows the correct size to be used according to cord length and ampere rating. When in doubt, use a heavier cord. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

1. EXAMINE EXTENSION CORD BEFORE USE. Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
2. DO NOT ABUSE EXTENSION CORD. Do not pull on cord to disconnect from receptacle; always disconnect by pulling on plug. Disconnect the extension cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the product from the extension cord. Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp/wet areas.
3. USE A SEPARATE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR YOUR TOOL. This circuit must not be less than a 12-gauge wire and should be protected with a 15A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line, make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the current stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.

UNPACKING & PACKING LIST

UNPACKING

With the help of a friend or trustworthy foe, such as one of your in-laws, carefully remove the hand planer from the packaging and place it on a sturdy, flat surface. Make sure to take out all contents and accessories. Do not discard the packaging until everything is removed. Check the packing list below to make sure you have all of the parts and accessories. If any part is missing or broken, please contact customer service at 1-847-429-9263 (M-F 8-5 CST), or email techsupport@wenproducts.com.

KNOW YOUR HAND PLANER

TOOL PURPOSE

The power to trim doors, flatten boards, and much more is in the palm of your hand with your WEN Hand Planer. Refer to the following diagrams to become familiarized with all the parts and controls of your hand planer. The components will be referred to later in the manual for assembly and operation instructions.

Rear Handle

OPERATION

To prevent serious injury, make sure all the instructions have been read and understood before operating this tool. Before plugging the machine into the power supply, always check that the trigger switch and trigger lock work properly.

USING THE SAFETY KICKSTAND

The safety kickstand (Fig. 1 - 1) on the bottom of the planer can be engaged to help keep the blade from coming into contact with the work surface when the planer is not in use.
To engage the safety kickstand during time of rest, slide the stand until it springs out. To disengage the kickstand before operation, push the stand into the slot and slide it until it locks in place.

CONNECTING THE CHIP EXTRACTION PORT

Wood dust can be hazardous to your health. Whenever possible, connect your planer to a suitable dust extraction system or dust bag through the dust extraction port. The included hose adaptor Fig. 2 converts the port size to 1-1/2 inch in diameter.

The wood shavings can be set to flow from either side of the tool to suit the task at hand. Set the extraction guide switch (Fig. 2 - 1) to point towards the extraction port (Fig. 2 - 2) that you wish the chips to flow towards.

Shavings may jam in the dust extraction port when cutting damp wood. Never stick your finger into the dust extraction port. Clean out the shavings with a stick, but only when the cutter has stopped running and the tool has been unplugged from the power source.

SWITCHING ON AND OFF

The tool is equipped with a trigger lock to avoid unintentional startups.

1. To turn the planer on, press the trigger lock (Fig. 3 - 1) and then squeeze the trigger switch (Fig. 3 - 2).
   
2. To switch off, release the trigger switch.

ADJUSTING THE CUTTING DEPTH

The cutting depth of a planer is determined by the height difference between the adjustable front shoe and the cutting edge of the blade. The depth adjustment knob retracts the front shoe to adjust how much blade is exposed, which determines the amount of material that will be removed.

To adjust the cutting depth:
Rotate the depth adjustment knob (Fig. 4 - 1) until the indicator arrow (Fig. 4 - 2) aligns with the desired cutting depth on the depth gauge. Turn the depth adjustment knob clockwise for a deeper cut and counter-clockwise for a shallower cut.

NOTE: The minimum cutting increment is 1/128 inch (0.2 mm). The maximum cutting depth of the planer is 1/8 inch. However, the more material you attempt to take off with each pass, the less even the final board will be. The appropriate cutting depth depends on the material of your workpiece. For optimum planing performance, the maximum cutting depth should be 1/64 of an inch per pass. Make multiple progressive cuts, removing less than 1/64 inch per pass to achieve the total cutting depth. To accurately determine the depth of cut, plane a similar piece of scrap material and adjust the settings accordingly.

Always ensure that the number on the depth gauge is at the "0" position when the tool is not in use. However, even at "0", a slightly protrusive blade could still make contact depending on how the blade was installed. Engage the safety kickstand to prevent the blade from contacting the workpiece.

DETERMINING THE FEED RATE

The proper feed rate will depend on the type of material being cut and the depth of the cut. Moving the planer too fast may cause a poor quality of cut and can damage the blades or the motor; moving the machine too slowly may burn or mar the cut. Practice first on a scrap piece of material to gauge the correct feed rate and cutting dimensions.

THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF GRAIN DIRECTION

It is important that the planer should always be cutting in the same direction as the grain of the wood (Fig. 5). There are six sides to every board: two face grains, two side/edge grains, and two end grains. You can plane along the direction of the grain with the face grain or side/edge grain facing upwards, but never plane with the end grain side facing upwards. Otherwise, the board has a chance of splintering and exploding inside of the planer, which could cause serious injury and damage.

When planing the face and side/edge grain, always plane in the direction of the grain. Do not plane perpendicular to the grain, otherwise the board also has a chance of splintering and exploding.

Never plane against the grain direction of the wood. Do not plane end grain, as the wood could splinter or possibly explode.

Wear safety goggles at all times that comply with ANSI Z87.1. Use ear protection such as plugs or muffs during extended periods of operation. Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Wear a face mask or dust mask to fight the dust.

OPERATING YOUR PLANER

1. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform. Make sure that the surface to be planed is face grain or side grain. Do not plane end grain, as the wood could splinter or possibly explode (see "The Do's and Dont's of Grain Direction).
2. Hold the planer firmly with both hands. Rest the front shoe flat on the workpiece surface, ensuring that the blades do not make contact with the workpiece.
3. Switch the tool ON and wait for the blades to reach full speed.
4. Move the tool gently forward along the grain of the wood. Apply pressure on the front of the tool at the beginning of planing, and at the rear of the tool towards the end of the planing stroke.
5. Push the planer beyond the edge of the workpiece without tilting it downwards. Turn off the planer and wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down.

NOTE: The feed rate and the depth of cutting determine the quality of the finish. Increase the depth of cut for rough cutting and reduce the depth of the cut to achieve a smoother finish.

The motor may stall if improperly used or overloaded. Reduce the pressure (feed rate) or the depth of cut to prevent possible damage to the tool if the motor labors.

MAKING A CHAMFER
The V-grooves in the front shoe allow for quick and easy chamfers, creating a sloping edge along the corner of your workpiece. There are two V-grooves, a large groove and a small groove (Fig. 6) to meet the needs of your particular project.

1. Make sure that the workpiece is secured to a stable platform.
2. Hold the planer firmly with both hands. Align the V-groove in the front shoe of the planer with the corner edge of the workpiece (Fig. 7). Be sure the blades are not touching the workpiece. Place weight on the depth adjustment knob so that the V-groove is absolutely flat on the edge to be beveled.
   
3. Switch the tool ON and wait for the blades to reach full speed.
4. Push the planer forward along the grain of the wood with steady pressure on the front shoe.
5. Push the planer beyond the edge of the workpiece without tilting it downwards. Turn off the planer and wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down.

To avoid injury from accidental startups, always ensure that the tool is switched OFF and unplugged from the power supply before making any adjustments to the planer.

USING THE PARALLEL GUIDE FENCE
The parallel guide fence ensures that the planer travels parallel to the edge of the wood, providing a straight cut at your desired cutting width. This feature is helpful for planing door edges, wood trim and boards.

To attach the parallel guide fence:

1. Disconnect the planer from the power source.
2. Attach the parallel guide fence to either side of the planer. Secure the fence using the parallel guide lock knob (Fig. 8 - 1).
   
3. Loosen the wing nut (Fig. 9 - 1) on the parallel guide fence and slide the fence to set the desired cutting width indicated by the width gauge. Retighten the wing nut.
   NOTE: To ensure a square cut, measure the front and back of the fence and use a square to make sure the guide is set straight. We recommend practicing your cut on a piece of scrap wood whenever possible.
   
4. Rest the front shoe flat on the workpiece surface and position the fence firmly against the edge of the workpiece (Fig. J). Follow instructions on "Operating Your Planer" to perform your cut.

MAKING A RABBETING CUT
The planer can create rabbeting cuts up to 1/3 of an inch, limited by the protruding housing on the right-hand side of the tool.

1. Make sure that the workpiece is secured to a stable platform.
2. Follow instructions in "Operating your Planer" to perform your cut.
3. Make multiple progressive cuts to achieve the desired total cutting depth (Fig. 10).
   

ADJUSTMENTS

Planer blades are sharp and fragile. Wear protective gloves to protect your hands. Handle the blades carefully to avoid personal injury or damage to the blades.

Do not attempt to sharpen or use resharpened blades of any kind. Use only blades designated for use with this model. Other blades may not clamp securely in the blade holder, causing vibration and a decrease in performance.

Condition of blades will affect the precision of cuts. Observe the quality of the cut that the planer produces to check the condition of the blades. Dull blades will tear wood fibers and produce fuzzy surfaces. Raised grain will occur on the wood when the cutting blades are dull or nicked.

NOTE: Blades on this planer are reversible and should always be reversed or replaced as a matched set. Unbalanced blades can cause vibration and poor planing action while shortening the life of the blade and the tool. Keeping a spare set of blades on hand is recommended. Replacement blades (model 6534B) can be ordered in two packs at wenproducts.com.

1. Disconnect the planer from the power source.
2. Put the planer on a secure work surface and turn it upside down. Carefully rotate the blade drum to expose the clamping screws (Fig. 11 - 1).
   
3. Loosen the three clamping screws using the included blade wrench in the direction indicated by the arrows (Fig. 12).
   
   
   The blade drum can rotate as you're doing this so be careful not to contact the blade with your hand. If the screw is difficult to loosen, try tightening it a little and then loosen it.
4. Hold the blade drum in place and carefully slide out the blade (Fig. 13). You can also use a wooden block to push the blade out of the blade drum.
5. Clean out all chips or foreign matter adhering to the blade drum and the blade using a soft brush or compressed air.
6. Each planer blade has two cutting edges and may be reversed when one of the cutting edges becomes dull or chipped.
   • If one edge is dull, reverse the blade.
   • If both edges are dull, remove the old blade and replace it with a new one.

Directions continue on the next page.

To avoid injury from accidental startups, always ensure that the tool is switched OFF and unplugged from the power supply before making adjustments or installing or removing blades.

7. Slide the blade with the good side up into the blade retainer of the blade drum (Fig. 13 - 1).
   NOTE: The flat side of the blade should be facing the front of the planer and the ridged side of the blade should be facing the back of the planer. Make sure that the blade is in the center of the blade drum.
8. The blades must be mounted so that the cutting edge is absolutely level (parallel to the surface of the rear shoe). Check that both ends of the blade protrude out evenly from the blade retainer of the blade drum.
   NOTE: The planed surface will end up rough and uneven if blades are not set properly or securely.
9. Tighten the clamping screws using the blade wrench, ensuring that all three screws are tightened evenly (Fig. 14).
10. Repeat steps 2 - 10 for the installing/changing the second blade. It is important to reverse or replace the two blades at the same time so they are balanced with one another. Both blades should be set to the same cutting level and alignment, otherwise the planed surface will be rough and uneven.
    
    Tighten all clamping screws carefully when attaching the blades to the planer. A loose clamping screw can be extremely dangerous. Check regularly to make sure that all six clamping screws are tightened securely.

MAINTENANCE

To prevent serious injury from accidental operation, make sure that the planer is turned off and unplugged from power source before installation, cleaning and maintenance operations.

Preventive maintenance performed by unauthorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components, possibly causing a serious hazard. We recommend that all tool service be performed by a WEN Service Center.

CLEANING

Keep the planer clean of any wood chips, dust, dirt or debris. Ventilation openings and switch levers must be kept clean and free of foreign matter. The tool may be cleaned most effectively with compressed dry air. Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air. Do not attempt to clean these components by inserting pointed objects through openings.

Certain cleaning agents and solvents damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

CARBON BRUSHES

To maintain maximum efficiency of the motor, we recommend Fig.15 changing the carbon brushes every 60 hours of operation. Replacement carbon brushes (Model 6534-047) are available at wenproducts.com. Only genuine WEN replacement brushes designed specifically for your tool should be used.

To inspect or replace the carbon brushes:

1. Unscrew and open the motor cover (Fig. 15 - 1) on the right.
   
2. Carefully take out the two carbon brushes (Fig. 16 - 1) using pliers and replace with new brushes.
   
3. Replace the motor cover and secure with screws.

TOOL LUBRICATION

Your tool has been properly lubricated and is ready to use. It is recommended that tools with gears be regreased with a special gear lubricant at every carbon brush change.

DRIVE BELT

Inspect the drive belt every 60 hours of use. If the drive belt shows signs of drying out, cracking, tearing or improper tracking, it should Fig. 17 be replaced. To replace the drive belt, unscrew and open the belt cover (Fig. 17 - 1) on the left. Replace with identical replacement belt and close the drive belt cover.

BEARINGS

Bearings that become noisy (due to heavy load or abrasive material cutting) should be replaced by a qualified technician as soon as possible to avoid overheating or motor failure.