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Thanks for purchasing the WEN Benchtop 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 1-800-232-1195.
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.
Model Number | PL1303 |
Motor | 120V, 60 Hz, 15A |
Cutterhead Speed (No-Load) | 10,000 RPM |
Number of Blades | 3 Blades |
Cuts Per Minute | 30,000 |
Feed Rate | 26 FPM |
Maximum Depth of Cut | 1/8 Inch (for material < 6 inches wide) |
1/16 Inch (for material > 6 inches wide) | |
Maximum Workpiece Width | 13 Inches |
Maximum Workpiece Thickness | 6 Inches |
Dust Chute Adapter Sizes | 2-1/2, 4 Inches |
Product Dimensions | 24 in. x 28-1/4 in. x 20 in. |
Product Weight | 63.0 lbs |
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.
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:
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 let comfort or familiarity with the product replace strict adherence to product safety rules. Failure to follow the safety instructions may result in serious personal injury.
These safety instructions can't possibly warn of every scenario that may arise with this tool, always make sure to stay alert and use common sense during operation.
In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides the path of least resistance for an electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug MUST be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with ALL local codes and ordinances.
In all cases, make certain the outlet in question is properly grounded. If you are not sure, have a licensed electrician check the outlet.
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.
AMPERAGE | REQUIRED GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS | |||
25 ft. | 50 ft. | 100 ft. | 150 ft. | |
15A | 14 gauge | 12 gauge | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
With the help of a friend or trustworthy foe, such as one of your in-laws, carefully remove the 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 1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8-5 CST), or email techsupport@wenproducts.com.
Resurface boards, flatten workpieces, and much more with your WEN Thickness Planer. Refer to the diagram below to become familiarized with the parts and controls of your thickness planer.
NOTE: Each full rotation of the depth-adjustment handle adjusts the planer's height by 1/16". For example, 1/4 of a rotation is 1/64", 1/2 of a rotation is 1/32", and 1 full rotation is 1/16".
The infeed and outfeed table levels have been set from the factory, and should require no adjustment. However, if you find that they are out of adjustment from shipping, follow the directions to adjust them.
NOTE: If you do not plan on using a dust collection system of any kind, you may open up the bottom of the dust chute to allow wood chips and shavings to fly out the back of your planer. This will, however, make a mess in your shop. Alternatively, you may leave the chute closed and regularly clean the wood shavings and dust out of the planer and chute during operation. Any damage or other problem caused by a failure to keep the planer clean (by not using dust collection, removing wood chips, etc.) is not covered under the warranty. Keep your planer clean.
The planer should always be mounted to a stable, level bench or table in a well-lit area. Make sure there is plenty of room for maneuvering the workpiece through the entire cut. Neither the operator nor bystanders should stand in line with the workpiece while the tool is operating.
NOTE: We recommend the WEN 6588T or MSA658 Planer Stand for both stability and easy transportation around the workshop.
Do not connect planer to the power source Fig. 6 until all assembly steps have been completed.
The ON / OFF switch (Fig. 6 - 1) is located on the front of the planer motor. To turn the planer ON, make sure the safety key is inserted, and flip the switch to the up position. To turn the planer OFF, flip the switch to the down position.
Remove the yellow safety key (Fig. 6 - 2) to engage child-safety lock and prevent unwanted start-ups. To lock the switch, flip the switch to the OFF position and disconnect the planer from its power source. Pull the safety key out (Fig. 6 - 2). The machine cannot be turned ON with the key removed. To turn the machine back ON, slide the key into the slot on the switch until it snaps into place, then flip the switch up.
NOTE: The key can be removed from the switch while in the ON position. This allows for the machine to be turned OFF, but prevents it from being turned back ON while the key is removed.
This planer is equipped with a circuit breaker to protect the motor (Fig. 6 - 3). The breaker will automatically shut the planer off when excessive current is drawn. If the breaker is tripped, turn the planer off, wait a moment to allow the breaker to cool down, and reset the circuit by pressing the button. If the button pops back out, wait a few more minutes to allow it to cool down more. Reduce the depth of cut, reset the breaker, and try again.
Be sure to turn the planer off prior to resetting the circuit breaker to avoid unintentional start-up of the planer.
Thickness planers are a precision woodworking machine and should be used on quality lumber only. Do not plane dirty boards; dirt and small stones are abrasive and will wear out the cutting inserts.
REMOVE NAILS AND STAPLES. Use planer to cut wood only. Avoid knots. Heavily cross-grained wood makes knots hard. Knots can come loose and jam blade.
Any article that encounters planer blades may be forcibly ejected from the planer, creating a risk of injury. Make sure the wood is free from foreign materials before attempting to plane.
Rotate the depth adjustment handle (Fig. 7 - 1) to adjust the height of the rollercase, relative to the base. The depth scale (Fig. 7 - 2) shows the height of the cutterhead above the main table.
The quality of the finished surface depends on the operator's experience and judgment about the depth of cut. Each full rotation of the depth-adjustment handle adjusts the planer's height by 1/16". For example, 1/4 of a rotation is 1/64", 1/2 of a rotation is 1/32", and 1 full rotation is 1/16".
NOTE: When adjusting the height of the rollercase, ensure the depth stop preset (Fig. 8 - 1) is in the lowest (thinnest) position. Failure to do so may result in damage to the depth stop preset or the rollercase.
A spring-loaded depth-of-cut gauge (Fig. 7 - 3) is attached to the front of the rollercase. The pointer on the depthof-cut gauge accurately displays the depth of cut per pass when the workpiece is positioned below the gauge.
Never plane against the grain direction of the wood. Do not plane end grain, as the wood could splinter or possibly explode.
Do not plane any board shorter than 14-1/2"; the force of the cut could split the board and cause kickback.
The depth stop preset (Fig. 8 - 1) is a simple way to set the desired thickness of a workpiece. Move the knob to the desired finished thickness. For example, if you want a workpiece 1-1/4" thick, move the knob to the 1-1/4" setting. The finished workpiece will be 1-1/4" thick. This feature is best used when planing multiple workpieces, in order to ensure that all workpieces have a uniform thickness.
NOTE: when adjusting the height of the rollercase, ensure the depth stop preset is in the lowest (thinnest) position. Failure to do so may result in damage to the depth stop preset or the rollercase.
Thickness planers work best when at least one side of the lumber is flat. Use a surface planer or a jointer to create a flat surface. Twisted or severely warped boards can jam the planer and should not be used. Rip lumber in half to reduce the magnitude of warpage.
Work should be fed into the planer in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Sometimes the grain will change direction in the middle of the board. In such cases, if possible, cut the board in the middle before planing, so that the grain direction is correct. Always plane with the grain.
Never plane against the grain direction of the wood. Do not plane end grain, as the wood could splinter or possibly explode.
Do not plane any board shorter than 14-1/2"; the force of the cut could split the board and cause kickback.
The blades' condition will affect cutting precision. 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 when dull blades pound on wood that has varying density. Raised edges will also be produced where the blades have been nicked. The blades on this planer are adjustable. Keeping a spare set of blades on hand is recommended. Replacement blades can be ordered from wenproducts.com (model numbers BP133K and BP133M).
Thickness planers tend to leave a small bit of snipe at the end of the planed boards, particularly for longer workpieces. Snipe is a small dip that is caused by the board's own weight pulling one end downwards as the board enters or exits the planer, thus pushing the other end into the cutterhead and creating an uneven finish. Snipe will occur when boards are not supported properly, or when only one feed roller is in contact with the work at beginning or end of cut.
The best way to avoid snipe is to cut your workpiece long enough that you can saw off the snipe after the board has been planed. Leave 1" to 2" on both ends so it can be removed later. Other, less efficient methods include gently pushing the board up while feeding the work until the outfeed roller starts advancing it. Then, move to the rear and receive the planed board by gently pushing it up when the infeed roller loses contact with it. The third option is to have another dummy board flush against the beginning and end of the workpiece. That way, this piece of scrap wood will be the recipient of all of the snipe. Snipe is more apparent when deeper cuts are taken. Lower depths help prevent snipe.
It is also recommended to have the infeed and outfeed extension tables slightly inclined upwards to form a V shape, with the difference between the outermost edges of the extension tables and the center of the main table being about 1 mm.
Always plane with the grain of the wood (in the same direction as the grain). There are six sides to every board: two face grains, two side/edge grains, and two end grains. Never plane with the end grain facing upwards. Only plane side and face grains. Otherwise, the board could splinter and explode inside 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 could splinter and explode.
Never plane against grain direction of the wood. Do not plane end grain, as the wood could splinter or possibly explode.
The planer is supplied with blades mounted in the cutterhead, and the infeed and outfeed rollers pre-adjusted to the correct heights. The feed rate (the rate at which the workpiece travels through the planer) is automatic, but will vary slightly depending on the depth of cut and type of wood. To feed the workpiece:
NOTE: Assistant must follow same precautions as operator.
Always turn the planer OFF and disconnect it from the power source before starting any maintenance work.
Blades should always be reversed or replaced as a matched set (at the same time).
NEVER grasp the cutterhead with unprotected hands. This will result in serious injury.
The magnetic blade tool can be stored on underside of the outfeed extension table, using the hook-and-loop strip.
For best results and to minimize snipe, we recommend setting the infeed and outfeed tables so that the end of each extension table is about 1mm above the top of the main table.
Brush life depends on the load of the motor. Regularly inspect brushes after 100 hours of use. Brushes are located on either side of the planer motor, on both the front and rear side of the planer. Loosen brush cap (Fig. 12 - 1) and carefully remove brush from motor. Replace brushes if the spring is damaged. Replace brushes if the carbon is worn down to 3/16" long or shorter. Tighten brush caps after replacement. Both brushes should be replaced simultaneously. Replacement brushes can be purchased from wenproducts.com (part no. PL1326-189).
The motor and cutterhead bearings are sealed and need no lubrication. Keep the elevation leadscrew chain (located under the bottom of the planer) lubricated with a dry chain lubricant. Do not over-lubricate.
Keep planer clean of any wood chips, dust, dirt or debris. We strongly recommend always using a dust collection system. Make sure to clean out the planer after every use.
After 10 hours of operation, the drive chains and sprockets should have wood chips, dust and old grease removed. While wearing ANSI-Z87.1-approved safety glasses, use a couple puffs of compressed air (do not exceed 50 PSI) to blow dust and chips out of the gearbox and drive chains.
Use common automotive bearing grease to lubricate all drive chains and sprockets. Spray the gearbox with a light coat of dry lubricant. Clean the table and infeed / outfeed rollers using a soft, damp cloth. Do not use any waxes, oils or solvents on the table.
NOTE: The buildup of dust, wood shavings, and other debris can significantly shorten the planer's useful life. Keep your planer clean! Failure to do so will void the warranty.
Stop using the tool immediately if any of the following problems occur. Repairs and replacements should only be performed by an authorized technician. For any questions, please contact our customer service at 1-(800) 232-1195, M-F 8-5 CST or email us at techsupport@wenproducts.com.
PROBLEM | CAUSE | SOLUTION |
Machine does not start. | Machine is not plugged in. | Plug machine in. |
Wrong extension cord size used. | Use properly-sized extension cord. | |
Power outlet does not have power. | Check power outlet for power. Check breaker for associated circuit. Contact a professional electrician if necessary. | |
Safety key not installed. | Install safety key. | |
Breaker tripped. | Reset breaker. | |
Worn carbon brushes. | Replace carbon brushes. | |
Material does not feed properly. | Dull cutting inserts. | Check cutting inserts. Rotate or replace as necessary. |
Excessive material has built up in the dust chute. | Clean out the dust chute. Always use a dust collection system. | |
Broken gearbox or drive chain. | Contact customer service at 1-800232-1195 for assistance. | |
Circuit breaker keeps tripping. | Wrong extension cord size used. | Use properly-sized extension cord. |
Dull cutting inserts. | Check cutting inserts. Rotate or replace as necessary. | |
Excessive depth of cut. | Reduce depth of cut. | |
Internal motor problem. | Contact customer service at 1-800232-1195 for assistance. | |
Drive rollers do not work, or excessively loud grinding noise. | Broken gearbox, drive chain, or sprocket. | Contact customer service at 1-800232-1195 for assistance. |
Marks on the workpiece. | Dull cutting inserts. | Check cutting inserts. Rotate or replace as necessary. |
Excessive depth of cut. | Reduce depth of cut. | |
Workpiece being fed against grain. | Reverse workpiece. | |
Table or feed rollers are dirty. | Clean table and/or feed rollers. | |
Dust or debris between cutting inserts and cutterhead. | Clean cutting inserts and cutterhead. | |
Snipe. | Dull cutting inserts. | Check cutting inserts. Rotate or replace as necessary. |
Improper support being used. | Support workpiece properly (especially long workpieces). | |
Infeed or outfeed table improperly adjusted. | Adjust infeed and outfeed tables. | |
Table or feed rollers are dirty. | Clean table and/or feed rollers. |
To purchase accessories for your tool, visit WENPRODUCTS.COM
Multi-Purpose Planer Stand (Model 6588T)
Multi-Purpose Rolling Planer and Miter Saw Stand (Model MSA658)
Replacement Blades, 3-pack, SK5 Steel (Model BP133K)
Replacement Blades, 3-pack, M2 Steel (Model BP133M)
Have product questions? Need technical support? Please feel free to contact us:
1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST)
TECHSUPPORT@WENPRODUCTS.COM
For replacement parts visit WENPRODUCTS.COM
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download WEN PL1303 - 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer Manual
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