Craftsman 351.233831 User Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRN°

121_"

PLANER/MOLDER

Model No.

351.233831

CAUTION: Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before First Use

of this Product.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

8507.02 Draft(08/10/97)

Warranty.................................. 2

Safety Rules.............................. 2-3

Assembly ................................. 3

Installation ............................... 3-5

Operation ............................... 5-12

Maintenance .............................. 12

Troubleshooting ............................ 13

Parts Illustration and List .................. 14-19

EspaSol ............................... 20-31

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON
CRAFTSMAN 121/="PLANER/MOLDER

If this Craftsman Planer/Molder fails due to a defect in
material or workmanship within one year from the date

of purchase, contact the nearest Sears in-home major
brand repair service in the United States, and Sears will

repair it, free of charge.
If this planer/molder is used for commercial or rental

purposes, this warranty will apply for 90 days from the
date of purchase.

This warranty applies only whilethe product is in the

United States. This warranty gives you specific legal
rightsand you may also have other rightswhichvary

from state to state.

Seam, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman
Estates, IL 60179

WARNING: For your own safety, read all ofthe

instructionsand precautionsbefore operatingtool.
CAUTION: Always followproper operatingprocedures

as defined in this manual even ifyouare familiar with

use ofthis or similartools.Remember that beingcare-
lessfor even a fraction of a second can resultinsevere

personalinjury.

BE PREPARED FOR JOB

• Wear properapparel. Do not wear loose clothing,

gloves, neckties, rings,bracelets or otherjewelry
which may get caught in movingparts of machine.

• Wear protectivehair coveringto containlong hair.

• Wear safety shoeswith non-slipsoles.

• Wear safetyglassescomplyingwithUnited States

ANSI Z87.1. Everydayglasses have only impact

resistantlenses.They are NOT safetyglasses.

• Wear face mask or dust mask if operation isdusty.

• Be alert and thinkclearly.Never operate power tools

when tired, intoxicatedor whentaking medications
that cause drowsiness.

PREPARE WORK AREA FOR JOB

Keep work area clean. Cluttered work areas invite

accidents.

Do not use powertoolsin dangerousenvironments.
Do not use powertoolsin damp or wet locations.Do

not expose powertoolsto rein.

• Work area shouldbe properlylighted.

• Proper electrical receptacleshould be available for

tool.Three prongplug should be pluggeddirectly

intoproperlygrounded,three-prong receptacle.

• Extensioncordsshould havea groundingprongand

the three wires of the extensioncordshouldbe of
the correctgauge.

• Keep visitorsat a safe distancefrom workarea.

• Keep childrenoutof workplace.Make Workshopchild-

proof.Use padlocks,masterswitchesor removeswitch
keysto preventany unintentionaluse of power tools.

TOOL SHOULD BE MAINTAINED

• Always unplugtool prior to inspection.

• Consult manualfor specificmaintainingand adjust-
ing procedures.

• Keep tool lubricated and clean for safest operation.

• Remove adjusting tools. Form habit of checking to
see that adjusting tools are removed before switch-

ing machine on.

• Keep all parts in working order. Check to determine

that the guard or other parts will operate properly

and perform their intended function.

• Check for damaged parts. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding, breakage, mounting and any
other condition that may affecta tool's operation.

• A guard or other part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced. Do not perform

makeshift repairs. (Use parts list providedto order
replacement parts.)

KNOW HOW TO USE TOOL

• Use righttool forjob. Do notforce tool or attachment
to do a job for which it was not designed.i

• Disconnecttool when changingblades.

• Avoidaccidental start-up. Make sure that_theswitch

is inthe "off"positionbefore pluggingin. =

• Do notforce tool. It willwork mostefficientlyat the
rate for which itwas designed.

• Keep hands away from movingparts'_nd Cutting

surfaces.

Never leave tool running unattended.Turn the power
off and do not leave tool untilit comesto a complete

stop.
Do not overreach.Keep proper footingand balance.

Never standon tool.Seriousinjurycouk:loccurif tool is
tippedor ifblade is unintentionallycon__cted.

Knowyour tool.Learn the tool'soperation,applica-

tionand specificlimitations.

2

• Use recommended accessories (refer to page 17).

Use of improperaccessories may cause riskof
injuryto persons.

• Handle workpiece correctly.Protect handsfrom pos-

sibleinjury.

• Turn machine off if it jams. Knifeor bitjams when it
digstoo deeply into workpiece. (Motor force keeps it

stuckin the work.)

• Always keep drive, cutterheedand knife guards in
place and in proper operating condition.

• Feed work into knifeor cutter againstdirectionof

rotation.

CAUTION: Think safety! Safety is a combinationof
operatorcommon sense and alertness at all times
when tool is being used.

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate tool until itis
completely assembled accordingto the instructions.

Refer to Figures 15 and 16, pages 16 and 18.

The planer/molder is shipped assembled except for the

handwheeland handle (Figure 16, KeyNos. 22 and 24).
INSTALL HANDWHEEL AND HANDLE

Refer to Figure 16, page 18.

• Handwheel (KeyNo. 22) must be installedto the left

side of the planer/molder.

• Align handle (Key No. 24) withthe hole on the rim of

the handwheel.

• Insert handle screw (Key No.23) into handle and

tighten to secure.

• Slide handwheel onto crank elevation screw(Key

No. 19) so that the spring pin (Key No. 21) on the

crank elevation screw is positionedbetween the

groovein the handwheel.

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
OPTIONAL STAND MODEL 22250
Refer to Figure 1.

Material List

• ½ x 15 x 22" particleboard (notsupplied)

• Four 1A-20x 1¼" Bolts withwashers and nuts (not
supplied) for mountingboard to Multi-PurposeStand.

• Four8-1.25 x 30mm boltswith washers (supplied
with planer/molder) for mountingplaner/molder to
board.

A mounting board is needed when mou_ting
planer/molder to Sears Multi-Purpose Stand Model

22250. The mounting board is made from ½" thick ply-

wood or particle board.

• Cut and drill the board using drawing: The 10" diam-

eter hole in the center is used for ventilationonly.

• Secure the mounting board to the stand top first,

using four ¼" bolts, washers and nuts (not provided).
be sure board is centered on stand top and bolted

securely.

• Mount the planer/molderto the mountingboard
using the four 8-1.25 x 30mm boltswithwashers.
Thread the bolts throughthe mountingboard and

intothe base casting from underneath the board.

1

REMOVE CAPS
Refer to Figure 15, page 16.
The planer/molder is shipped with caps (Key No. 13) on

the threaded shafts (Key No. 11) to avoiddamage to
shaftsduring shipping and handling.

• Unscrew and remove caps beforeturning the tool on.

• Save caps forfuture use.

MOUNT PLANER TO WORK SURFACE
Refer to Figure 1.

• Planer is designed to be portable so it can be moved

to job site, butshould be mounted to stable, level
bench or table. See Recommended Accessories,

page 17.

Figure I - Mount Planer/Molder to Optional Multi-Purpose
Stand Model No, 22250

POWER SOURCE
WARNING: Do notconnect planer/molderto the power

sourceuntilall assembly stepshave been completed.
The motor Is designed for operation on the voltage and

frequency specified.Normal loads will be handled safe-
ly on voltages not more than 10% abeve orbelow spec-

ifiedvoltage. Runningthe unit on voltageswhich are not
within range may cause overheatingand motor burn-

out. Heavy loads requirethat voltage at motorterminals
be no less than the voltage specifiedon nameplate.

• Power supplyto the motor iscontrolledby a rocker
switch.Removingthe rockerswitchwill lockthe unit
and prevent unauthorized use.

3

GROUNDINGINSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Improper connectionof equipment
groundingconductorcan resultin the risk of electrical

shock.Equipment should be groundedwhile in use to
protect operatorfrom electricalshock.

• Check with a qualified electricianif grounding
instructions are not understood or if in doubt as to

whether the tool is properly grounded.

• This tool is equipped with an approved cord rated at
150V and e 3-prong grounding type plug (see Figure

2) for your protection against shock hazards.

• Grounding plug shouldbe plugged directly into a

properly installed and grounded 3-prong grounding-
type receptacle, as shown (see Figure 2).

Properly Grounded Outlet

Grounding Prong

3-Prong Plug__

Figure 2 - 3-Prong Receptacle

• Do notremove or alter grounding prong in any man-
ner. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown,

grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electrical shock.

WARNING: Do not permit fingersto touch the termi-
nals ofplug when installingor removingfrom outlet.

• Plug must be pluggedintomatchingoutlet that is

properly installed and groundedin accordance with
all local codes and ordinances•Do not modify plug

provided.If it willnot fit in outlet, have properoutlet
installedby a qualified electrician.

• Inspect toolcords periodically,and if damaged, have

repaired by an authorizedservice facility.

• Green (or green and yellow)conductorin cord isthe

groundingwire. If repair or replacement of the elec-
tric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the

green (or green and yellow)wire to a live terminal.

• Where a 2-prong wall receptacle is encountered, it
must be replaced with a propedy grounded 3-prong

receptacle installed in accordance with National
ElectricCode and local codes and ordinances.

WARNING: This work should be performedby a quali-
fied electrician.

GroundingLug

Figure 3 - 2-Prong Remeptade with Adapter

i=======_ThisIs

MakeSure

c n.oo°

ToA Fm_

2-ProngReceptacle

A temporary 3-prong to 2-prong groundingadapter (see

Figure3) is available for connectingplugs to a two pole
outletif itis properlygrounded.

• Do not use a 3-prongto 2-prong groundingadapter

unless permittedby localand national codes and
ordinances.(A 3-prongto 2-prong groundingadapter

is not permitted in Canada•)

Where a 3-prong to 2-prong groundingadapter is per-
mitted,the rigidgreen tab or terminalon the side ofthe

adapter mustbe securelyconnected to a permanent
electrical groundsuch as a properly groundedwater

pipe, a properlygroundedoutletbox or a properly
groundedwire system.

• Many coverplate screws,water pipes and outlet
boxesare not properly grounded.To ensure proper

ground,groundingmeans must be tested bya quali-
fied electrician.

EXTENSION CORDS

• The use of any extensioncord will cause'some drop

in voltage and lossof power.

• Wires of the extension cord must be of sufficientsize
to carry the currentand maintain adequate voltage.

• The minimum extensioncord wire size is A.W.G.14.

Do not use extensioncords over 25 ft. Ioqg.

• Use only3-wire extensioncordshaving 3-prong

groundingtype plugsand 3-pole receptacleswhich
acceptthe tool plug.

• If the extensioncord isworn, cut or damaged in any

way,replace it immediately.

MOTOR
The 12½" planer/molder is suppliedwith a a2½ HP

motorand wiring installed.
The 120 Volt AC universalmotor has the following

specifications:

Horsepower (Maximum Developed) ............ 2½

Voltage ................................. 120

Amperes ................................. 15

Hertz..................................... 60

Phase ................................ Single

RPM ............................. ;..... 4500

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

WARNING; Make sure unit is off and disconnected
from power source before inspectingany wil:ing.

The motor is installedand wiring connected:asillustrat-

ed in the wiring schematic (see Figure 4).

The motor Is assembledwith an approvedthree con-

ductorcordto be used on 120 vo ts as indicated. The
powersupplyto the motoriscontrolledby adouble

pole lockingrocker switch.
The power lines are inserted directlyonto the switch.

The green ground linemust remain securelyfastened
tothe frame to properly protectagainst electricalshock.

4

Switch

CircuitBreaker

Figure 4 - Wiring Schematic

• Removing the rocker switchwill lock the unit and
prevent unauthorized use.

A manual reset overload protectoris installed in line
with the power supplyto the motor. Ifthe planer/molder

isoverloaded, the protectorwillbreak the circuit.
Ifthe breaker is tripped, turn the planer/molder "off" and

resetthe circuitby pressingthe button.

Refer to Figures 5- 16.

DESCRIPTION

Sears 12½" planer/molder finishes rough-cutlumberto
size and planes softand hardwoods up to 5" thick and
121/="wide. Produces decorative designs includingfur-

niture moldings, baseboards, casings, picture frames,
tongue and groove, gluejoints, rabettingand much

more.Wood feeds intothree-blade cutterhead by
adjustable rubberin-feed/out-feed rollers.Large 12½" x

19" cast irontable has precisionground steel columns

for smoothfeeding ofthe workpiece and reducingvibra-
tion. Motor has overloadprotectionand is enclosed in

the base of the machine,away from wood chipsand
dust.The gearbox offers two speeds; 26 ft/min, for fast

planing, and 13 f!Jminfor smooth finish molding.The
tool comes with anti-kickback mechanism for added

safety, and built-incarrying handles.

OPERATION SAFETY RULES

WARNING: Operation ofany powertool can result in
foreignobjects being thrown intoeyes which can result

in severe eye damage. Alwayswear safety goggles
complyingwith United States ANSi Z87.1 (shown on

package) before commencing power tool operation.
CAUTION: Always observe the following safety pre-

cautions:

• Knowgeneral powertool safety.Make sure all pre-

cautions are understood (see pages 2, 3 and 5).

• Whenever adjusting or replacing any parts on
planer/molder,turn switch off and remove plug from

power source.

• Make sure all guardsare properlyattached and

securelyfastened.

• Make sure all movingpartsare free from interference.

• Always wear eye protectionor face shield.

• Make sure Imlves are aligned and propedyattached
to ¢utterhead.

• Do not plug in planer/molderunlessswitch is in"off"

position.After turningswitchon, allow planer/molder

to come tofull speed beforeoperating.

• Do not attempt to performan abnormalor little used

operationwithout studyand the use of adequate jigs,

fixtures and the like.

• Keep hands clear of all movingparts.

• Do not force cut. Slowingor stallingwilloverheat
motor.Allow automaticfeed to function properly.

• Use qualitylumber.Bladeslast longerand cutsare

smoother with good qualitywood.

• Do not plane material shorterthan 14½", narrower
than 3A",wider than 12Y="or thinnerthan ½".

• Never make planingcutdeeper than _,_".

• Maintain the properrelationshipsof infeed and out-
feed table surfaces and cutterhead knife path.

• Do not backthe work towardthe infeedtable.

• Take precautions against kickback.DOnot permit

anyone to stand or cross in lineof cuttarhead's rota-
tion. Kickback or throwndebris willtravel in this

direction.

• Turn switchoff and disconnectpower whenever plan-

er/molder is not in use.

• Replace or sharpen knivesas they become dam-

aged or dull.

• Keep planer/molder maintained. Followmaintenance

instructions(see page 12).

DEPTH OF CUT

• Thickness planing refersto the sizingOflumber to a

desired thickness while creating a level surface par-
allelto the oppositeside of the board.

• Qualityof thicknessplaning dependson the opere-

tor'sjudgement aboutthe depthof cut. Depth of cut
depends on the width,hardness,dampness, grain

directionand grainstructureof the wood.

• Maximum thicknessof wood whichcan be removed
in one pass is_" forplaning operations.Foropti-

mum planingperformance,the depthof cutshould
be less than _,4,-.

• Board should be planed with shallowcuts untilthe
work has a level side. Once level surlacehas been

created, flip the lumber and create parallelsides.

Plane alternate sides untilthe desired thicknessis

obtained.

• When half oftotal depthof cut is taken from each
side, the board will have a uniformmoisturecontent

and additional drying will not cause itto warp.

• Depthof cut should beshallowerwhen workiswider.

• When planinghardwood,take lightct_tsor plane the

wood in thin widths.

• Make testcut when workingwith a new type of

board or different kind of operation.

• Check accuracy oftest cut priorto workingon fin-

ished product.

5

ADJUSTINGTHE DEPTHOF CUT

Refer to Figure 16, page 18.
Board thickness which the planer/molderwillproduce is

indicatedby eitherscale (Key No. 4) on the side.
Thickness is adjusted by rotatingthe handwheel (Key

No.22) clockwise to raise the knifeheight.

To reduce the knife height, rotata the handwheel coun-
terclockwise.

• Do notset knife below %2". Do not plane a board
which isless than a 1,_,thick.

• Knife heightwill be moved 1Ae"with every complete
revolutionof the handwheel.

Make a test cut on a piece of wood and measurethe

thickness produced.

The planer/molder will produce uneven depth of cut

(tapered cut) ifthe cutterhead is not parallel with the table.

To restore parallelism of the cutterhead with the table:

• Clamp a vise plier on the left side of the shaft (Key

No. 6) next to the bevel gear (Key. No. 10).

• Loosen set screws (Key No. 51) and disengage right

bevel gear (Key No. 10) on the elevation screw (Key
No. 18).

• Slowlyrotate handwheel to raise or lower the table.
Rotate clockwise to raise table, counterclockwise to

lower table.Table will be moved by .004" with every
turn of the beveled gear by one tooth.

• After moving table the required distance, make sure
beveled gears (Key Nos. 10 and 12) are engaged

and secured with set screws.

• Release and remove thevise plier

• Make a test cut to make sure the adjustment was

appropriate.

• Add grease to bevel gears if necessary.

When the depth of cut adjustment is operating correctly,
loosen the pan head screw(Key. No.28) and set the

indicator(Key No. 29) to show the thicknessproduced.
Make sure that the indicatoris positionedcorrectly.

TABLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Refer to Figure 16, page 18.

• The depth of cut ofthe planer/molderis adjusted by

raisingor loweringthe table.

• Rotate the handwheel (Key No.22) to raise or lower

the table to the desired position.

• The scale and indicator(Key Nos. 4 and 29) can be

used when adjusting the table height.

FEED RATE ADJUSTMENT

Refer to Figures 5 and 15, pages 6 and 16.

The planer/molder has a 2-speed gearboxthat feeds

the workplace at 13 feet per minute (FPM) for improved
surfacefinish when moldingor planingand 26 FPM for

fester planing.

• Be suretounplugthe planer/mctderfrom powersource
and turnplaner/molderOFF beforeadjustingthe feed

rate.

Remove the socket head bolt(Figure 15, Key No.

33) that secures the gearboxcover (Figure 15, Key

No.35), remove the gearbox cover.See Figure 5 for

the properlocation of the gears.

- 30T

-_i]

26 FPM

Figure 5 - Gear Chart

The planer/molder is assembledwith the gears for 13

FPM. Both planingand moldingcan be done at this set-
up.For the increased feed rate -- 26 FPM, the gears

have to be changed. Gears for 26 FPM are in the hard-
ware bag.

To change gears:

• Loosen and removenyloninsert Iocknutsi(Figure15,

KeyNo. 28).

• Slide two screwdrivers,one on eitherside ofthe 40T

moldinggear (Figure 15, Key No. 31).

• Gently pushthe screwdriversand slide g_ar off the
gear shaft (Figure 15, KeyNo.29).

• Leavethe key (Figure15, KeyNo.27) inthe gear shaft.

• Removethe 21T moldinggear (Figure 15, Key No. 26).

• Positionthe gears for 26 FPM on the gea'rshaft,

aligningthe keyway.

• Gently push it into place.

• Replace andtighten nyloninsertIocknuts

V-BELT ADJUSTMENT

Refer to Figures 14,15 and 16, pages 14, 16 and 18.
Inadequate tension in the V-Belt (Figure 15, Key No. 54)

willcause the belt to slipfrom the motorpulley(Figure
14, Key No. 9) or ddve pulley (Figure 15, Key No.53).
Toadjust V-Belttension:

• Loosen and removefour sockethead bolts (Figure

16, KeyNo. 5) on cover (Figure16, Key No. 2)

• Remove cover.

• Loosen two sockethead bolts(Figure 16, ,KeyNo. 48)
thatgo throughthe tensionplate(Figure16,gay No.39).

• Tightentwo sockethead bolts (Figure 16, Key No.

48) that go intothe indenton tensionplate to tension
belt. Belt istensioned properlywhen moderate finger

pressure applied to the midpointof belt produces_"
deflection.

• Tighten twosockethead bolts (Figure 16, Key No. 48)
that gothroughthe tensionplate.

• Replace coverand tightenfourbolts(Figure 16, Key

Nos. 2 and 5).

6

WOODGRAIN

For an improved surface finish with minimaltearout,
always plane or mold the workpiece with the grain. The
workpiece should be fed into the planer/molder so that

the knives or bits are traveling with the grain as the cut-
ters finish the cut. The grain should be angled up

toward the rear of the workpiece as it is fed into the
pLaner/molder.

PLANING
WARNING: Alwaysturn the planer/molder offand dis-

connect it from the power source whenever knife cover

is removed. Never operate planer/molder without the

knife cover properly secured.
The planer/molder is supplied with planing blades mount-

ed in the cutterheedand the infeed and outfeed rollers

adjusted to the correct height. The planer/molder is capa-

ble of working at two different feed rates.Feed rate refers

to rate at which lumber travelsthrough planer/molder.

Planing can be done at 13 FPM for an improved surface

finish or 26 FPM for faster planing (see Feed Rate

Adjustment).

• Adjust the table height to produce the depth of cut

desired.

• Stand to side whichthe handwheel was attached.

• Lift edge to infeed side ofthe table by grasping
edges of board at approximately middleof length.

• Boards longer than 24" should have additional sup-
port from free standing material stands.

• Position the workpiece with the face to be planed on
top.

• Gently slidethe workpiece into the infeed side of the

planer/molder until the infeed roller begins to
advance the workpiece.

• Let go of the workpiece and allow automatic feed to
advance the workpiece.

• Do not push/pull on workpiece.

• Move to the rear and receive planed lumber by
grasping it in same manner as it was fed.

CAUTION: Do not stand directly in line withfront or

rear of planer/molder.

• Do notgrasp any portion ofboard which has not

gone past out-feed roller.

• Repeat this operation on all boards which need to be
same thickness.

• Move to the rear and receive planed board by gently
pushing itup when the infeed rollerlooses contact

with the board.

• When planing more than one board of the same
thickness, butt boards togetherto avoidsnipe.

KNIFE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Refer to Figures 6 and 15, pages 7 and 16.
WARNING: Disconnect planer/molderfrom the power

sourceand turn the planer/molderOFF before attempt-
ingto adjustor replacethe cuttingbitsor knives,or per-

forming any adjustment or maintenanceto the
planer/molder.

A knife height gauge is providedfor usewhen replacing
or adjusting the planingknives (Key No. 40).

• Unplugthe planer/molderand turn itOFF.

• Remove the knifecover (Key No.4)

• Loosen all the set screws(Key No. 42) on all ofthe

gibs (Key Nos.41 and 43) inall 3 cutterhead slots.

• Using the brass punch,tap all the gibsdown intothe

cutterhead slot.

• Make sure the gibs are loose and can be moved.

• Remove the old knives, all gibs and spacers (Key
No. 44).

• Make sure the cutterhead slots and gibs are clean.

• Install the new planer knives and replace gibs and

spacers.

• Tighten the gibset screws only enough to holdthe
gibs and knivesin position.

• Make sure there is nogap betweenthe gibs,and the
spacers are in place.

• Place the knifeheightgauge on one end of the knife
and adjust the jack screw untilthe knife justcontacts

the tab in the middle ofthe gauge (see Figure 6).

• Adjust both ends ofall three knives in a similar man-
ner untilall of the knivesare at the same height.

• Tighten the gibs slowly,movingfrom one cutterhead
slot to the next, until allthree knivesand all gibsare
tightand secure.

NOTE: The knivesmay creep up as the:gibsare tight-

ened. Lightlytap on kniveswith a piece of hardwoodto
positionknivesagainst jack screws if needed.

Knife Height Gauge

AVOIDING SNIPE

Surface that the planer/molder will produce will be
smootherif shallowerdepth of cut is used.Snipe refers

toa depressionat eitherend of board caused by an
unevenforce on cutterheadwhen work is enteringor

leaving planer. Snipe will occur when boards are not
supported properlyor when only one feed rolleris in
contactwith work at beginningor end of cuLTo avoid
snipe:

• Gently push the board upwhile feeding the work

untilthe outfeed roller starts advancing It.

Tab_ Knife

Figure6 - KnifeHeightGsuge

7

POSITIONTHE CHIPBREAKER

Refer to Figure 15, page 16.

The chipbreaker (Key No.2) is used to help remove
wood chipsfrom the cutter bitsand kniveswhile planing

or molding. Adjustthe chipbreaker every time the cut-
tingtoolsare changed or adjusted.

The chipbreakershould be positionedas closeto the

cutterheadas possiblewithoutcontactingthe cutter bits
or knives. Loosen the three hex head bolts (Key No.3)

that hold the chip breaker and position itas close to the
cutterhead as possible, rotate the cutterhead by hand to

ensurethat there is no interference with the chipbreaker.
Secure the chipbreaker by tightening the three hex head

bolts. Replace and secure knife cover.

MOLDING

Molding, also knownas miliworkor trim,can be defined
as a stripof wood milled with a plain or decorative sur-

face which is continuousthroughoutits length.

• To get superior moldingfinish, workpiece must be

planed and presized priorto molding.Always presize
the workpiece to '/_,"of the final thicknessprior to

molding.

Certain moldingprofilesrequireouter edge clean-up.

When usingsuch profilesthe workpiece must be pre-

sizedto ¼" larger than the final width.This will allow ',_,"

for clean-up on either side.

Certain molding profilescut only the edge of the work-
piece.When using such profilesworkpiece mustbe pre-

sizedto the same width as the final width.

INSTALLING CUTTER BITS

Refer to Figures 7, 8 and 15, pages 8, 9 and 16.
NOTE: The cutter bits arc mounted in the center of the

cutter head (Figure 15, Key No. 39) usingthe 2" bit gibs
(Figure 15, Key No.43) provided.The cutterbits and

the planing blades (Figure 15, KeyNo. 40) are mounted
in the cutterhead at the same time so that planingand

moldingoperations can be done with the same set-up.
The knife settinggauge (see Figure 7) isused when

mountingthree piecemoldingbitsin the planer/molder
cutterhead.The gauge alignsthe bits inthe cutterhead

so that all three bitscutthe workpiece inthe same posi-
tionprovidingprecisecutsand improvedsurfacefinish.

• Turn the planer/molder off and unplugthe
planer/molderfrom the power source.

• Remove the knife cover and chip deflector (Figure
15, Key Nos. 4 and 6).

• Using the 6mm socket head bolt (Figure 15, Key No.

5) used to mount the knife cover, mount the knife
setting gauge to the top of the planer/molder as

shown in Figure 7.

• Position the knife setting gauge so that the molding
bits are positioned incutterhead as required. Tighten

the 6mm socket head bolt.

• Loosen two set screws (Figure 15, KeyNo. 42) on

the 2" bit gib (Figure 15, Key No. 43) locatedin the
center of the cutterhead.

• Use the brass punch in the hardware bag to gently
tap the gibdown into the cutterheadslot.

• Tap untilthe gib isloose and can be moved.

• Remove the 1" spacers (Figure 15, Key No.44) as

needed.

• Be surethe cutterhead slotand gibs arc clean and
free ofany dirt, grease, chipsor burrs.

• Place the cutter bits in the cutterhead slo! in place of

the spacers.

• Insertthe first cutter bitto be mounted between the

bit gib and planer knife.

• Slide thecutter bit against edge of the cutter bit set-

ting gauge and tightenthe cutter bit/bitgib combina-
tion in the cutterhead.

To mount more than one cutter bit ineach cutter-

head slot, for example, tongue and groovecutter bits
(23302), additionalset of three bit gibs isi'equired.

Use replacement parts list,page 17, Key No. 43 to
order.

• Remove oneor both cutterhead gibs (Figure 15, Key
No.41) as needed after looseningthe set screws

(Figure 15, KeyNo. 42) and tapping gibs down.

• Place the bit gibin thecutterheed slot at the desired
position.

• insert the cutter bitbetween the bitgib and planer
knife,and tightencutter bit]bitgibcombination.

• Rotate the outterhead and mountthe remainingcut-
ter bits usingthe knifesettinggauge to align bits.

• Be sure all bits and gibsare tight and secure.

• Remove the knife settinggauge and replace the

knifecoverand chipdeflector.

WARNING: Never operate planer/molder withoutknife
cover and chip deflectorproperly mounted.

CAUTION: In order to preventdamage to cUtterhead,
caution must be exercisedwhen mountinggibs in the

cutterhead slots.

Figure 7 - Installing Cutter Bits and Knife Setttng Gauge

8

12½" Planing Knife

Cutter Bit

Gib

• Loosen three washerhead bolts (Figure 15, Key No.

3) and positionchipbreaker (Figure 15, Key No. 2)
(see "Position The Chipbreaker",page 7).

• Rotate the cutterhead by hand and mount the two

remaining pattern knives.

• Use the knifesettinggauge to align knives.

• Be sureall knivesand gibsare aligned, tightand

secure.

ix="PatternKnife

Figure 8 - Cutterhead with Cutting Bits

• Always tighten the gibs gradually and tightenthe
three gibs in the cutterhead slotat the same time.

• Mount the gib in onecutterhead slotand tightenthe
set screws only enough to hold the gib in position,

then mount the other two gibsin the same manner.

• Tighten the set screws on one gib slightly, then tight-

en the other two gibs with equal pressure on the set
screws.

• Continueto tightenthe three gibswith small amounts

ofadded pressure,movingfrom one gibto the next,
untilall three gibs are tight and secure.

• Repeat the same procedurefor mountingthe gibs in

the other two cutterhead slots.

• Operate the planer/molder for five minutes and
retightenall set screws.

• Make sure to recheck the set screwsafter every two
hours of use.

INSTALLING THE PATTERN KNIVES
Refer to Figures 9 and 15, pages 9 and 16_

The steel pattern knives,Sears Model Numbers 23331
through 23341, are ¼" thick, and are suppliedwith gibs.

Use onlygibs supplied with pattern knives for mounting
on the cutterhead.

To installpattern knives, all gibs (Figure 15, Key Nos.
41 and 43), planing knives (Figure 15, Key No. 40),

spacers (Figures 15, Key No. 44) and cutter bits, must
be removed.

• Loosen all eightset screws (Figure 15, Key No. 42)

in one cutterhead slot.

• Use the brass punch to tap all the gibsdown into the

cutterhead slot.

• Remove all gibs,spacers and cutter bits.

• Repeat the same procedure with the other cutter-
head slots.

• Be sureall slotsare clean andfree ofany dirt,

grease, chips or burrs.

• Positionthe first pattern knifeto be mounted inthe
cutterhead slot with the proper gib.

• Slide the pattern knifeagainst edge of the knife set-
tinggauge and tightenthe knife/gibCOmbinationin

the cutterhead.

,_,.j.Gibs SuppnedWith Knife

Figure 9 - Cutterhead with Pattern Knives

The planer/molder cutterheadwill accept multiplepat-

tern knife set-ups at one time. For example, a pattern
knife and its relief knives can be mounted at the same

time so that the relief and the molding can be done with
one gib set-up.To mount pattern knife, the gib supplied
with the pattern knife must be used. To mount back

relief knife, the bit gib and 1" spacers (Figure 15, Key
Nos. 43 and 44) must be used.

• Installthe firstpattern knife inthe cutterhead slot

withthe propergib and tighten the knife/gibcombi-
nation.Rotate cutterhead. Use knifeSettinggauge

and installthe two remainingpattern knives, one in
each cutterhead slot.

• Installthe first back relief knifein the cutterhead slot

withthe bit gib and 1"spacers.Tightenthe knife/bit
gib combination.Rotate cutterhead. Use knifesetting
gauge and installthe two remaining back relief
knives,one in each cutterhead slot.

• The feed rollersmustbe lowered after the back relief
cut for moldingoperation.See "Feed Roller Adjust-

ment"below.

• Make sure all knivesand gibs are aligned,tightand
secure.

• Turn the cutterhead by handand make surethere is
no interference withthe knifepath.

To installmore than one pattern knife in each cutter-
head slot, for example, crown and bed knivesor tongue

and groove knives, an additional set of three gibs is
required.

Make sure the chipbreakerpositionisappropriatewith
all the pattern knives. Be sure to replacethe knife cover

(Figure 15, Key No.4) properly after removingthe knife

gauge. Replace the chip deflector(Figure 15, Key No. 6).

9

FEEDROLLERADJUSTMENT

Refer to Figures 10, 15, and 16, pages 10, 16 and 18.

The planer/molder feed rollerscan be raisedor lowered
as needed. The infeedand ouffeed rollersare set _6"

below the cutterheed (not the knives)at the factory for

planingoperation.The infeed and ouffeedrollers have

to be set _e" below the cutterheed for moldingopera-
tion usingthe pattern knives.Feed rollers must be

adjusted properlyfor smoothfeeding of the work.piece.

NOTE: Never lower infeedand oufteed rollersbeyond

_o" lowerthan the cutterheed.This willcause severe

stresson the gearbox and rollersystem.

To adjust feed roller heightfor molding:

• Make two 3 x 1½ x 3½" blocks and mark them as

cutterhead blocks.

• Make two 2"A, x 11/2x 3½" blocks and mark them as
molding blocks.

• Make sure the blocks are made to the mentioned
size.

• Turn handwheel (Figure 16, Key No.22) and lower
the table (Figure 16, Key No. 20) to allow cutterhead
blocks to slidefreely between the table and the cut-

terhead. Cutterhead may have to be turned by hand
to rotate knife out of the way.

• Place the 3" portion of cutterhead blocks beneath
the cutterhead, one on each side. Adjust table height

so the cutterhead block just makes contact with the
cutterhead.

• Do not raiseor lower the tablefrom nowon untilall

other adjustmentsare made.

• Place the 2"/_6"portionof moldingblocksbeneath

the infeed roller,one on each side.

• Loosen the large hex nuts ( See Figure 10 and
Figure 15, Key No. 10) on both sides ofthe infeed

roller using the wrench provided.

Nylon Insert Lockout

Threaded Bushing

(Do not Adjust) "_'r_Large Hex Nut

Figure10 - AdjustingFeed RollerHeight

• Using the same wrench,turn threaded bushing

(Figure 15, Key No. 9) clockwiseuntilthe infeed

rollerjust makes contactwith the block.

• Tighten large hex nutand repeat this process with

the other side of the infeed roller.

• Move moldingblocks beneath the outfeed roller and
repeat the process.

• Make sure that the large hex nutsare tightenedafter

adjustment.

• Remove the cutterhead blocksand moldingblocks
and retain them for future use.

The feed rollers should be raised to their original posi-
tion when the moldingoperationis done and at all

times when planing.
To raise rollersto original position:

• Make two 21'Ae" x 1½" x 3½" blocksand mark them
as planing blocks.

• Adjust the feed rollersheightin the same manneras
for the moldingusing 2'_" portionof the blocks.

• Retain the blocksafter adjustmentfor future use.

AUXILIARY TABLE

Some of the cuttingbits and pattern knives are designed
tocut all of the way throughthe workpiece and _/;,"
beyondthe workpiece.

Thisproducesa smooth edge and final sizing of the
workpiece.When usingthese bitsor knives,an auxiliary

woodtable must be mountedon the cast irontable to
preventdamage to the table and the bits or knives.

The auxiliary table shouldbe made from smooth 3A"
particle board (12¾" wide and 31W' long) to providea

smoothsurface for the workpiece to slideon.
NOTE: Auxiliarytable is 12" longerthan the bast iron

table to allow 6" overhangin the front and rearfor long
workpieces.

The particle board must be mountedon the cast iron
table with four _a x 1"flat head screws,washers and

nuts(not included).Be sureto countersinkthe mount-
ingholeson the auxiliary table for the flat head screws.

The screws must be positionedbelow the surface of the
auxiliary table to preventdamage tothe workpiece.

GUIDE FENCES

When molding,the workpiece mustbe guided into the

moldingcutterbits or knives properlyin order to pro-

duce the desired shape and size molding. Using prop-

erly adjusted guidefences assures the workplece pass-
es the moldingcutters/knivesinthe same position

usingmultiplepasses.
Guide fences shouldbe made from smooth,straight

hardwood.Guide fences should be the same lengthas
auxiliarytable (311/4")and 2" wide.Cut the guide fences

14"lower than the maximum thicknessof the final work-
piece profile.The guidefences must be notchedto
clear the infeed/ouffeedrollersand anti-kickbackpawls.

See Figure 11 on page 11for dimension.

To mount guide fences to table/auxiliary table:

• Installmoldingcutter bits/knivesinthe cutterhead.
See =Installing CutterBits=and =Installing the Pattern

Knives".

• Lowerthe table and carefullyturn cutterheadby

handso that one cutterbitJknlfeis at the lowest point

of the cuttingedge.

• Positionthe workplece beneath the cutter bit/knife.

10