Delta Planer: 22-540

[789366]

I have a used planer and it seems to cut well but doesn't want to feed boards thru properly. Need to pull boards at times even when I'm only removing .005 to .010" of material.

I also notice a fair amount of play with the chains that drive the rollers, can this slack be adjusted ?
Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Danu

[UtahAV]

Hi Danu,

Most feed issues on planers are related to the condition of the feed rollers. The rollers will wear down over time and no longer make good contact with the workpiece. The rollers can become coated with sap or pitch, or even wood glue. This forms a hard, smooth surface on the roller that will no longer grip the wood being planed. I would start your investigation by inspecting the condition of your rollers.

Another potential problem, although much less likely, is the blocks that the rollers sit in. These blocks have spring tension on them and can move up and down. It is possible that the blocks can become stuck in their holders. Excessive sawdust buildup or even rust can cause them to get stuck. If this happens the rollers no longer sit as low as they should and therefore don't make the proper contact with the work piece.

The slack in the chain is normal.

I hope this points you in the right direction.

-UtahAV
-Mark

[mark5333]

I have had that problem in the past. I saw a article on "Wood Magazine" that suggested cleaning the feed rollers with laquer thiner and a wipe rag. It works great for me . Whenever the rollers get to slipping it is time to clean them.