Planer thicknesser problems

[neilricketts]

Hi, i wonder if somebody can help me with a problem i am having. I have got a fox planer thicknesser that i purchased of ebay while back. When i try to thickness a piece of wood it will not feed through on its own. I am unsure on the model but it looks identical to the big axminster version has they use the same size blades. I was wondering if anyone knows if the outfeed roller is supposed to have a rubber or textured coating on it to aid grip of the roller. If so do you know if the axminster infeed and outfeed rollers will fit the fox.

cheers neil

 

[Chems]

I think I have the axminster version of that, or used too. I found occasionally the machine would need a bit of pressure to push the work piece in. Especially if the rollers were very dusty.

 

[p111dom]

I don't have this machine but there's usually rubber or knurling(texture) on the in feed rollers. The outfeed ones tend to be flat. Sounds like there might me a problem with the belt or chain to the rollers. Without doing anything unsafe, can you visually see if the rollers are moving? Does the one rotate but the other not? Usually if the belt is rubber it will have streched meaning that they will apear to rotate but as soon as you try to feed timber through the belt just slips and they stop. This happens with my Record p/t regularly. I need to replace the belt about three times a year due to stretch. It's an easy fix but annoying none the less.

 

[JonnyD]

I have no experience of your machine but on mine a similar problem was caused by a build up of resin on the rollers.

jon

 

[OPJ]

If you're certain the lever for the drive mechanism is engaged :roll: :wink: then, I don't know what to suggest. You could try removing the back cover and checking to see whether the belt and chains are in tension and in place (you haven't heard it go BANG! recently, have you? :?). Failing that, I guess you'll be looking to give Fox or Axminster a call on Monday.

 

[DaveL]

Neil,

The other thing that makes a big difference is waxing the bed of the machine. I have the old Axminster Perform planner/thicknesser and use Liberon lubricating wax, something else to try.

 

[neilricketts]

Hi, thanks for the replies. The outfeed roller is turning but the cylinder is very smooth so it is in a way slipping because there is no way for it to grip the wood. The infeed roller looks to be a splined roller the entire length of it. The splines were full of dried wood and resin of which i have cleaned it out. It is the outfeed roller that i think is the problem with it being so smooth. does anyone have the contact information for fox machinery has i can not find it anywhere. Failing that i will give axminster a call and see how much a new infeed and outfeed roller is.

cheers neil

 

[andycktm]

Neil, DaveL has hit the nail on the head so to speak,try it you will be amazed.I know i was :shock:

 

[neilricketts]

hi, would this do the same job
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Lubrica ... 795/p63929

 

[jhwbigley]

the outfeed roller needs to be smooth or else it would mark your nicley just thickness timber. the thicknessesing table sounds like the problem, a little light lubrication goes a long way :lol:

jhb

 

[motownmartin]

I had a similar problem and it was a tensioning fault, on my machine the feed roller was tensioned incorrectly, also applied some wax to the bed, it worked a treat after that.

 

[motownmartin]

hi, would this do the same job
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Lubrica ... 795/p63929

It does work but not for long, you would be better off waxing, I used finnishing wax.

 

[p111dom]

Yes the outfeed roller should be smooth. It's only really there to stop the timber pitching up or down creating snipe. It only rolls so it doesn't provide resistance but it's not really there to pull the stock through.

 

[LarryS.]

another vote for waxing the bed, i had the same problem as you a month ago, waxed the bed - sorted !

 

[neilricketts]

hi, thanks for all of the advice. I have just placed an order for some lubricating wax so i will give that try first and see what happens. I will let you know how i get on

cheers neil

 

[ivan]

Yup, outfeed rollers should be smooth, either plain steel or maybe rubber coated (like a typewriter). They can move up and down under a spring load, to allow for timber thickness changes. This spring pressure is usually adjustable. If wax and a clean does not help much, try screwing the adjuster down by 1/4 turn each side.