Some advice on using new Scheppach HMS 2600 csi thicknesser

[markturner]

Hi, I just got this machine secondhand and being a newby to the useage of such items have a few questions. I can easily see how to use the jointer / planer side of the operation, but am scratching my head a bit with the thicknessing function.

I have read the manual, but it does not actually give useage instructions, just set up and changing things like the blades.

I have figured out to use as a thicknesser, you flip up the left hand table and flip over the extractor mouth. Then you can set the height and run the workpiece through. I used a bit of 2 x 4 as a test piece, and when set to the height of the timber, it ran nicely through, without removing any material. So I took the height down a bit but when I tried to run the piece through again, it seemed to run up against the roller wheel and go no further.

What am I doing wrong? I was loathe to start forcing things etc, especially with sharp spinning blades nearby, so hope one of you can help.

Rgds, Mark

 

[RogerP]

I've not used a Scheppach HMS 2600 but I guess all thicknessers are much the same. Sounds to me as if on your first try the blades were just clearing the wood and on your second you'd set it for too much cut. With the machine off just try moving the adjuster whilst gently pushing in the timber to find where it just clears the rollers and the anti-kickback fingers. Some machines are quite high geared and move the bed quite a lot for not much turn on the height adjuster. A little experimentation with the machine off will probably help you to get the feel it.

 

[The Wood Butcher]

Mark, I've got the same machine and what I do to set the thicknesser is this. With the machine turned off I put the workpiece on the thicknessing table and wind it up until it touches the roller. I then turn the handle back one half turn (180 degrees) to lower the table. On my machine this means that the blades take a fine cut. Depending on the wood I then wind the table up one third (hardwood) or one half (softwood) turn, which takes a fairly meaty cut. I then pass the wood through again on the same setting which smooths off the cut. I then repeat the table raising until I get to the thickness I want.

On my machine the thicknessing gauge is quite accurate, so you should be using that as a reference. I try and take small cuts, a mm or two max,, but Scheppach say it should be able to cut 4mm at a time. I'd say 4mm only in the easiest of woods.

 

[sue denim]

I agree with the above. I have the same machine. I only use French oak and 2mm is the max it will take. Keep the knives sharp and it must have decent extraction.
A good machine .

The only problems I have had with it is stripping a drive cog and breaking one of the cogs that holds the chain for the four screw threads for the thicknessing table. Both of the above due to me being a bit heavy handed.

 

[markturner]

Thanks everyone, I have the measure of it now! Nice machine, very pleased with purchase.

Cheers, Mark