Jointer/planer

[Harry]

I have recently purchased a Planer/Thicknesser, I believe it is called a Jointer /planer in America. I wonder if anyone has experienced the problem I have. I have read it in a magazine that there is an issue with the jointer fence on a lot of these machines, that is having difficulty in keeping the fence 90 degrees to the table, and mine seems to be no exception, I can manage to set it at 90 degrees but as soon as I tighten the locking lever it pulls to the right leaving an inaccurate setting.

The machine is a Metabo 260 planer /thicknesser 10 inch table, while it is not at the top end of the price range, I think it is expensive for a consumer planer and would expect more accuracy than it gives, has anyone experienced this problem and if so is there any way to get roud it or does one just have to live with it.

Harry UK

[Hawaiilad]

Harry, I can not be of help with your problem. I have a Rigid Jointer and do not have the problem you have. But I would think the Company would like to know about the problem. Metabo makes good tools from what I know of them

[NHokpic]

Harry - from what you are describing, you have a jointer, not a thickness planer (at least by American terms). Thickness planers do not have fences. The wood slides in and out of the machine on a table and the tool is lowered onto the wood so it shaves off a layer. Then you lower the tool again and keep taking off layers until your wood is at the desired thickness.

Jointers work best on the edge of a board, but can be used to thin stock up to the width of your table top. It's problematic to plane a 10 inch wide board on a 8 inch jointer.

I think I understand your problem. The fence is moving as you tighten it. Is there a washer between the tightening lever or knob and the fence? If not, add one. If your problem persist with a washer in place, try setting up your fence a bit off to compensate for the tightening action.

Another source off your problem may be the wood you are using. Is it rough lumber? If it is, you are not getting a 90' on your jointer table because the flat side of your wood you are using to slide along the fence is not really flat thus distorting the desired angle. I know I've thrown a few variables into the equation, but I'm trying to help, not confuse you. I'll be watching this post.

[Rolf]

Harry,
I have a jet 6" jointer. It has stops on it for the 90 deg setting that works fairly well. But just to be precise I tighten the clamp almost completely and the use a deadblow hammer and a machinest square and gently tap the fence into perfect square.

[Harry]

Thanks for all your help and suggestions concerning Planer/thicknesser fence.
Firstly Bernie your suggetion of adding a washer to the tightening mechanism seems to be a fiesable idea not sure if there is one but I will check. Also in English terms my machine is a Planer stroke thicknesser that is a surface planer come thicknesser a dual purpose tool that can be quickly be converted to the thicknessing mode sounds confusing I know. I was toying with the idea of making a wooden fence with a fixed 90 degree angle what do you think?

Rolf: I was intrigued with your suggestion of using a deadblow hammer, I have no idea what one of those are can you enlighten me please. Maybe we have a different name for them in the UK.

Harry.

[Fretnot]

Hi Harry. I am in the UK. I think Rolf's dead hammer may be a wooden mallet. Does the fence have a camlock type lever. It does sound as if the problem is the lack of washer/s as NHokpic suggested. Start with one washer and then add more as required. I really think this will cure the problem. I had this on a planer/thicknesser I had and the washer cured the problem for me.

[Harry]

Thanks Fretnot, will try what you suggest, the more I think about it the more I think you might be right, will keepyou posted and let you know if it does the trick.

Harry.

[pat c]

Post us a picture, I'd be interested to see what this critter looks like. Might also help us to figure the problem out if the washers don't work.
Pat

[Rolf]

The dead blow hammer is not a wooden mallet. It is normally plastic and the head is hollow and filled with steel beads. So when you strike something it does not bounce. For me it is a must have for assembling wood projects and tapping things into place in the machine shop. Dead blow hammer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Tom J.]

To see this machine being set up go the this you tube link.

Tom

Metabo Power Tools HC 260 C Planer / Thicknesser - Setup - Metabo How To - HC260C - YouTube

[Plaquerd]

Try holding a square tightly against the fence and bed as you tighten the locking lever.