Brad Patch
10-14-2011, 10:55 AM
My Makita 2030 has been in almost daily use since its purchase in 1979. It has been well maintained, the usual wear items replaced and routinely lubricated. Recently the planer feed function started to develop an unusual vibration. The feed rollers were not binding, but subsequent disassembly revealed that one feed roller and the plain bearing blocks had been running dry and caused one of the bearings to wear excessively. Luckily the roller shaft was not worn. The plain bearing was replaced and lubricated with synthetic automotive grease.
Its likely that similar Makita Planers have similar feed parts that would benefit from periodic lubrication.
One of the frustrating parts of removing the feed rollers are the cap screws holding the bearing blocks in place. They are hard to see and somewhat difficult to reach. I have recently learned that these screws do not have Phillips recess' but are made in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards(JIS). Knocking a NEW #2 Phillips bit into the JIS recess will allow removal without the bit camming out. I have since replaced these cap screws with Metric Allen head screws which will make subsequent removal much easier. Be aware the the plain bearing shaft holes are not drilled in the exact center of the bearing block. Measure and reassemble with both bearings being in the same orientation to avoid any potential for binding.
Next time I remove the feed rollers I intend to remove and lubricate the speed reduction gearbox.
Its likely that similar Makita Planers have similar feed parts that would benefit from periodic lubrication.
One of the frustrating parts of removing the feed rollers are the cap screws holding the bearing blocks in place. They are hard to see and somewhat difficult to reach. I have recently learned that these screws do not have Phillips recess' but are made in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards(JIS). Knocking a NEW #2 Phillips bit into the JIS recess will allow removal without the bit camming out. I have since replaced these cap screws with Metric Allen head screws which will make subsequent removal much easier. Be aware the the plain bearing shaft holes are not drilled in the exact center of the bearing block. Measure and reassemble with both bearings being in the same orientation to avoid any potential for binding.
Next time I remove the feed rollers I intend to remove and lubricate the speed reduction gearbox.