Jon Endres
05-05-2020, 3:39 PM
Back in December 2019 I posted about a used JET JWP-15CS planer (708529) I had purchased, and I am just now getting to the point I'm ready to use it. Pretty much abandoned my shop for a few months, now I'm back at it. I rewired the power cord and installed a new 220V receptacle, and fired it up for the first time over the weekend.
Now - some issues. First, when starting it up, the whole thing seems to jump/thump like it's hard starting. I took the belt cover off and the whole inside of the belt cover is coated in belt bits - small black crumbly particles. The belts appear intact but I think a new set of good belts are in order. I haven't tried starting it without the belts connected, to see if it's the belts or the motor causing the thump/jump, but that's next. My jointer and table saw both do kind of a similar thing, just not as distinct, so maybe it's normal.
Second - when running, it sounds normal and seems fine. I grabbed a rough sawn pine 2x4, measured the thickness at 1-7/8" and set the scale at 1-7/8". It refused to feed the board at first, then fed very hard, I actually had to force the board into the machine. It got stuck several times and I had to physically pull it out of the other side of the machine. First thought is that I made too heavy a cut. I backed off the cut depth one full turn of the handwheel, and it wouldn't cut at all, but still fed very hard. So there's something majorly out of adjustment, and I am certain that I need to change the knives. I also don't know if these are resharpenable, I haven't checked. I think they are, so I will send the old set out, as I have a new set. I also need to check the scale, not sure it's accurate.
I am looking for any resources - web sites, books, anything that will help me properly adjust and tune this machine for optimal use. I am used to a lunchbox planer - quite a no-brainer, especially with disposable knives. I have no experience with cleaning, adjusting and tuning a larger "professional" quality machine. Also a source for new knives if anyone has any good reliable vendors. I know Amazon has them but I would prefer a good specialty vendor that deals with blades, bits and cutters.
Now - some issues. First, when starting it up, the whole thing seems to jump/thump like it's hard starting. I took the belt cover off and the whole inside of the belt cover is coated in belt bits - small black crumbly particles. The belts appear intact but I think a new set of good belts are in order. I haven't tried starting it without the belts connected, to see if it's the belts or the motor causing the thump/jump, but that's next. My jointer and table saw both do kind of a similar thing, just not as distinct, so maybe it's normal.
Second - when running, it sounds normal and seems fine. I grabbed a rough sawn pine 2x4, measured the thickness at 1-7/8" and set the scale at 1-7/8". It refused to feed the board at first, then fed very hard, I actually had to force the board into the machine. It got stuck several times and I had to physically pull it out of the other side of the machine. First thought is that I made too heavy a cut. I backed off the cut depth one full turn of the handwheel, and it wouldn't cut at all, but still fed very hard. So there's something majorly out of adjustment, and I am certain that I need to change the knives. I also don't know if these are resharpenable, I haven't checked. I think they are, so I will send the old set out, as I have a new set. I also need to check the scale, not sure it's accurate.
I am looking for any resources - web sites, books, anything that will help me properly adjust and tune this machine for optimal use. I am used to a lunchbox planer - quite a no-brainer, especially with disposable knives. I have no experience with cleaning, adjusting and tuning a larger "professional" quality machine. Also a source for new knives if anyone has any good reliable vendors. I know Amazon has them but I would prefer a good specialty vendor that deals with blades, bits and cutters.