Delta 12 ½ planer problem

[Tony Sade]

I've got a Delta 22-560 12½ portable planer that's seen pretty light use for the few years I've had it-I'm a very part time hobbyist. The last few times I've used it, its been getting harder to raise and lower the head, intermittently. When things seem to be getting harder, either way, I can back off and try again and the head usually will move more freely. Any ideas? Thanks,

[Kent Cori]

Tony,

I have the same planer but have not experienced the problem that you have. Two thoughts come to mind. Are the screw threads clean? If not, the sawdust could be binding the mechanism. Also, are all the bolts, etc. tight. This could tend to push the mechanism out of alignment.

[Joe Tonich]

Tony,

Have you tried waxing the 4 rails that it slides up & down on? I usually do it a couple times a year. Wax them with the head all the way down & then again with it up all the way. Moves a lot smoother. :D

Hope it helps,

Joe

[Rick Burson]

Tony!! Don't be doing that!! I just picked up the Delta 12 1/2" (TP400LS) today. Got it for $215 out the door <--(imbedded, sneaky, hijack gloat :p) Not even out of the box yet - and here you are making my heart skip a beat. ;)

Don't forget to pass on what you did to fix it so I'll know for future reference.

Rick

[scott spencer]

Since you can backoff then proceed, it sounds like something is binding. I agree that a good cleaning and lubricating should help. Removing the side panels will give you easy access.

[Bruce Foley]

I've got a Delta 22-560 12½ portable planer that's seen pretty light use for the few years I've had it-I'm a very part time hobbyist. The last few times I've used it, its been getting harder to raise and lower the head, intermittently. When things seem to be getting harder, either way, I can back off and try again and the head usually will move more freely. Any ideas? Thanks,
Hi Tony:

I have the same planer and have had the same problem. One thing to try is to flip over the machine and take off the plastic chain guard that connects the two sides in lifting. Mine seems to collect sawdust frequently. Clean it out and you should be able to raise/lower much easier. Just my 2 cents.

Bruce Foley

[Byron Trantham]

I had one also. I took off both side panels and chain guard. Grease the chain since it's exposed, clean out the saw dust, clean and lubricate (dry lube here) the four posts and the threaded rod that moves everything. I did this twice in the five or six years I used it.

Rick, don't worry, you got a very good planner. These issues are just normal maintenance. :D

[Tony Sade]

I took the planer apart, blew out the sawdust, cleaned and lubed everything and it works like a charm. Sure appreciate the help. Cheers,