Originally Posted by
Alan Lightstone
That's interesting, Kevin. There may be something to being able to rotate the one or two rods while the chain keeps the sprocket in the same location on the chain (I know I didn't describe this right).
The problem now is that the steel plate that must, I guess, hold the roller assembly that moves the wood is no longer level to the machine and cutter heads. By small amounts, but certainly noticeable. I really don't know how this looks much on the inside. Much is hidden from view.
The motor I changed/installed rotates the chain which goes around 4 acme screws - one on each post. This is used to raise/lower the table to adjust height with a digital control and readout. Now if all four sprockets are on the same level in relation to the roller assembly, the unit will cut a consistent thickness. But if one or two are slightly higher or lower on the acme screws, the wood must feed in a little crooked with some areas being planed thicker than others.
I hope that explains it better.