Well, I have been running some 2x4 just to get her moving, and get any last oil and cosmoline before I start my next project, which will be a vanity for the kids bathroom.
Let me say that with a Rotocator, setup was pretty straight forward. I had a dial indicator and base, but I feel the Rotocator made it a bit easier.
Also, let me say that I changed the oil on many different pieces of machinery in my time (quads, bikes, cars, lawn mowers, you name it) – getting 90w gear oil into that fill spot with a ¼” hose – well those of you that have done it know what I mean…..
Anyways, I got it setup and planning…..I have to say that I am pretty amazed at the sound level, pretty quiet compared to the lunchbox planers, I also like the finish, but I still have to mess with the setting, I am getting some roller marks on both sides of the material and some snipe.
On the side that was flattened on the jointer, I am getting marks every 3 ½”.
On the top side on a light cut I am getting outfeed roller marks.
Snipe – well I know where to start with this, I am going to bump the rear of the infeed/outfeed tables up a bit.
I setup all the heights according to the manual, but I think I may need to back off a bit.
Couple questions…..
The weight of the table height change handle causes the handle to swing down if I am at the top of the handle, any suggestions here? Make sure I end up at the bottom each time?
When changing table height, I expected a bit smoother action, maybe it’s just me, but I find that I am hearing some clunking noises on table height changes.
The FPM gear change is pretty rough, is this normal?
While cutting, towards the end of the cut, I get a clunk. Is this the wood passing through the infeed roller possibly? My tension is at the 1/8” shown in the planer setup video, and my infeed roller is at .010”. I am thinking of lightening that up a bit.
Any other setup advise is appreciated…..
THX