Powermatic PM15, Operating Instructions And Parts Manual

Page: 22 / 40

22
Multiple Custom Knife Use
Many operators who have continuous short runs
of several different patterns save set-up time by
installing more than one set of knives in the
cutterhead at the same time. You can change
from one pattern to another simply by changing
the guides. This is a great time saver since it
eliminates removing and installing another set of
knives for a short-run.
At the same time, the cutterhead is producing
usable molding from what would otherwise be
waste stock. If the width of the pattern being
produced is 4-1/2” and the stock is a full 5-1/2”
wide, you would have a strip of waste stock.
This stock can be molded in a separate run or at
the same time that the original pattern is being
run, simply by butting another set of knives
against the original pattern knives. This
produces two different patterns simultaneously.
When the stock is presized and you wish to run
multiple patterns, it is recommended that the
knives be staggered by placing only one knife
per slot, as shown in Figure 40. This helps
reduce load, vibration, and noise.
Maintenance
Build-up of sawdust and other debris can cause
your machine to plane and mold inaccurately.
Periodic cleaning and waxing is not only
recommended, but necessary for accurate work.
Always disconnect machine
from power source before performing
maintenance.
1. Close fitting parts, such as gibs and the
planer cutterhead slots should be wiped with
a cloth and non-flammable solvent and
freed from clinging foreign matter and then
replaced in respective position, slightly
dampened with oil. Do not soak these parts
in oil.
2. Occasional use of paste wax on the bed will
prevent rust and reduce friction to ease
feeding.
NOTE: Using too much paste wax will allow
the wax to rub off onto the planed wood and
contaminate the wood surface affecting
subsequent finishing.
3. Remove resin and other accumulations from
feed rollers and bed with a non-flammable
solvent
4. Periodically check all the chains for proper
tension and adjust accordingly if required.
Figure 40