CHATTER
Definition
Chatter marks are irregularities in the finish
quality of the surface of the wood. They can be
evenly spaced or randomly distributed. Simply
put, they may be described as “hills and valleys”
in the wood surface.
Cause
These marks are caused by either loosely held
stock or by an imbalance in the machine’s
mechanical qualities
Solutions
The most common cause of poor
stock finish quality is a rough running
belt. Replace the belt.
Make sure you are cutting with the
head set at the appropriate height.
Keep your knives sharp. Dull knives
cause intermittent feeding.
Check the pulleys for damage or
imbalance.
Check to see that both knives and all
attaching bolts are of the same
weight.
SNIPE
Definition
Snipe is generally an unwanted undercut in the stock. It occurs in the
first and last few inches of the stock length. It causes a different
height dimension than what was selected for the stock.
Causes
The stock may be cupped, warped or twisted.
The stock experiences a change in down pressure as the out feed
roller engages the stock, and when the stock disengages with the in
feed roller.
The stock may enter or exit the machine on an angle because it is
either being fed from a higher or lower plane than the bed, or it is
exiting to a higher or lower plane.
Solutions
Use a jointer to flatten cupped, warped,
or twisted stock.
Butt stock pieces tight end to end.
Put a slight upward pressure on the
exposed end of the stock during both the
in feed and out feed stroke.
Use slightly longer stock length than
needed and cut the snipe off.
Make sure the head locking handle is
tight.
Your outboard support should be
slightly higher than your bed.
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