The Dewalt DW735 planer is notorious for its inconsistent planing performance, which manifests as snipe – a disparity in thickness between the front and rear edges of a board. This variance can be anywhere from 0 to 3 inches, dependent on the board’s size and planer calibration.
Interestingly, Bill’s expertise emphasizes the importance of finely tuning the infeed and outfeed tables to mitigate snipe, particularly when working with smaller boards.
What Happens When Dewalt Planer Feed Roller is Broken?
Perhaps the most noticeable issue is that the planer may struggle to draw the wood towards the cutting head, making it challenging to achieve smooth and even cuts. This can result in diminished performance, and potentially even cause damage to the blades or other components.
Furthermore, a broken feed roller can cause the planer to vibrate excessively, which can be a source of noise and annoyance. It can also lead to uneven cuts, with some sections of the wood being cut more deeply than others. This can result in frustration and waste of time, as the user may need to make multiple passes to get the desired outcome.
In some cases, a broken feed roller can even prevent the planer from functioning altogether. If the roller is completely disabled, the user may find that the planer won’t even start to work, leaving them stuck with a pile of wood and a sense of disappointment. Of course, it’s essential to address the issue promptly, as it can have a significant impact on the quality of the work.
To mitigate these problems, it’s crucial to identify and fix the issue as soon as possible. This may involve replacing the broken feed roller itself, or making adjustments to the planer’s settings to compensate for the malfunction. By taking swift and decisive action, woodworkers can restore their planer to its former glory, and get back to making beautiful and functional pieces of furniture.
How to Ensure Proper Dewalt Planer Roller Alignment?
Ensuring proper Dewalt planer roller alignment is crucial for achieving smooth and accurate planing results. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to align your Dewalt planer rollers correctly.
Before you start aligning the rollers, make sure your planer is clean and free of debris. Take a closer look at the rollers and check if they’re worn out or damaged. If you notice any wear or tear, replace the rollers to ensure accurate alignment.
Step 2: Loosen the Rollers
Loosen the rollers by turning the adjustment screws counterclockwise. This will allow you to move the rollers independently. Make sure to keep the tension spring in place to maintain the rollers’ position.
Step 3: Align the Rollers
Now it’s time to align the rollers. Start by positioning one roller at the edge of the planer’s bed, making sure it’s centered and parallel to the bed’s surface. Next, move the second roller to the opposite edge of the planer, mirroring the first roller’s position. Ensure both rollers are aligned with the bed’s surface and parallel to each other.
Step 4: Tighten the Rollers
Once the rollers are aligned, tighten the adjustment screws clockwise to secure the rollers in place. Make sure not to overtighten, as this can cause the rollers to become misaligned.
Step 5: Test the Alignment
To test the alignment, place a sheet of paper or a thin piece of wood on the planer’s bed and run it through the planer. Observe the paper or wood’s movement as it passes through the planer. If the paper or wood moves smoothly and evenly, your rollers are properly aligned. If you notice any wobble or vibration, revisit the alignment process and make adjustments as needed.
What is the Purpose of the Rubber Pad on a Dewalt Planer’s Feed Roller?
The rubber pad, also known as a pressure pad or feed roller pad, is located on the bottom of the feed roller, which is responsible for pushing the wood through the planer’s cutting blades. Its primary function is to provide a cushion between the feed roller and the wood being planed. This cushioning ensures a smooth feeding process, reducing the likelihood of the wood getting jammed or stuck in the planer.
The rubber pad serves another crucial purpose: it maintains even pressure on the wood as it passes through the planer. This uniform pressure is vital for achieving a smooth, even cut. Without the rubber pad, the wood might experience varying levels of pressure, leading to an uneven cut or even damage to the planer’s cutting blades. By distributing pressure evenly, the rubber pad helps to prolong the life of your planer and ensures that your cuts are consistently accurate.
In addition to its technical benefits, the rubber pad also contributes to a quieter and more comfortable woodworking experience. As the wood is fed through the planer, the rubber pad helps to absorb vibrations and reduce noise, making the process less distracting and more enjoyable.
