Shopsmith Pro Planer

[qtndas01]

I planed a hundred board foot of white oak this weekend and had something happen that I never had happen before. I planed from 1 1/4" to 13/16" or 3/4". When going back to plane after shutting off the planer, taking a break, and emptying the dust collector I could not start the planer again. I always wear gloves when planing and when shutting off the planer I must have bumped the lock switch on the speed control and the key fell out. I have had my planer for a long time and never had that happen before. When I place my next order from SS I will order a spare. I searched and did find the missing key but it could have bounced anywhere. The boards were 12' long and between 9 and 12 inches wide. Oh my aching back!!

[fjimp]

Gtndas01,

The key thing can be a real eye opener thanks for the warning. I am really curious to hear how well the Proplaner worked. Do you have any positive or questionable observations to make?

Thanks Jim

[qtndas01]

I checked again and you can remove the key with the planer running so it is possible to vibrate to the lock position and fall out. However that happening is doubtful since you have to push in on the key to turn to the unlock position and it seems to lock in a groove. I have planed plenty of woods including hard maple, white & red oak, purpleheart, paduck, and wenge and it works fine. I have always had the blades resharpened professionally but plan on using the conical sander in the future and sharpening myself. Speaking of blades, don't use them under 3/4" in height. I purchased it used about 15 years ago and have ugraded it and have been very happy with it. The only minor fault I can find is the cutting head remains stationery and the table moves. That means you have to adjust a roller stand more often if planing longer boards.

[brown_hawk]

I got 2 extra for the planer and two extra for the power station. Total of 3 each. Never needed them, but nice to have as a backup in case.

Never hurts to have extras of things like the keys, allan screws, etc.

And qtndas01 is correct. The adjustment of the rollers is the biggest negative. But not something you will run into too often.

Hawk