Shopsmith Forums

Picked up a planer from clist and working on getting it cleaned up. This is my first experience with the SS planer.

From what I can tell, the infeed/outfeed table rides up and down on four threaded rods at the corners of the machine which are driven by a chain. The table in my planer will move up easily, but seems to hit a stop on the way down at just about 2” thickness. I can’t find a lock for the tables that would be limiting its movement, but I’ve missed things before. I hit all four corners and threaded rods/nuts with oil. I just can’t get it to move down any farther.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Have never had that problem, but here's a page from the Owner's Manual Troubleshooting Guide that may help.

That's helpful, but raises a couple more questions. I will search the forums for synchronizing and chain tension.

If it moves 'normally' within that 2" range, I would suspect something binding(crud) one(or more) of the threaded post(s) at 2". Look for that before messing with the chain. Clean out the post threads well.

Now to answer your question. There is a fifth sprocket on an adjustable bracket that allows tension adjustment. As for synchronization, the chain tension must be released so that each of the four sprockets(threaded posts) can be moved independently. Not a task for the timid. The posts are adjusted so the top of the table is the same distance from the tie rod at all four corners. A suitable gauge is required. Bill Mayo recommended a valve from a gasoline engine(wide base, flat topped stem). Anything will do if effective and consistent.

The goal is to be within a tooth of absolute synchronization at each post. Ohhh it is sooo smoooth when correct!!!!

JPG wrote:If it moves 'normally' within that 2" range, I would suspect something binding(crud) one(or more) of the threaded post(s) at 2". Look for that before messing with the chain. Clean out the post threads well.

Now to answer your question. There is a fifth sprocket on an adjustable bracket that allows tension adjustment. As for synchronization, the chain tension must be released so that each of the four sprockets(threaded posts) can be moved independently. Not a task for the timid. The posts are adjusted so the top of the table is the same distance from the tie rod at all four corners. A suitable gauge is required. Bill Mayo recommended a valve from a gasoline engine(wide base, flat topped stem). Anything will do if effective and consistent.

The goal is to be within a tooth of absolute synchronization at each post. Ohhh it is sooo smoooth when correct!!!!

All good information BUT which question are you answering?

dusty wrote:

JPG wrote:If it moves 'normally' within that 2" range, I would suspect something binding(crud) one(or more) of the threaded post(s) at 2". Look for that before messing with the chain. Clean out the post threads well.

Now to answer your question. There is a fifth sprocket on an adjustable bracket that allows tension adjustment. As for synchronization, the chain tension must be released so that each of the four sprockets(threaded posts) can be moved independently. Not a task for the timid. The posts are adjusted so the top of the table is the same distance from the tie rod at all four corners. A suitable gauge is required. Bill Mayo recommended a valve from a gasoline engine(wide base, flat topped stem). Anything will do if effective and consistent.

The goal is to be within a tooth of absolute synchronization at each post. Ohhh it is sooo smoooth when correct!!!!

All good information BUT which question are you answering?

BOTH - synchronization AND tension.

Also additional suggestion re cause of problem.

No step by step, just direction.

I found an old Nick Engler video on YouTube for cleaning the posts with a file card. Easy enough. I will give that a try and hope for the best.

Thanks for the direction on tension and syncing!

If you don't have a Owner's Manual, one is available from Shopsmith. It details the procedure for chain tensioning and synchronizing the posts.

As an alternative, a Pro Planer version of an Owners Manual is available for download on vintagemachinery.org. Even if yours is not a Pro Planer or a stand mounted Mark V Mounted version, these procedures are the same.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=15239

Shopsmith also offers some illustrated tips and service tips under the Woodworking Resources tab that cover some of what is in the Owners Manual.