Planer adding twist

[Fitzroy]

First up - hello all, long time lurker, first time poster.

I bought a Wadkin 9" BFT planer a few months back and have spent many pleasurable hours taking it apart, replacing bearings, cleaning, adding a phase inverter so it runs off of household electrics, etc etc. It all went back together on the weekend and first shavings were made last night, gosh what a machine, doesn't even blink whilst taking heavy cuts in ash and oak, finished cut is smooth as a baby's proverbial. But...... you knew it was coming.... it seems to be adding twist to the board. On a 700mm long 75mm wide, 35mm thick board there is the tiniest bit of rock on the finished board, i'd estimate less than .25mm at the two high corners.

As far as I can tell I've got the thing set up ok. Ie blades well set, out feed table at correct height, tables flat and co-planner/parallel or whatever the term. However the planer is 1500mm long and my longest straight edge is a 1m dodgy Russian ruler than I have my doubt over the straightness of, or a 800mm spirit level. So my questions are:

1. Is it possible for the planer set up or my technique to be adding twist to a board? I read about how it can maintain twist via too much pressure or add bow via poor table alignment etc, but not found anything on twist!
2. What length of straight-edge would I sensibly need to give myself a fighting chance of getting the set-up bob-on and any recommendations for an item at a reasonable price.

Really I'm looking for someone to say. "Twist, from bad planer set up, absolutely! Now get back in t' shed and set it up right lad!" Then I'll show that to SHMBO and I'll be back in the shed tonight.

Cheers

Fitz

 

[dickm]

Might not be setup. Could be release of stress already in the board, especially if you are only planing one side.

 

[deema]

If the outfeed table is not absolutely parallel with the spindle you can create twist. Equally if the indeed and outfeed tables are twisted in alignment they will also create twist depending on you technique. You need a straight edge that is as long as your combined beds to setup the machine properly and also some form of height gauge (I use a oneway) for checking the outfeed table alignment to the spindle.

 

[Fitzroy]

If the outfeed table is not absolutely parallel with the spindle you can create twist. Equally if the indeed and outfeed tables are twisted in alignment they will also create twist depending on you technique. You need a straight edge that is as long as your combined beds to setup the machine properly and also some form of height gauge (I use a oneway) for checking the outfeed table alignment to the spindle.

You sir are a legend! I think the tables are ok, but will need a longer straight edge to check, but I was wondering about the spindle alignment to the bed as I have changed the bearings. Many thanks for your advice.

F.

 

[blackrodd]

If you have set the planer irons to the lead off, outfeed table, the exact position of the block won't affect the timber at all.
As mentioned, as soon as you start facing and straightening a workpiece ,trying to take an even amount from both sides when finished isn't always easy.
Sometimes its helpfull to "hit and miss" the facing operation somewhat to equalise the stock waste removal
If this discrepency is on timber from the same plank this may explain the same twist behaviour.
Is this fresh stock to you? I suggest you try several pieces sizes and types and see if the "problem" is consistent before
doubting you're machine's overhaul you have just completed.
Regards Rodders

 

[nick winfield]

have a look at the wood whisperer on you tube he dose a video on setting the blades and the table

 

[Fitzroy]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Cutter head was out of alignment with the out-feed table, about 1/10th of a mm on one side. Sorted this out and reset the blades and now everything is bob-on. My god does the thing cut, made lots and lots of shavings on the weekend. Now just need to sort out some chip extraction as the thing makes shavings at such a rate it blocks at times.

Thanks for the advice.

Fitz.