How to Use a Planer - Setup & Maintenance

[@mikencrew8885]

How do you adjust the planer is one side is higher than the other

[@therookiefisherman5234]

Thanks for the video, do you have a video on adjusting the cutter head with the bed?

[@calebcordell4793]

I am having a problem with the left side of my riding planer us cutting deeper than the right side. It is minimal but noticable. Any way to adjust lt and rt curring depth?? What am I doing wrong. Also a super helpful video. Thanks

[@robpapagpa2605]

You glossed over the the things I need to know. Walk me through approaching the planer with a board. What is repeat a cut? How do you use repeat a cut. How many indicators are on the machine? How are they used? Is there a way to zero the indicator? Should indicator(s) be zero-ed prior to each new board? Sorry to be so ignorant but this is all new to me and I would like to establish a good routine so as to get good results and not hurt my planer. - Thanx , Rob. PS. you have a good voice for teaching. Words are crisp and succinct.

[@Mr_Rick]

Brad....I have a Ridgid lunchbox planer too and no matter what I do even using a sled I've always had some snipe. So I did your technique using the level trick and it worked!!! First pass on 1/1/2"x 1-1/2" x 24" Maple with zero snipe! Took the thickness down to be 1-3/8" and not once suffered snipe. GOOD ON YA!

[@perfectpitchtodd]

Just purchased a Ridgid planer and this video was a great help in setting it up. As a writer however I have to tell you the word "especially" doesn't have an x in it. It's not "expecially". Sorry I had to get that off my chest.

[@JimBennett52]

Thanks!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Appreciate the Super Thanks!

[@michaelfederoff3417]

Excellent video! I have had mine ( Ridgid) for about 12 years and surprisingly have done everything you have described here. I have bought at some point all the major brands and this one is the best one I just love it for real!. Thank you for these videos Brad!

[@FernandoRuz]

So what do you do when you don't get equal side to side planning?

[@CarlosLuisTV]

I just bought a new RIDGID planer yesterday, and didn't know anything about planers... Thanks for the great info!

[@michaelhegwood68]

If your ridgid planer is cutting lower on one side what would you adjust? I see that you checked your board and yours was ok, did I miss something in this video that addressed that?

[@gustavorx.100]

I would also like to know how to make the adjustment you mention.

[@alanmccall4335]

I love your videos man! I have a ridgid planer and am having issues that the rollers aren't feeding at all they wont rotate or anything can you do a video showing how to check the chains or replacing the rollers too?

[@matthewceleste9793]

Thanks for the clear info. Best planer maintenance video on KZbin.

[@kylemarienthal]

Do you have any content showing how to correct the thickness if it were different on each side of your board? I'm referencing the content starting around 03:46

[@wcroach1]

Just bought a RIDGID planer - thanks for the helpful info

[@John_Malecki]

Good tips dude. I feel like a rookie again!

[@gandjboyd7872]

I clicked on your link to home Depot and bought a new Ridgid planer and some yard tools , Hope it helps, now to watch the 6 ways to reduce planer snipe

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Gary!!!

[@cvh627]

thanks for the video it was very helpful, i've been meaning to adjust my planer since i've had it for about a year and was starting to get a little bit of snipe.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Chuck Van Horn probably time to check those blades too!

[@KSFWG]

Hi Brad, thanks for these great videos about planers. I'd like to see a video about different softwoods/hardwoods and how much you should take off at a time. I'd also like to see something about figured woods, like curly hardwoods, or birdseye in hardwoods and planing them. Thanks again for the videos!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+KSFWG great suggestion! I didn't think about softwood vs hardwood.

[@fredastaire6156]

Awesome tips Brad!! Do you know by chance how to adjust the "parallel-ness" of one side vs. the other? I find that mine is cutting with a difference of 0.010" more on the left vs. the right. (I changed the knives; and I think its the actual planer housing that's off)

[@fmort210]

Hey Fred, I have this plainer and I had the same problem, even after swapping blades. I found a solution and it is a bit of a pain, but the manual does not have a procedure past swapping blades. If you take out the hex head bolts opposite the height adjustment handwheel and remove the shroud and top cover, you will expose the 3 rods 2 guides and one elevator rod. Now underneath the machine there is a bolt that holds the elevator rod, and on the rod is a 1/2 (13mm) notch. Use a combination wrench and take note where the its positioned when you put it in the notch, this is your starting point. Loosen the bolt from below the machine and you can adjust the rod. This is where it gets tedious, as the only way to check is to put it back together test a board and if its not parallel, hopefully you remember how much of a turn you used so if you have to readjust you know exactly how much you need to turn the rod this time. You can save some effort if you wait until your done adjusting to put back on the metal top cover, but I would at least put back on the side shroud pieces as they help brace the guide rods.

[@MrDwaynePoff]

Great video for a novice as myself!! Thank you for taking the time and putting a lil 101 together

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Dwayne Poff you're welcome!

[@emoverrette9568]

Great Video. I have my planner for about 15 years and still works great .

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Me too!

[@JohnMadeit]

looking at getting my 1st thickness planer. so this video gave me a good starting point on how to set it up. Thank you

[@timmartin6748]

Just got my Rigid planer yesterday and wondering how to set it up. Your video was spot on and I feel confident on setting it up this week. I'll be looking at your other videos about planers too. Thanks for taking the time. (I'm really thinking of getting those flip top plans too!)

[@trevhaydon5090]

Excellent video Brad. Thank you for taking the time to make it and share it with us all. Take care Buddy all the best from London UK

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Trev!

[@BigLousClubhouse]

Would love for you to include how you would change the entire cutter head unit on your planer. I have the Rikon 13in planer, but it's essentially the exact same as the Rigid one you have and I'm thinking of upgrading to a higher end Spiral Cutter.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+The InterWebs Show I'd love to do that, but the heads are as much as the planer 😩

[@BigLousClubhouse]

Well that just seems like it would be counter productive!!! Are you still going to be in Atlanta at the end of the month for Workbench Con?? If so I hope to see you there and say hi!

[@doubledarefan]

I have a planer just like that. I swapped out the cutterhead with a Shelix head. $400, but I'll be saving more than that in not replacing ror sharpening knives.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Double Dare Fan wow, that's awesome! Did you happen to document it?

[@doubledarefan]

I took pictures of every step of the way, unfortunately, that is as far as I got.

[@rolandpoulin5429]

i have the same planer but cannot find a dust chute anywhere , would you know where i can find one Thanks. i do love your video helps me a lot.

[@tonyhashem1036]

I have the same Ridgid planer. Any chance you have a video on changing the rollers?

[@coryspears5945]

Thanks, Brad! Super helpful. I especially like the tip about "clamping" the straight edge when doing the alignment.

[@krichards8472]

Great info all the way around .can you help. My planer is stuck at 1/4 inch depth and I can't crank it up the crank won't move , any Ideas. The thickness wheel is stuck and won't turn either way

[@6Soriano]

Just used this video to tune up my rigid planer. Thank you sir.

[@foos.998]

About to get my first planer. Thanks for all the great information!

[@code3imagination441]

Great video I never thought of clamping the level down. That would have made it so much easier leveling mine.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Code 3 Imagination yeah, that makes it way better

[@saidchoucair9247]

It's nice to see yours videos. Thank You you very much. Big hug from Brasil Said Choucair

[@shanesmaineshop]

Great tips thanks I never thought to take the time to do all that checking. I do the basics but that's it. I think I will go back and really give it and good looking over thanks for sharing.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

It can make a nice difference!

[@ultimate1933]

I figured put the level right in the middle would've been fine for the infeed and outfeed table. What should I look into when I buy a planer?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I'd run a board through and bring calipers and measure like I did. Make sure the board is fairly even side to side. Anything under .010 is more than adequate. Check the rollers. And just see if it looks and sounds well cared for.

[@bensimpson606]

I have a thicknesser (planer) with a cutter head that isn't aligned with the bed. While you checked this, it would have been good to show how to actually adjust it (to be true to your title)...

[@lukemartin9037]

Great video Brad, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I have tried the level trick but my garage floors are not flat so it take shimming and fidgeting but I think I've finally got it dialled in. In the newer Ridgid planers, I'm finding the height adjustment knob wants to spin around freely even after I lock the carriage. I'm wondering if you can touch on that at all? Maybe not since mine is a newer model than yours. Anyone else please feel free to chime in down here!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Luke Martin bet you can tighten up that slop if you look at the inner workings

[@dougprentice1363]

Let us know if you were able to fix the locking problem. Mine doesn't lock either

[@lukemartin9037]

@@dougprentice1363 the threads on the screw holding the crank handle down were stripped. I ordered new parts through Ridgid and it improved the situation

[@TheTranq]

Hey Brad. What earbuds do you use? Do they block tool noise? Looking to switch from headphones to buds cuz they get too hot

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I use ISOtunes Xtras. And you can get $10 off with code FTBT! bit.ly/2Ru4Es8

[@TheTranq]

@@Fixthisbuildthat cool I'll check them out!

[@Augcliffe]

Exactly the video I needed. Thanks!!

[@rogerperez5070]

Hi Brad, i have watched many, if not all of your videos and i thoroughly enjoy them. I came across your Ridgid Planer video while i was looking for help to fix mine. I have the r4331 and it isn't quite dead yet but it's showing signs of being tired. i have tried repair shop that refuse to take in any Ridgid product and i have been trielessly trying to get the attention of Ridgid, to no avail. I wonder if you can help. Thanks.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

unfortunately I've not had a working relationship with RIDGID since 2017. So don't think I can help. But anything is fixable. Might need a new motor or brushes

[@matthewwright1175]

That's one of the best video titles I've seen.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Matthew Wright almost like I asked the audience 😃😃😃

[@chrismoody1342]

Good video, nice to see someone as obsessed with fine tuning as I am with my shop tools.

[@SeaShanty2016]

Excellent tips - Now I’m off to service my thicknesser….

[@jonathanpopp3529]

Bought the same model used. Noticed the drive belt was loose. Can you suggest how much tension should be on the drive belt? I made it as tight as possible but now the boards come out with raised grain rather then smooth.

[@billybike57]

Great "walk though" in explaining the proper care of a planer, my exact planner matter of fact, thanks!

[@mrb4408]

Best vid I’ve seen to help with set up..👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@richardkerby5311]

How do you adjust the right to left alignment on the cutter head. Thank you for your help

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Not sure, never done it

[@keepitfixit2736]

For the cleaning part with mineral spirits I use a mirror to be able to see underneath to clean

[@SpecificLove7]

Just bought a planer, so thanks for this timely video.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Specific Love Creations hope it helps!

[@SH-rm4gw]

Could you do a video on how to adjust the bed rollers too. I know those cheaper planets don't have bed rollers, but mAny of your viewers are professionals with high quality professional machines , but we're not necessarily mechanics and would appreciate so info on mai tai g quality equipment. Thanks and as always keep these top notch videos coming

[@bobditts]

Great video, Brad. Cant wait for those upcoming videos!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+bobditts thanks!

[@stanhutchins4365]

I use Pam and wipe off really well, works for me

[@danegarcia8265]

Thanks for this videos. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

You're welcome!

[@j.taylor7361]

So should the outside ends of the infeed/outfeed tables be 100% level with the bed? My DeWalt has the tables slope slightly downward towards the cutting head, but a 4' level shows the outside table edges are higher than the bed.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Yeah, that's how mine are. Helps prevent snipe and those beds will flex down at the ends in use

[@DavidBishopinc]

That looks like the pricer rigid of the two that I can find online. Could you elaborate on the differences of these two?

[@user-pn6mv4wy7w]

Great video! I have the same machine and this helped a lot. Thank you!!

[@Twobeers1]

I just took my new planer out on my balcony (that's my workshop) & checked the level of the wings with a ruler and noticed that the ruler caught on one corner. But wonder about the waxing trick, perhaps some of the wax might get onto the wood & cause unexpected results when staining?

[@boxmfg]

SuperNice great video just in time so I can set up my Ridgid planner, I purchased it for Christmas and I still haven't unboxed it been busy doing other things. But I'll be doing that this week. Thanks for sharing #TeamRIDGID

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Have fun with it!

[@JTP1967]

You made an EXCELLENT video. The best part, I didn't have to watch you take it out of the box. I just don't understand why people make UNBOXING videos and call them a review. I guess they just don't think we know how to take them out of the packaging? I believe they make them because that's the only thing they know how to do with the tool: take it out of the box. Anyway, you did an Awesome job! I'm going to have to give a grade of "F"! That's "F" for Fantastic that is. LMAO. Couldn't resist. . . .

[@markdmaker3173]

Thanks, just got a new one👍🏻, my first one.

[@carlf4275]

Bro! Just about a month ago. I bought that exact same planer second hand. The guy was so cool that he let me have the other planer he was using for parts (same model). But I was having trouble with boards having to be force fed in and pulled out. I haven’t used it since then for fear of injury. But I’m totally confident now with getting it back into working condition because of this video. Thanks for making it. Also, did you make the dust collection shroud or is that an aftermarket piece

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Carl F sweet, it's a good planer! This is a factory dust shroud

[@carlf4275]

Nice. I’ll have to search around for a shroud. And keep up the good work. Your videos help out a lot. I appreciate your efforts

[@themoose87]

Did you end up finding that dust shroud? I am looking for one as well

[@troytorgerson3977]

How do you adjust the inside edge of the infeed/outfeed table? Mine is about 1/16 inch too low?

[@carmandr24]

Very informative thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great video

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Danny Russell thanks!

[@21thTek]

Very useful, better than going to a tech school !

[@thereders4238]

Thanks for the video. Great information and I will be looking forward to more planer videos

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

You're welcome!

[@michaelgordon4003]

Can you please tell me how and where to get a dust shroud for the tp13002. Can’t find one anywhere. Thanks in advance

[@rogerrathbun444]

Would a food grade silicone spray work for the tables ?

[@makingthingsmyself]

I don‘t have a planer yet, but this is very interesting nonetheless. Looking forward to the other parts! 👍🏻

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks!

[@lazio7495]

Thanks for the good advice, very helpful! 👍

[@Petertronological]

Great video! I’m looking into getting a rigid planer, your videos helped make my decision! Subscribed!

[@lifeofbrian9695]

Great tutorial. Thanks for the great instruction. Just picked up an older Ridgid planer used so now I know how to ensure that it's working properly. By the way, thanks you for all the great content on the Made for Profit podcast. Enjoying it very much.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Glad you're digging the podcast!

[@lifeofbrian9695]

@@Fixthisbuildthat yeah, so much info to digest. Eventhough I'm just a hobbyist now, I know it will prepare me to start selling some of my work.

[@keepitfixit2736]

@@Fixthisbuildthat o J. Hear no qentrw&42

[@CJPhillips6648]

have you tried the Oneida dust deputy yet? It will keep your shop vac filter clean!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Yup, those are nice!

[@jakoj2098]

How would we adjust indeed with helicoil as there is always blades in the way when locking down onto level

[@dianebartelme2163]

I have a TP13002. The inside edges of the infeed and outfeed are lower by about 1/16" than the center (cutter table). There doesn't appear to be any adjustment for this just an adjustment for the outside edges as you demonstrated. Do you have a way to correct this?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

If you loosen the nut that the table hinges on you might be able to raise the inside edges up then retighten. But not sure if that would work

[@realestatedesignedforsenio1252]

great stuff simple quick thanks

[@frameriteairdrie578]

Based on your thumbnail, I fed my 6ft level through my planer. Now neither seem to be working right.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

😂😂

[@alexguerra1527]

You did the wrong adjustments I did my plainer and its perfect. And I got mine at harbor freight and it works great.

[@MrBluegrassfiddler]

Thank you , Brad, for your setup video. I tried that method with the 4-foot level on my new Bauer brand planer. Didn't work. For a better Ridgid brand planer, perhaps. One might ask why I have a Harbor Freight planer... well, I had the 12-inch planer, which never had any snipe, but that one went bad, so they replaced it with the Bauer ''thing''. Nothing will solve snipe with the Bauer planer. I still have my Ridgid 13 1/2 inch planer but they stopped producing the infeed rollers and that machine is parked.

[@davewills2041]

Good Afternoon, Brad! Thanks for the video instruction and tips. I bought a used Rigid TP13000 last year and used your video to clean and adjust the table and replace the knives. Your video made the process easier, thx! I do have a couple of questions. While my infeed and outfeed rollers are in OK shape, they have some wear. I have searched the Rigid, Ereplacementparts, Partswarehouse and WahudaTools with no success. I realize this planer is years out of production, but it still runs and the mechanisms function well. Do you have any suggestions of places I might be able to find replacement rollers? Thank you! - - Dave

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Good video ! I’m actually leaning towards the planers with A built in jointer so I’m Watching all the related You tube Videos your content, commentary and camera angles are very good sound quality is also good I will like, sub, and , share Whenever I can to help you out with your channel ! I was a commercial woodworker for almost 20 years that suffered a traumatic brain injury forcing A early retirement due to some Physical paralysis from the brain injuries ? My passion for woodworking has not declined although A lifestyle Change has me in between shops at this point But i hope to get back into it as life moves on !

[@pablobarraza3333]

Which planee from ridgid you recomend???

[@tiger9764]

Do you have one of these for table saws?

[@lucienfournier9734]

Hi there, I just purchased a King 13” planer to assist me in building wood projects. I am a little apprehensive in using it. I have read the Manual but i am more of a visual person. Do you have anything for beginners like me?

[@thomascoughlin8026]

I have the same model Ridged planer as you but can't find replacement blades. Do you know a source? Thanks Tom

[@janconnelly5626]

What should be used on on the inside, where the rollers & blades go up & down., the screw looking part. My machine is old & used and dirty! Oil, grease, silicone??

[@billcalvin9234]

I can not get my planner to raise. It seems to be a little rusty on the 4 little shafts were it slides up and down for the thickness of the wood. I've sprayed it and cleaned them. But still can't get it to move. Just wondering what to take off to try and get it to move?

[@reforzar]

Nice vid BR. I think that planer is louder than my 22”. 🤪

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Brian Prusa I'm certain of it. Direct drives are like aircraft engines vs belt driven

[@MickSupper]

How does this weather in 2024? Difficult to find any videos on this planer and was hoping this gave your opinion on it.

[@jacobcarraway4816]

What model is this planer? I am about to buy a used one just like it and was wondering what the retail value was. And if I could get a new head. The one I’m looking at has only one blade

[@tomb_____625]

My problem is, the planer Delta Tp305, the depth feed spins while in use, there is a little vibration. The rollers look brand new but the front roller moves from left to right or vise versa. Should the planer have some sort of lock that I don't see or know how to use

[@sapelesteve]

Nicely done Brad! Very good info & well presented. Thanks for posting this................... :)

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Sapele Steve you're welcome!

[@joser1219]

Hey Brad. Do the boards you plane get pitting? When I pass boards in mine they get pitting no matter if it's pine or walnut? Do you have any tips or suggestions? I've cleaned the rollers and the blades are sharp. The bed is also polished but the problem persists. This is a brand new planer by the way.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Likely due to insufficient dust collection. Pitting is from chips getting compressed by feed rollers

[@joser1219]

@@Fixthisbuildthat maybe so because the vac hose is 1-7/8" connection type for my 5 gallon Craftsman shop vac that's hooked to the Dust Deputy. I'll have to upgrade to a 4" vac hose I guess. Thanks man.

[@roberttaylor4546]

How do you adjust the Sure cut lock

[@harrylogan9778]

Thanks Brad, good information

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Harry Logan you're welcome!

[@rebelwoodworks4384]

My planer has no dust shroud. It literally slings chips straight out of the front of it onto the piece. (Porter-Cable) Any suggestions for a homemade solution?

[@tinacarter8785]

Yankee Rebel Woodworks. Do you ever do tutorials on hand planing?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Yankee Rebel Woodworks I'm betting you could make a little shroud like the plastic one I have. Pause the video and take a look at the box I took off mine to expose the blades. Could be replicated

[@simplytaylor128]

Do you have a prefered blade you use? I have the same planer.

[@oojagapivy]

Thanks for this video. Blade setup looks a bit easier than the big Hafco 15" i have at work. Have you had any experience with the Ryobi planers? They look similar to the Rigid but i haven't seen Rigid here in Australia.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I've not, but the old school Ryobi one from 7-10 years ago always got good comments

[@jplieurance]

Nice. Thank you!

[@BronkBuilt]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+BronkBuilt you got it!