The video “Thickness Planer Tune Up and Maintenance” is by Jonathan Katz-Moses. In this informative session, Jonathan dives into the essential techniques for maintaining your thickness planer, ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently.

Getting Started with Your Planer
Jonathan begins by explaining that while this planer has two extra screws compared to a lunchbox planer, the maintenance steps are essentially the same. If you find your boards coming out at an angle, he suggests tracking your second-to-last pass and flipping the board 180 degrees without adjusting the height. This technique can resolve the issue without causing further complications.
To perform the tune-up, you’ll need:
- Drying lubricant
- Paste wax
- Simple Green cleaner for removing wood sap or pitch
Cleaning Your Planer
The first step is cleaning. Always remember to unplug your tool before you start. Jonathan emphasizes being cautious around the sharp planer blades. He recommends blowing off all the dust and debris, as planers often trap chips inside.
Next, use Simple Green to clean the bed and the feed rollers. If the feed rollers aren’t moving while the planer is engaged, a quick trick is to plug the planer in and flip it on and off briefly to rotate the rollers for cleaning.
Lubrication is Key
Once everything is clean, it’s time to lubricate the posts, avoiding any lubricant on the rubber parts. Jonathan suggests using a rag to apply the lubricant carefully. The bearings that run the cutter head are typically packed and don’t require additional lubrication.
After lubricating, apply paste wax to the bed and let it dry for a buffing later. This helps with smooth operation and longevity of your tool.
Interior Maintenance: The Cutter Head
Now, let’s move on to interior maintenance, which involves the cutter head and blades. Jonathan shows how to access the blades, emphasizing that most three-knife cutter heads will have a cover with screws. One common issue is nicks in the blades that can leave grooves on your workpiece.
Instead of sharpening, he recommends flipping the blades if only one edge is good. By adjusting the index pins, you can misalign the nicks to avoid affecting your boards.
Cleaning and Adjusting the Cutter Head
After removing the blade, it’s crucial to clean the surface of the cutter head to prevent performance issues. Jonathan reminds us that the chains within the cutter head are generally packed with grease and don’t need lubrication.
If you have a segmented cutter head, now is a good time to rotate your blades. Jonathan advises marking the used sides to keep track of their condition.
Adjusting the Outfeed Tables
Next up is adjusting the outfeed tables. Jonathan suggests using the longest straight edge available, like a framing level. Depending on your planer model, the adjustment method may vary. Jonathan’s model has four screws for alignment.
When adjusting, check one side, then the other, and finally check across to ensure everything is level. This will help reduce snipe issues.
Final Checks and Routine Maintenance
Before wrapping up, Jonathan mentions checking the drivetrain for any visible issues. It’s a closed system, so dirt shouldn’t be a concern, but a visual inspection is always a good practice.
Overall, Jonathan encourages dedicating just 30 minutes a week to tool maintenance, which can make a significant difference in performance. He emphasizes that a well-maintained planer not only operates better but also provides smoother results.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can keep your thickness planer in top shape, preventing snipe and ensuring a smooth finish on your boards. Jonathan’s advice is clear: take a little time each week for maintenance, and you’ll be glad you did!