DW733 Planer

[Warren]

Just a heads up for DeWALT DW733 planer owners. Yesterday I noticed snipe . . . a lot of snipe. Turns out that one of two hex screws on the each of the tables had worked loose and fallen out. I replaced the one I found using "locktite" to, hopefully, secure it. The other is probably in the vacuum. The nuts were not listed on the parts diagram or list. We have a DeWALT repair shop and, while they didn't stock the item they were able to ID it and order. Ordered two pair, just in case.

The two remaining hex screws were somewhat loose. Used "locktite" on them also. I'd suggest checking them reqularly. I usually do a nut and screw testing/tightening on tools when I give them a good cleaning. Never gave a thought to those two little buggers though, as I hardly ever raise and lower the in/out feed tables.

[Tundra_Man]

Thanks for the tip; I wouldn't have thought about doing this.

Here's my DW733 maintenance tip:
My planer recently stopped feeding wood. I thought maybe a roller drive gear had broken, but I could look in and see both rollers turning. As it turned out, they had gotten coated with dirt and grime and were no longer sticky enough to pull the wood through.

I tried to clean the rollers by reaching in while the planer was turned off, but the gears prevent the rollers from turning. Instead, I removed the right hand cover and took the blade drive belt off, then rotated the blade so there wasn't a sharp portion extending out where I could come in contact with it.

I then soaked a rag with mineral spirits, turned the planer on and rubbed the rag across both rollers as they spun until they were good as new.

Reassembled everything, and I was back in business. I spent more time diagnosing the problem and figuring out how to fix it than I did actually implementing the fix!

[Warren]

I wish there was a way to attatch brushes inside to help keep the rollers clean. Something like a bandsaw setup for the tires. Dirty rollers and chips tend to make dimples in the wood. Anything I can do to reduce sanding , I do. God! How I hate sanding. It's so tedious.

I've never tried the mineral spirit idea. But, I quess I'll do that once a month when I take the covers off to tighten and clean.

Thanks!

[Bruce Cohen]

Warren,

Whatever you do, DO NOT, repeat DO NOT use any petroleum based solvent to ever clean rubber, it will erode it. Instead, use soapy water or alcohol, its safe for rubber. Additionally, no Silicone ether. You do that and you will never be able to finish your stock. DAMHIK.

Bruce