ryobi ap1301 - handle turns while planing?

[dkerfoot]

I have had this planer for about two years, but it sees infrequent use.

The entire time, I have had a problem with the depth adjustment handle turning clockwise during operation. My solution so far has been to flip the handle so that the knob contacts the frame. This prevents it from turning, but limits the depth to 1/2 turn increments.

Is this normal? I don't see any means of tightening anything in order to prevent this.

Thanks!

[LCHIEN]

that's a good reason for cutterhead locks, I guess your machine doen't have one?

[sweensdv]

Isn't a 1/2 turn of the handle equal to about a 1/32" of depth cut? Seem like that would be about the maximum you would want to hog off at one time with that Planer anyways.

[dbhost]

Can you post a video of what you are talking about. I am having trouble picturing it.

[LCHIEN]

Can you post a video of what you are talking about. I am having trouble picturing it.

Dave, it sounds like under vibration and pressure the handle turns and (probably) opens up a bit - not good.

if he flips the handle over so the handle points down it won't continue to spin more than 1/2 a turn because it hits the body of the planer and that stops it.

[cabinetman]

Maybe a little thread restraint, like teflon tape would stop movement.

.

[dkerfoot]

Dave, it sounds like under vibration and pressure the handle turns and (probably) opens up a bit - not good.

if he flips the handle over so the handle points down it won't continue to spin more than 1/2 a turn because it hits the body of the planer and that stops it.

Loring is correct as usual...

The problem isn't that I want to take off more than 1/32 in a pass. The problem is that I can't take less than that for final passes.

It has what they call a cutter head lock, but it is for preventing the cutter head from turning when the blades are being replaced.

[greenacres2]

The Delta 12" i had did the same thing. Once i enlisted the aid of a lovely assistant to hold it in place, but she got bored pretty quickly!! That was the only thing i tried that worked, but it was an NFL (Not For Long) solution. The Dewalt 733 with its head lock was flawless, and the 735 is very stable as well.