28
Troubleshooting Operating Problems
Trouble Probable Cause Remedy
Finished stock is
concave on back
end.
Knife is higher than outfeed table.
Raise outfeed table until it aligns with
tip of knife. See Outfeed Table
Adjustment (page 18).
Finished stock is
concave on front end.
Outfeed table is higher than knife.
Lower outfeed table until it aligns with
tip of knife. See Outfeed Table
Adjustment (page 18).
Cutting against the grain. Cut with the grain whenever possible.
Dull knives or knife inserts.
Sharpen or replace knives.
Rotate or replace knife inserts.
Feeding workpiece too fast. Use slower rate of feed.
Cutting too deeply. Make shallower cuts.
Chip out.
Knots, imperfections in wood.
Inspect wood closely for imperfections;
use different stock if necessary.
Wood has high moisture content.
Allow wood to dry or use different
stock.
Fuzzy grain.
Dull knives or knife inserts.
Sharpen or replace knives.
Rotate or replace knife inserts.
Cutterhead slows
while operating.
Feeding workpiece too quickly, or
applying too much pressure to
workpiece.
Feed more slowly, or apply less
pressure to workpiece.
Knives incorrectly set.
Set knives properly as described in the
Setting Cutterhead Knives section.
Check that knife slots are clean and
free of dust or debris.
“Chatter” marks on
workpiece.
Feeding workpiece too fast.
Feed workpiece slowly and
consistently.
Uneven knife marks
on workpiece.
Knives are nicked, or out of
alignment.
Align knives per the Setting Cutterhead
Knives section. Replace nicked knives
or correct for small nicks – see Setting
Knives for Rabbeting and Nicks on
page 20.