Axminster Trade AT260PT, Original Instructions Manual

General Instructions for 230V Machines

6

Specific Precautions Using Planer Thicknessers

Most machines currently, are well interlocked to ensure that 
the machine must be in the correct configuration to perform 
one task or the other. Make yourself familiar with these 
configurations and do not try to use the machine in a half 
and half state; or rig the interlocks to enable you to do so.

These machines are designed for cutting timber only. They will, 
but are not designed to, cut timber derivatives or composites. 
Glue lines in plywood, block board  etc, will ‘notch’ blades as 
sure as eggs is eggs. The bonding agent in chipboard is likewise 
detrimental to the health of your planer irons. 
 
It is best to leave them alone. If you have to machine 
composites, work out the costs of tungsten, against HSS (plus 
the sharpening costs), and proceed accordingly. On larger 
machines it is common practice to leave a portion of the blade 
(usually the offside 30mm) to be used on ‘aggressive’ materials.

Make sure during overhand planing operations, that the fence 
is set to the required angle, is securely fastened and locked in 
position. Ensure the planer block guarding is in position and 
secured.

• Disengage the autofeed for the thicknesser.
• Ensure both tables are correctly seated and locked down.
• Ensure the dust extraction hood is in place and is not blocked.
• Fit dust extraction.

Overhand planing

Check the sharpness of planer irons, check for ‘nicks’ and ‘
notches’, if there are damaged sections on the blades, try to 
plane in the ‘clear’ areas. Especially when planing material
down to ‘thin’ dimensions, maintain pressure on the ‘front’ of 
the material i.e., that portion of the stuff that has passed over 
the block, but use a push stick or a pusher shoe to clear the end 
of the stuff over the block. 

Thicknessing 

When thicknessing, remove the fence and place the assembly 
onto the fence storage brackets to the rear of planer
thicknesser. Lower the thicknessing table slightly. Unlock and 
swing both tables ‘up and out of the way’,taking care not to foul 
the overhand guard/arm assembly, which will probably swing 
free.  Turn the dust extraction hood up and over the block. 

•  Connect the dust extraction. Ensure the hose will not foul 

any stuff being passed through the machine.

• Check the height of the thicknessing table. 
• Engage the autofeed mechanism.
•  Periodically, clean any excess build up of resin from the 

thicknessing table, and apply any proprietary brand of 
lubricating agent. 
 
NOTE, Consideration should be given to the type of finish you 
will be applying to the surface when you select your cleaning/
lubrication agent.

The following will enable you to observe good working 
practices, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and maintain 
your tools and equipment in good working order. 

WARNING!! KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
OUT OF REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Mains Powered Tools
• Tools are supplied with an attached 16 Amp plug.
•  Inspect the cable and plug to ensuree that neither are 

damaged. Repair if necessary by a suitably qualified person.

• Do not use when or where it is liable to get wet.  

Workplace

•  Do not use 230V a.c. powered tools anywhere 

within a site area that is flooded.

• Keep machine clean.
•  Leave machine unplugged until work is about to commence.
•  Always disconnect by pulling on the plug body and not the 

cable. 

•  Carry out a final check e.g. check the cutting tool 

is securely tightened in the machine and the correct 
speed and function set.

•  Ensure you are comfortable before you start work, 

balanced, not reaching etc.

•  Wear appropriate safety clothing, goggles, gloves, 

masks etc. Wear ear defenders at all times.

•  If you have long hair wear a hair net or helmet to prevent it 

being caught up in the rotating parts of the machine.

•  Consideration should be given to the removal of rings and 

wristwatches.

• Consideration should also be given to non-slip footwear etc.
•  If another person is to use the machine, ensure they are 

suitably qualified to use it.

•  Do not use the machine if you are tired or distracted 
•  Do not use this machine within the designated safety areas 

of flammable liquid stores or in areas where there may be 
volatile gases.

•  Check cutters are correct type and size, are undamaged 

and are kept clean and sharp, this will maintain their  
operating performance and lessen the loading on the 
machine. 

•  OBSERVE….  make sure you know what is happening 

around you and USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.

KEEP WORK AREA AS UNCLUTTERED AS IS 
PRACTICAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD 
CHILDREN BE ALLOWED IN WORK AREAS.