In this video, we'll guide you through the process of installing blades on a portable planer using the Mini Planer Pal Knife Setting Jig, emphasizing key safety practices and proper installation techniques.

We've also included the step-by-step instructions below if you'd like to follow along.

Important Safety Precautions:

1. Disconnect Power: Always start by unplugging the machine from the power source.
2. Read Instructions: It is recommended that you watch this entire video and read the written instructions that came with your planer thoroughly before beginning this job.
3. Follow Shop Safety Procedures: Most importantly, follow all shop safety procedures.
4. Handle Blades Carefully: Be very careful as the planer knives can still be very sharp and can easily cut you.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparation:

1. Unplug the machine from the power source.
2. Lower the cutter head nearly as far as it will go to provide adequate room to work.
3. Remove the chip deflector or dust hood from your planer. This will expose the cutter head.

2. Removing the Old Blades:

1. Loosen each Gib bolt by turning them clockwise (the opposite way you would normally turn them to loosen).
2. Turn each Gib bolt several turns.
3. Carefully lift the blade and Gib out of the slot.
4. Remove the springs from the blade slot.
5. Turn the cutter head and repeat the process until all blades have been removed.

3. Cleaning the Cutter Head:

1. Using a small brush and compressed air, clean any chips, dust, and built-up pitch out of the blade slots on the cutter head.
2. Clean off the Gibs as well.

4. Installing the New Blades:

1. Install the springs back in the pockets of one blade slot.
2. Place the Gib back in the cutter head slot.
3. Being very careful, place the new blade in the slot with the beveled surface facing toward the cutter head and away from the Gib.

5. Using the Mini Planer Pals:

1. Place the magnetic Planer Pals over the top of the knife.
2. Ensure the outside magnets span the width of the slot.
3. Make sure the center magnet is pushing on the top of the knife edge.
4. Position the small pin protruding next to the center magnet against the cutter head above the Gib. This helps keep the center magnet over the blade.
5. Be sure the Planer Pals are seated squarely on the cutter head and do not rock, otherwise, accuracy will be compromised. The powerful magnets will hold the knife in place.

6. Tightening the Gib Bolts:

1. Start to tighten the Gib bolts, beginning in the center and moving out in both directions.
2. Lightly snug each bolt a little at a time.
3. Only snug the bolts until you have all the blades installed in the cutter head. This helps prevent distorting the shape of the cutter head.
4. Once all blades are in place, go back and finally tighten all the Gib bolts.

7. Final Steps:

1. Reinstall the chip deflector or dust hood.

You are now ready to use your portable planer with the newly installed blades.

We trust you will find this video to be beneficial. Please feel free to reach out to us HERE if you have any questions on how to install blades on your planer.