Richard,
It sounds like the previous owner confused the planner block for
a moulder block and messed with the wrong screws.
1st step is to number the cutter bars and the slots as the block
would have been dynamically balanced with them in so it is best not to shuffle them around.
Next mark a datum line across the block with a thin permanent
marker an exact distance behind one of the cutter slots. As thin a line as possible
with a DTI and base check that the out feed table is level with
the block, if its not then you will either need to adjust the tables again,
or the thicknesser table would have to be adjusted, not a job I would like to try on an excellent day let alone a good or average one....
The height adjustment screws were not thread locked in just biblically tight in there threads
(like so many other bits on a BF6) which is compounded by the fine dust that accumulates in the threads.
Sorry fat fingered moment while writing
So at this point it is worth thoroughly stripping and cleaning the cutter bars.
Set the DIT to the top dead centre position on the Block using your reference line draw earlier.
at this point it is notable that having two DTI's on based makes this 10 time quicker
Reassemble one bar with all the screws wound flush with the base of the bar and fit with a knife into the block using the DTI set to Zero against the outfeed table bring the two ends of the knife up level to the table,
Note: You will have to play tunes on the clamping screws versus the height adjusters as you do this.
Note: The DTI should be positioned in line with the Height adjustment screws at either end.
At this point only set the knife height using the outer two height adjustment screws.
Once the knife is level bring it approx. 0.003 to 0.005 above the level of the table, this should carry a test piece of timber 3-5mm 1/8"-3/16"as the knife is moved pasted TDC
Lock the clamping screw at one end and move the DTI to the other.
Adjust the inner clamping screws closest to the DTI downwards until you see a movement on the DTI, back it of until you return to your original reading.
Move the DTI to the other end and repeat the process. you may need to repeat this step twice.
Once you are happy that the Knife is level all the way across with the clamping screws tight slacken of all the clamping screw and re tighten from the middle out and check again and then repeat and check again.
Remove the knife and holder and measure the projection of the height adjustment screws, they should be the same within a few thou, if not check the cutter slot for any wear or damage.
Set the outer height adjustment screws to the same level as your 1st blade holder and install into the block.
Check and adjust the height at each end and adjust, then repeat the process for the inner height adjusters as previously stated.
Keep checking as you go around the block, remove all the cutter bars and refit making sure that any variance is down to a minimum.
Additional helpful hints.
Always tighten the clamping screws from the middle out.
Lock the workshop door,?
Tell anyone that might disturb you that you are either out or going to murder anyone that disturbs you until you are done.
If its not working , walk away and come back tomorrow as today was not your day for this, no body is likely to die if it does not get done today
