Never look into the machine (infeed or outfeed end) when it’s running.

Keep your hands away from the machine when it is running, especially the space between the bed and cutterhead.

If a board gets stuck in the planer, don’t push it. Turn off the machine, lower the bed (or raise the cutterhead), and remove the stock.

Always check the depth of cut gauge by inserting your work just under the cutter head. 1/32″ is the maximum depth of cut with mesquite, that’s 1/4 of a turn of the wheel.

Raise the cutter head so the board passes freely under the head. Gradually lower the head just until the board catches and no longer passes freely. Lower the cutter head by turning the wheel 1/4″ turn or less. Check the depth gauge to ensure that you are taking 1/32″ or less.

It is prohibited to feed a long board through the planer as it is impossible to keep a long board from tipping up or down. The stock WILL get stuck in the machine or cause damage to the machine. Your workpiece may also be ruined.

It must remain at the “1” setting at all times. NOTE: damage to the machine will occur if you try and change the speed of the feed while the planer is not running.

When you are at your finished thickness, leave the cutter head where it is and make a two or 3 more passes. You will be rewarded with a fine finish that often needs no sanding.