Operating instructions

ADJUSTING THE MAXIMUM CUTTING DEPTH
This feature is useful for shapers who use a fixed depth cut and shapers who do not want to
make deep cuts.
Included with the parts that come with the planer is a ring type spacer. This spacer can be
placed on the cylinder attached to the front base plate. This will limit the maximum cutting
depth of the planer. To adjust the maximum cutting depth, carefully file or grind down the
ring.
INDEXING THE BASE PLATES AND START OF CUT
This is an important adjustment. Some shapers want the blade to clear the foam by a wide
margin while they are moving the planer backward. These shapers will require the depth
adjustment indicator to move some distance from the far-left position before the blade starts
cutting. Other shapers use the far-left position of the depth adjustment indicator as a refer-
ence point so they want the planer to begin cutting just as the indicator is moved off the far-
left position.
This setting is made using shim washers between the top of the depth adjustment screw and
the bottom of the main housing. Each planer has its own set of shims as the molded plastic
housings vary in thickness and position.
For shaping surfboards the front base plate appears to work better for the majority of shapers
if it is indexed exactly to the rear base plate. This means the blade will start cutting just as the
depth adjustment indicator starts turning. This is the factory setting.
Individual shapers may prefer different settings. Shim washers are available from Clark Foam
for changing this adjustment.
FRONT END ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
The following diagram demonstrates the proper order of assembly for the planer parts.