CRAFTSMAN POWER PLANE

Introduction

The Craftsman Power Plane is designed for planing operations that cannot be conveniently or efficiently performed with a larger power plane. It is compact, lightweight, and can be easily operated with one hand. It simplifies planing, sizing, or beveling doors, windows, shutters, drawer slides, and other work.

As a powerful, high-speed tool, the Power Plane requires accurate set-up and handling. Practice on scrap lumber is suggested before working on finished stock.

Guarantee

During the first year, Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Simpsons-Sears Ltd. will repair your Craftsman Portable Electric Tool free of charge if defective in material or workmanship. This service is available by returning the tool to any Sears store throughout the United States or Canada.

Rules for Safe Operation

1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL - Read the owner's manual carefully. Understand its applications, limitations, and specific potential hazards.
2. GROUND ALL TOOLS UNLESS DOUBLE-INSULATED. If the tool has a three-prong plug, it must be plugged into a three-hole electrical receptacle. If an adapter is used for a two-prong receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground (usually the screw securing the receptacle cover plate). Never remove the third prong.
3. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
5. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Do not use the power tool in damp or wet locations. Keep the work area well lit.
6. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept a safe distance from the work area.
7. STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry, high, or locked-up place, out of reach of children.
8. DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will perform better and safer at its designed rate.
9. USE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force a small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy-duty tool.
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
11. USE SAFETY GLASSES with most tools. Use a face or dust mask if cutting operations are dusty.
12. DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry the tool by its cord or yank it to disconnect from the receptacle. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
13. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work. This is safer than using your hand and frees both hands to operate the tool.
14. DON'T OVERREACH. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times.
15. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
16. DISCONNECT TOOLS. Disconnect when not in use, before servicing, or when changing attachments, blades, bits, cutters, etc.
17. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Make it a habit to check that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool before turning it on.
18. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Do not carry a plugged-in tool with a finger on the switch.

Copyright, 1969, by Power Tool Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Customer Instructions

1. DO read thoroughly INTRODUCTION and OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS before using your POWER PLANE.
2. DO be sure the switch is in "OFF" position before connecting the tool to the power supply.
3. DO disconnect the power cord when cleaning or doing maintenance on the tool.
4. DO be sure the voltage of the power supply agrees with the nameplate marking on the unit.
5. DO use the correct size extension cord as recommended.
6. DO replace both brushes when either is worn to about 1/4 inch in length.
7. DO use only specified replacement parts.
8. DO disconnect from the power source and store in a clean, dry place.
9. DO sharpen the cutter frequently.
10. DO be sure lumber is free of nails, corrugated fasteners, etc.
11. DO allow the Power Plane to reach full speed before beginning a cut.
12. DO hold the Power Plane firmly when cutting.

Caution

READ CAUTION LABEL ON TOP OF TOOL

1. DON'T use your POWER PLANE before reading thoroughly INTRODUCTION and OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.
2. DON'T leave the Power Plane unattended before disconnecting from the power source.
3. DON'T force the tool; allow the Power Plane to cut as it was designed.
4. DON'T allow children to operate the Power Plane.
5. DON'T carry the unit by its power cord.
6. DON'T plug or cover air vents to keep dust from flying. Vents must be kept open to keep the motor cool.
7. DON'T operate the Power Plane carelessly or allow fingers to get too close to the revolving cutter.
8. DON'T use a dull or chipped cutter – this will overload the motor and produce inferior work.
9. DON'T plane painted or varnished wood. Remove finish by sanding or other means. Paint is highly abrasive and will quickly dull the cutter.

Use on Fiberglass Materials

When electric tools are used on fiberglass boats, sports cars, etc., they are subject to accelerated wear and possible premature failure, as fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, and commutators. Consequently, this tool is not recommended for continuous production work on any fiberglass material. During any use on fiberglass, it is extremely important that the tool is cleaned frequently by blowing with an air jet.

Electrical Safety and Repairs

This product, or any electrical product, requires extreme care when service repairs are made. A dangerous electrical hazard can be created by tampering with the electrical or insulating systems or in the replacement or substitution of repair parts. Repairs should be made only by a qualified technician. If service is required, return the tool to your nearest Sears store for approved service with original factory replacement parts.

Disassembly of this tool can result in a dangerous electrical hazard if any leads (wires) are pinched against metal surfaces or if the grounding connection is not secure when the tool is reassembled.

Grounding

This tool is equipped with an Underwriters Laboratories approved 3-prong plug for safety. If your outlet is a grounded 3-cavity type, your tool will be grounded automatically.

Since many receptacle boxes in present construction will not have 3-cavity receptacles, an adapter is packed with this tool. Make sure the grounding lead is firmly attached to a grounded receptacle box as shown above, before attempting to operate the tool. Extension cords should also be 3-wire.

(Not used in Canada)

Extension Cords

The use of any extension cord will cause some loss of power. To keep this to a minimum and to prevent overheating and motor burn-out, use the table below to determine the MINIMUM wire size (A.W.G.) Extension Cord.

Operating Instructions

General Cutting

No adjustments are necessary when making general cuts. Your plane is equipped with a cutter, and its alignment with the base is factory set and should NOT be changed until a new or resharpened cutter is installed.

When making a cut, hold the plane firmly, keeping the fence in contact with the edge of the work. As the end of the planed cut is reached, apply downward pressure toward the rear of the handle, keeping the rear section of the base in contact with the work. This prevents the front of the plane from dipping downward and causing a gouge in the cut.

Be careful not to hit nails or knots during planing. This might nick, crack, or damage the cutter. It is wise to keep a supply of sharp cutters on hand. Replace a dull cutter with a properly sharpened one. Never subject cutter tips to shock loads; they may crack or shatter. Keep sap, wood dust, and chips cleaned off the cutter by removing the cutter and wiping it clean.

To Install Cutter

1. IMPORTANT - BE SURE POWER CORD IS DISCONNECTED FROM POWER SUPPLY.
2. Raise the cutter guard and insert a nail in the hole, as shown in the diagram, to hold the guard in the "up" position.
3. Insert the cutter shaft wrench on the flats of the cutter shaft.
4. Slip the cutter on the shaft, making certain that the counterbored end of the cutter is up as shown in the diagram.
5. Place the cutter washer on the cutter screw and insert the assembly into the counterbore of the cutter.
6. Tighten the cutter screw securely with the furnished hexagon wrench. The cutter screw has left-handed threads and must be turned counterclockwise to tighten.
7. Remove wrenches and the nail before starting the Power Plane.

Base Alignment

The base alignment must not be used as a depth of cut adjustment. The depth of cut is not adjustable; it is permanently built into the base. Only when a new or resharpened cutter is installed is it necessary to adjust base alignment from the original factory setting. To properly align the base after a new or resharpened cutter is installed, use the following procedure:

1. IMPORTANT - BE SURE POWER CORD IS DISCONNECTED FROM POWER SUPPLY.
2. With the furnished hexagon wrench, loosen the base locking screw about one (1) turn (See Figure 3).
3. With a screwdriver, loosen the side locking screw about one (1) turn (See Figure 3).
4. Lay a straight edge (6" or longer) on the rear section of the base so it projects over the cutter as shown in Figure 4.
5. Turn the cutter one complete revolution and note whether the tips of the cutting edges touch the straight edge.
6. If, when the cutter is turned, the tips of the cutting edges raise the straight edge from the surface of the base (See Figure 5), move the base away from the cutter using the base stop screw (See Figure 4). Recheck to see if the tips of the cutter still raise the straight edge. Readjust, if necessary, until the tips of the cutting edges, while resting on the rear section of the base, just touch the straight edge (See Figure 5). When alignment is satisfactory, tighten the base locking screw and side locking screw securely. Always apply pressure to the base, maintaining contact with the base stop screw.
7. If, when the cutter is turned, the tips of the cutting edges are below the straight edge, loosen the base stop screw to move the base toward the cutter. Recheck, and if necessary, adjust the base stop screw until the tips of the cutting edges just touch the straight edge as the cutter is turned. The base is properly aligned when the cutting edges of the cutter are in line with the rear section of the base as shown in Figure 5. When alignment is satisfactory, tighten the base locking screw and side locking screw securely.

Rate of Feed

Do not overload the motor of your plane by "forced feeding." Clean, smooth planing can only be done when the cutter is revolving at a relatively high speed and is taking very small bites to produce tiny, cleanly severed chips. Advance the plane very slowly when starting a cut.

The right feed is neither "forced" nor too slow. It is the rate at which the cutter advances firmly and surely (without hesitation or noticeable laboring) through the work. Always let the plane get up to full speed before starting a cut.

Fences

To install a fence, position the fence on the plane base so its projections fit into the square holes in the base as shown in Figure 7. Insert the thumbscrew through the hole in the fence and screw it securely into the threaded hole in the plane base.

Your Craftsman Power Plane is provided with two fences. One fence is marked "Door". This fence, when used on the Plane, will automatically provide a 5° relief on the edge of a door (See Figure 8). The other fence, which is unmarked, has no relief and will provide a straight or square cut.

Special Cutting

Special cuts such as rabbets, steps, and bevels can be made by fastening wood blocks to the fence. You can make your own wood blocks to guide the plane for such cuts. The wood blocks are attached to the fence by two small wood screws inserted through the holes provided in the fence as shown in Figure 9.

Adjusting Cutter for Rabbet Cuts

When making a rabbet cut, the outer (counterbored) end of the cutter must be flush with or extend slightly beyond the outer edge of the base. Cutter spacers, Key No. 36, (See parts list, page 9), are used to position the cutter so its outer end is flush or extends slightly beyond the base.

See the section on removal of the cutter. Remove the cutter from the cutter shaft and slip on the number of spacers required to position the cutter flush or slightly beyond the edge of the base (See Figure 10).

When making a rabbet cut, the cutter guard should be held in the raised position with a nail as shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 illustrates a rabbet cut.

The fence should always be used when making rabbet cuts with or without a wood block, as required.

Cleaning of Plane

After finishing each job, remove any accumulation of dust and wood chips from the plane. The motor air vent should always be kept clean and open. The chip chute should be kept clean and free of debris.

Maintenance

To Remove Cutter

1. IMPORTANT - BE SURE POWER CORD IS DISCONNECTED FROM POWER SUPPLY.
2. Raise the cutter guard and insert a nail in the hole as shown in Figure 1 to hold the guard in the "up" position.
3. Insert the cutter shaft wrench on the flats of the cutter shaft.
4. Loosen the cutter screw with the hexagon wrench furnished. The cutter screw has left-hand threads and must be turned clockwise to loosen.
5. Slip the cutter off the cutter shaft. Retain the cutter washer with the cutter screw.

To Replace Pulley Belts

Should the belt become worn or damaged, it can be easily replaced as follows:

1. IMPORTANT - BE SURE POWER CORD IS DISCONNECTED FROM POWER SUPPLY.
2. Remove the screw and belt guard as shown in Figure 13.
3. Force the old belt off with a screwdriver, taking care not to damage the pulleys.
4. Install the new belt by lining up the teeth on the belt with the pulley grooves and evenly pressing the belt onto the pulleys.
5. Replace the belt guard and tighten the screw securely.

Lubrication

All bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient amount of high-grade lubricant for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions; therefore, no further lubrication is required.

Brush Replacement

Periodically check the brushes for wear and replace both brushes when either is worn to about 1/4 inch in length. To check the length of brushes, they must be removed from the tool (see instructions below). Replacement of these relatively inexpensive parts, when necessary, will keep your Power Plane operating more efficiently and prolong the life of the motor.

To replace carbon brushes (See Figure 14, Key No. 17, (See parts list, page 9)), unscrew brush caps, Key No. 19, and remove the old brush. Reassemble the new brush assembly, making sure the curvature of the brush matches the curvature of the surface of the motor to which it is mated and that the brushes move freely inside the brush holder. Be sure brush caps are securely tightened.

Parts List

The Model Number will be found on a plate attached to the Motor Housing. Always mention the Model Number in all correspondence regarding your POWER PLANE or when ordering repair parts.

SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

Parts List Table

*Standard Hardware Item - May Be Purchased Locally.

**Available As Cat. No. 9-25006 From Your Nearest Sears Catalog Order or Retail Store

How to Order Repair Parts

All parts listed herein may be ordered through SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., and SIMPSONS-SEARS LIMITED. When ordering parts by mail, selling prices will be furnished on request or parts will be shipped at prevailing prices and you will be billed accordingly.

WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS SHOWN IN THIS LIST:

1. The PART NUMBER
2. The PART DESCRIPTION
3. The MODEL NUMBER—315.25020
4. The NAME of ITEM—POWER PLANE

All fine tools, on occasion, may require service or the replacement of parts due to wear from normal use. To prolong the life of your tool when repairs are needed, call on your nearest Sears Catalog Order or Retail Store. Please do not risk possible electrical hazards, additional cost or damage to the tool through inexperienced repairs.

Sears merchandise takes on added value when you discover that Sears has over 2,000 Service Units throughout the country. Each is staffed by Sears trained, professional technicians using Sears approved parts and methods.