Operating instructions

To be absolutely sure the problem is the trigger, connect both wires attached to the trigger to
a single trigger terminal and plug in the planer.
If the brushes are OK and the trigger is OK, look at the wiring in the rear handle and under
the back base plate. Next look at the power cord. At some point a voltmeter or voltage
indicator may be required.
POWER CORD MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
Since the Clark Foam planers were first introduced we have seen a lot of power cord damage.
Shapers often try to repair the damage with tape. This is not recommended. When a power
cord is damaged order a new power cord from Clark Foam and install it exactly the same way
the old one was installed.
When taking the planer rear handle apart and putting it back together, be very careful of the
lower screw. The lower screw is all that is holding the bottom of the handle to the planer
housing.
BEARING MAINTENANCE
A failure to keep the area around the bearings clean will insulate the bearings causing over-
heating and premature failure of the main cutter bearings. This problem can cause severe
overheating causing the plastic housings to melt. A melted main plastic housing is pretty
much the end of the planer! Fire could also be a problem. We also believe a hot bearing will
melt foam causing a buildup of polyurethane on the bearing.
Never run the planer when the bearings are noisy or there is measurable play. This is danger-
ous and could ruin the planer.
When replacing bearings it is important to avoid using the stock bearings from Hitachi. They
do not last long in the presence of foam dust. For maximum performance buy replacement
bearings from Clark Foam. We use bearings that are custom built for minimum friction while
providing an adequate seal from foam dust. They add to the planer’s effective power and
acceleration.
When new bearings are installed there is significant break in period where the planer will not
run at full speed.
Note the bearings on the 2003 Model are not the same as the bearings on the older Pro
Model. They have less friction or drag giving the planer more power.