Operating instructions

INTRODUCTION
The 2003 Model Clark Foam Planer and tool kit was developed specifically for the profes-
sional shaper. It comes fully equipped with every option the majority of professional shapers
use. The planer is assembled at Clark Foam from a combination of stock parts, modified
stock parts, and parts fabricated by or for Clark Foam. The main body is a Hitachi P20-SB.
Clark Foam has sold a modified Hitachi F-20 and P-20SB series planer since 1988. It has
proven durability and a good safety record.
Since 1988 we have accumulated a lot of information from shapers about the maintenance
and adjustment of this type of planer. In doing the research for the 2003 Model we gathered
a lot of information regarding productivity or increasing productivity while using power
planers. The following instructions and suggestions are based on our experience and the
experiences of many shapers. Each item in the instructions represents a shaping tip or prob-
lem one or more shapers have encountered or brought to our attention. Many of these prob-
lems have caused individual shapers a lot of frustration and a significant loss of productivity.
Therefore we have put a lot of thought into this document and have tried to cover each sub-
ject in great detail.
The depth adjustment mechanism on this planer is especially difficult to set up and under-
stand. A new 2003 Model planer should be properly set up and work well out of the box. If
you choose to customize the depth adjustment mechanism or the depth adjustment mecha-
nism requires maintenance be sure to read the instructions very carefully. This is a complex
mechanism and it would be very easy to screw it up!
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CAREFULLY READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND
SUGGESTIONS, KEEP THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE, AND KEEP ALL
TOOLS AND PARTS THAT COME WITH THE PLANER.
FEATURES
- Very lightweight for reducing fatigue.
- Adequate power for shaping Clark Foam when the blades are sharp.
- Significantly increased productivity using a blade/blade holder exchange service of-
fered by Clark Foam that puts sharp blades in the planer in less then 5 minutes.
- Enough belt housing clearance to allow full depth, two way cutting passes.
- The rear base plate is milled and indexed to the blades for precision cutting.
- More room for the front hand than any planer used for surfboard shaping.