I have a Craftsman 12-1/2" Planer/Molder, model 351.233831. Recently I went to change the planer blades and cannot get the blades or the gibs out of the cutter head. Unfortunately, during my last move that is the one book that seems to have gotten lost. I have loosened all of the gib screws and nothing wants to budge. Can someone please provide some insight on removing the blades and gibs. Thank you.
Most planer blades are locked into position by jamming the gib and the blade in the head slot.
To remove the blades, unplug the planer, back off screws minimum of about 2-3 turns. Take a brass punch and hammer and strike the gib beside the screw location (do not hit screw, or blade assemblies). This will cause the gib to fall down into the slot in the head and release the blade. Repeat for each blade / gib assembly.
NOTE: It is good practice to keep blade / gib pairs matched to reta> I have a Craftsman 12-1/2" Planer/Molder, model 351.233831. Recently I went
I just went through this process so it's fresh in my mind. The planer came with a brass tool just for this purpose although you can get by with something similar. The gibs tend to be firmly in place after some time in use and once you have loosened the screws you will need to get a hammer and a rod that is rounded on the end and that fits down into the depression where the gib screws are. Although it's not necessary I would suggest completely removing the gib screws to make sure thy do not interfere. Then take the hammer and rounded rod and drive the gibs down. That will free up the knives. Hopefully this helps. Reply here if further information is needed. I have also found a source of exact replacement knives if needed..
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