Craftsman Planer/Molder

[DENNIS NEAL]

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.

[dave(remove).kozlowski]

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 retain
original balance.

Post by DENNIS NEAL
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.

[Mike]

Post by DENNIS NEAL
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.

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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