How to Install DRO to a Planer

A planer is a shop tool used in woodworking to make boards equal in thickness from end to end. Planers consist of a cutter head, rollers and a scale, which is used to preset depth cuts and to gauge cuts as they are in progress. Some woodworkers, though, prefer the added benefit of having a digital readout. Digital readouts are attached to the planer scale and are easier to check and read while operating the machine. Planer digital readouts are battery operated and can be mounted in a relatively short time.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Level
• Pencil

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Lower the planer to the lowest depth stop on the machine.

   • 2

     Remove the pointer screws and the pointer on the existing manual scale on the planer. Use a screwdriver to do this.

   • 3

     Position the digital readout against the planer frame scale approximately 8 to 10 inches above the surface of the planer's table.

   • 4

     Use a level to adjust the readout so that it is completely level and then mark the top straight edge of the readout on the mounting surface with a pencil.

   • 5

     Remove the backing of the foam tape on the back of the digital readout and then mount it using the marks made earlier for straightness.