What to do if RYOBI Thicknesser is planing one side higher than the other

With frequent use, your RYOBI Thickness Planer will get a few knocks and bumps. Over time, this can result in the cutting head planing one side slightly higher, so you'll need to adjust the cutting head. To do so: 

• First disconnect the power, remove the height adjustment handle, and then the top and side covers by removing the screws with Allen keys. A 6mm Allan key is needed for the 4 top cover screws, the Allan key for the handle is supplied. Then give the machine a quick clean down.
• Next, you'll need two short pieces of dressed timber of the same height to be used as gauge blocks, which must be of the exact same height and no more than 60mm long. Now, position these under the cutter at either end.
• Slowly roll the cutter drum by pulling on its drive-belt until one of the cutters is at its lowest possible point. Be careful not to pinch your fingers between the pulley and belt.
• Using the handle, wind the cutter head down until it just rests on one of the blocks. Looking at the other block you can see how far the cutter is out. You may need a torch to see any gap clearly.
• Using two large spanners or shifters that can open to 27mm. Position one on the lower adjustment nut, and the other on the top lock nut. Loosen the lock nuts from either side in an anti-clockwise direction. You might have to use some muscle as they will be very tight. Using longer handle shifters will make this task easier.
• Turn the height adjustment nut on the side that’s out, until the cutter is resting on its gauge block. Now firmly tighten both lock nuts in position.
• The last step is to reassemble the side and top covers and replace the height adjustment handle and the jobs done.