Troubleshooting a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Rotary Planer - DIY Repair Tips

Troubleshooting a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Rotary Planer - DIY Repair Tips
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Troubleshooting a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Rotary Planer

Milwaukee's M18 cordless rotary planer is a versatile power tool that can make quick work of planning, chamfering, and deburring wood, plastic, and even metal. However, like any power tool, the rotary planer can develop issues over time that affect its performance.

In this guide, we'll cover some of the most common problems that occur with the Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer and how to troubleshoot them. With some basic maintenance and replacement of parts, you can get your Milwaukee planer back up and running again.

Rotary Planer Won't Turn On

If your Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer won't turn on at all, the first thing to check is the battery. Make sure the battery is fully charged and properly seated in the planer. A loose battery connection can prevent the tool from powering up.

If the battery is good, the next thing to examine is the brushes. The brushes deliver power from the battery to the motor and can wear out over time. Remove and inspect the brushes for excessive wear. Replace them if needed.

You should also check for any loose wiring connections or switches in the planer. If a wire has come detached or a switch is faulty, that could prevent the tool from turning on.

Loss of Power

A common problem with the Milwaukee M18 planer is gradually losing power when planning material. There are a few possible causes for this:

  • Dirty air vents - Dust buildup around the air vents can cause overheating. Clean out the vents with compressed air.
  • Worn brushes - As mentioned above, worn out brushes affect power delivery. Inspect and replace the brushes if needed.
  • Damaged drive gear - The nylon drive gear that transfers power to the cutter head may be worn out. Replace the drive gear.

Excessive Vibration

If your Milwaukee cordless planer starts vibrating excessively during use, there could be an issue with the cutter head. Remove and inspect the cutter head for any damaged or dull blades. The cutter head may need to be replaced if the blades show significant wear or damage.

You should also check that the cutter head is balanced properly. An out-of-balance cutter head can create excessive vibration. Use a cutter head balancer tool to check the balance and make adjustments as needed.

Cutter Head Not Spinning

A cutter head that doesn't spin at all when you turn the planer on likely indicates a problem with the drive gear assembly. As mentioned previously, inspect the nylon drive gear for damage or excessive wear. The drive gear may need to be replaced.

Also, check the connecting drive shaft and make sure it is not stripped or damaged. A damaged drive shaft can prevent the cutter head from spinning properly.

Replacing the Drive Gear

Replacing the drive gear on a Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer involves disassembling the gear case housing to access the gear assembly.

Start by removing the screws holding the gear case together. Carefully separate the two halves of the case. You may need to use a screwdriver to gently pry them apart.

Once open, remove the drive gear assembly. Inspect the nylon drive gear for any stripped teeth or excessive wear. If damaged, replace the old drive gear with a new one.

Make sure the new drive gear slides properly onto the drive shaft. Also, inspect the drive shaft for any damage and replace if necessary.

Reassemble the two gear case halves, taking care to align the gears properly. Replace all the case screws and torque them to the correct specifications.

Replacing the Brushes

Replacing the brushes on a Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer involves opening up the motor housing to access the brush holders.

Start by removing the screws from the motor housing and separating the two halves. Locate the brush holders and remove the old brushes. Make sure the new replacement brushes match the originals.

Insert the new brushes into the holders and make sure they slide smoothly in the guides. The brushes may need to be worn in by running the planer for 10-15 minutes with no load before normal operation.

Reassemble the motor housing and reinstall all the screws. Make sure no wires get pinched upon reassembly.

Maintaining the Milwaukee M18 Rotary Planer

Performing regular maintenance and upkeep is the best way to extend the life of your Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer and avoid many common issues.

General Maintenance Tips

  • Blow out dust using compressed air - Regularly clean dust buildup from the air vents and motor.
  • Inspect the brushes - Check the brushes about once a month for wear and replace as needed.
  • Check the drive gear - Examine the nylon drive gear for damage and replace when excessively worn.
  • Lubricate moving parts - Use light machine oil on the gears, shafts, and bearings.
  • Calibrate the cutter head - Use a cutter head balancer to keep the blades properly calibrated.

Keep Blades Sharp

Keeping the cutter head blades sharp is crucial for optimal planing performance. Dull blades can slow cutting, cause excessive vibration, and even damage the material surface.

Periodically inspect the cutter head blades for dullness or damage. Consider replacing the entire cutter head once the blades show significant wear. A diamond file can be used to sharpen the blades slightly, but take care not to alter the original bevel angle.

Proper Storage

When storing your Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer for extended periods, follow these tips:

  • Clean all dust, wood chips, and debris from the tool.
  • Lubricate the moving parts with light machine oil.
  • Store indoors away from moisture and extremes of hot and cold.
  • If possible, store the planer hanging up to keep weight off the cutter head.
  • Remove the battery and store it properly according to the manufacturer instructions.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 cordless rotary planer is a rugged, durable tool when maintained properly. By troubleshooting issues promptly, replacing worn parts like the drive gear and brushes, keeping blades sharp, and practicing regular upkeep, you can rely on your Milwaukee planer to deliver years of reliable service.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when repairing power tools. With some basic do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs, you can save money compared to shop repairs. Just take care not to alter the tool's original engineering and design when working on it yourself.

FAQs

Why does my Milwaukee planer lose power when planning material?

There are a few possible causes for loss of power when using a Milwaukee M18 planer: dirty air vents causing overheating, worn out brushes that affect power delivery, and a damaged drive gear that can't properly transfer power to the cutter head.

How do I know if the brushes need to be replaced?

Inspect the brushes about once a month. Look for excessive wear and make sure the brushes slide smoothly in their holders. Replace them if the wear is significant or you see uneven wear patterns.

What causes excessive vibration in a Milwaukee planer?

Excessive vibration is typically caused by issues with the cutter head, such as unbalanced, worn, or damaged blades. Inspect the cutter head and blades, check their balance, and replace if needed.

Why won't the cutter head spin on my planer?

If the cutter head won't spin at all, it likely indicates a problem with the drive gear assembly. Inspect the drive gear and shaft for damage or stripping and replace any worn out or damaged parts.

How often should I sharpen the cutter head blades?

Periodically inspect the cutter head blades for dullness and damage. Consider replacing the entire cutter head once the blades show significant wear. Use a diamond file to sharpen slightly, maintaining the original bevel angle.

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