Photo Index - Parks Woodworking Machine Co. - Parks Planer

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Parks Woodworking Machine Co.
Cincinnati, OH.

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Planer, Wood
Machine Size:	12 X 4
Submitted By:	Steven Maughan

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Parks Planer
Date of Manufacturer:	Unknown
Serial Number:	Unknown
Last Updated	1/18/2009 6:57:17 PM

Comments:

I have been looking for a Parks Planer for about 6 weeks now and found anything on Ebay was more than I wanted to spend (especially for shipment from places like FL to UT). Craigslist proved to be of no help either. I knew I would be able to find one, but thought it might be at least a year long search for something I could afford and be in good shape. I was surprised (even shocked) when I was driving through a local Army Surplus/Hardware store's junk yard (called Smith and Edwards)and happened upon a tent full of old wood working equipment. I got out of my car to look at it and nearly fell over when I saw this beauty standing there. I talked to the yard manager and negotiated him to $300. I was in the family van so I had to come back a couple of days later to pick it up in the truck.

From what I gather, the planer was a piece of Navy surplus equipment that came out of the DDO (Defense Depot Ogden). So far in what I have seen of the planer, everything is in great shape. The bearings have been lubed profusely and the blades look to be in great shape. I am planning on doing a restoration and putting it to regular use.

Any comments on the planer, the possible model number, or age of the unit will be appreciated.

01/18/2009 Update- After weeks of debate I finally decided to go all out in my first OWWM rebuild on this Parks planer. Thanks to others on this site for posting their experiences. The thing that tipped the scale was the fact that the planer was covered with grease. I am sure it has been well maintained in its life, but it has grease everywhere. I whated to be able to show my wife (who said I got ripped off when I brought it home and told her I spent $300 on it) that this thing is a sweet planing machine! So, I'll be posting things on and off showing my progress and I am sure asking for advice. BTW, I cannot find a serial number on this thing anywhere!

Photo 1:

Comments: Side view of the planer as it sat before I bought it.
Source: My Blackberry

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Front view of the planer
Source: my blackberry

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: This is a photo showing an example of all the grease on this planer
Source: my camera

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: More grease on the gear box.
Source: my camera

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 5:

Comments: engine degreaser in the gear box to make the disassembly process a little less messy.
Source: my camera

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 6:

Comments: The gear box off of the planer. Those who said this was the toughest part wasn't kidding! I still have not been able to seperate the in feed and out feed rollers from the gears. They are soaking in penetrating oil for a day or so to loosen them up. Th
Source: my camera

Direct Link
IMG Code