Woodpeckers 2024-01-17 Slab Flattening Mill Pro Owner’s Manual

Woodpeckers 2024-01-17 Slab Flattening Mill Pro

Product Information

The Woodpeckers SLAB FLATTENING MILL PRO is a versatile tool designed for flattening and leveling large slabs of wood. It is sold separately and can be used with the optional extension kit for extended functionality. The mill comes with various components, including V-rails, guide blocks, a router carriage, clamp dogs, dust ports, and more. The package also includes necessary hardware for assembly.

Specifications

• Short V-Rail: 59″ (2 pieces)
• Long V-Rail: 76″ (2 pieces)
•  Optional Extended V-Rails for Slab Flattening Mill-PRO: 3 (2pieces)
• Optional V-Rail Connectors for Extended Slab Flattening Mill-PRO: 4

Usage Instructions

Step 1: Assembly

1. Start by attaching the V-rails to create a sturdy base. Use the short V-rails for one side and the long V-rails for the other side.
2. Connect the optional extended V-rails using the V-rail connectors if you have the extension kit.
3. Attach the guide blocks to the V-rails using the provided screws and nuts. Use the short guide blocks for one side and the long guide blocks for the other side.
4. Install the router carriage onto the V-rails and secure it with the carriage hangers.
5. Apply the UHMW tape to the necessary surfaces for smooth movement.
6. Attach the cross brace for added stability.
7. Install the curtain retainers and vinyl curtains to protect against dust and debris.
8. Connect the dust ports and hose connectors to ensure proper dust collection.

Step 2: Operation

1. Prepare the wood slab by ensuring it is clean and free from any obstructions.
2. Place the slab onto the V-rails, ensuring it is securely positioned.
3. Adjust the height of the router carriage to the desired level using the knobs.
4. Power on the router and adjust the speed according to your needs.
5. Slowly move the router carriage along the slab, making multiple passes if necessary.
6. Monitor the flattening progress and make any adjustments as needed.
7. Once the desired flatness is achieved, power off the router and remove the slab from the mill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the SLAB FLATTENING MILL PRO without the optional extension kit?

A: Yes, the mill can be used without the extension kit. The extension kit provides additional V-rails and connectors for larger slabs.

Q: How do I clean and maintain the SLAB FLATTENING MILL PRO?

A: To clean the mill, use a dry cloth or brush to remove any dust or debris. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals. Lubricate moving parts regularly to ensure smooth operation.

Q: Can I use a different router with the SLAB FLATTENING MILL PRO?

A: The mill is compatible with most routers. Ensure that your router has the necessary power and capabilities for slab flattening.

Q: What safety precautions should I follow when using the SLAB FLATTENING MILL PRO?

A: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask. Follow the router manufacturer’s safety guidelines and ensure the work area is well-ventilated.

BASIC SLAB FLATTENING MILL·PRO
EXTENDED SLAB FLATTENING MILL PRO
CONVERSION KIT SLAB FLATTENING MILL Not Shown – Sold Separately

If you think you’re missing anything, email us at mailroom@woodpeck.com.
You can also call us at 800-752-0725 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST Monday – Friday.

INSTALL GLIDE STRIPS ON GUIDE BLOCKS

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED

• Short Guide Blocks (Red Anodized Aluminum) (2)
• Long Guide Blocks (Red Anodized Aluminum) (2)
• Roll of UHMW Tape

Cut eight 4″ long strips from the roll of UHMW Tape. Peel the backing and apply the strips to the Long Guide Blocks. Figure 1. Align the edge of the UHMW Tape with the edge of the groove as shown below in Detail 1-A. Align the end of the UHMW Tape with the end of the Guide Blocks as shown below in Figure 1-B.

Cut eight 2″ long strips from the roll of UHMW Tape. Peel the backing and apply the strips to the Short Guide Blocks, Figure 1. Align the edge of the UHMW Tape with the edge of the groove as shown below in Detail 1-A. Align the end of the UHMW Tape with the end of the Guide Blocks as shown belm, in Detail 1-B.

CROSS-RAIL GUIDE BLOCKS

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

• D-1 Safety Stops (2)
• D-2 Button Head Hex Screw 1/4-20 x 5/8″ (4)
• D-3 Nyloc Nut 1/4-20 (4)
• N-1 Guide Block End Caps (4)
• E-1 Torx Thread Forming Screw 10-32 x 1 /2″ (8)
• E-N/A Torx Bit T25 x 1 “
• K-1 Cross-Rall Gussets (4)
• 1-1 Oval Nut 1 /4-20 (8)
• B-1 Button Head Screw 1/4-20 x 1″ (8)
• B-4 Nyloc Nut 1/4-20 (12)
• B-3 Button Head Hex Screw 1/4-20 x 5/8″ (8)
• B-2 Button Head Hex Screw 1/4-20 x 1-1/2″ (4)
• B-N/A5/32″ Hex Key Forusewithal/HexScrews
• Loosely install two 0-2 Button Head Screws and D-3 Nyloc Nuts in the D-1 Safety Stops with the Nuts opposite the printed side of the Safety Stop onto both of the Long Guide Blocks. Figure 2-A.
• Slide the Safety Stop assembly into the track slot of the Long Guide Block (on the unprinted side). Move the Safety Stop assembly to the center of the Guide Block and tighten.
• Loosely install two B-3 Button Head Screws and B-4 Nyloc Nuts in the smaller flange of the Cross-Rail Gussets with the Nuts on the outside of the Gusset fold. Figure 2-B.
• Loosely install two B-1 Button Head Screws and 1-1 Oval Nuts in the larger flange of the Cross-Rail Gussets with the Oval Nuts on the outside of the Gusset fold.
• Install the Gusset assembly to the Long Guide Blocks by sliding the Nyloc Nuts into the track on the unprinted side (same as Safety Stops).
• Install two B-2 Button Heads Screws up through the Long Guide Block. Loosely secure with two B-4 Nyloc Nuts.
• Install the N-1 Guide Block End Gaps with E-1 Torx Thread Forming Screws. DO NOT use a power driver! Tighten by hand with the supplied E-2 Torx bit in a hand-held driver. Figure 2-c.
• Cross Rail Guide Block assembly should look like the drawing in Figure 3. DO NOT tighten bolts at this time.
• Repeat these steps for other Long Guide Block.

CROSS RAIL ASSEMBLY

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

Short V-Rails (2)

• Slide the Cross Rail Guide Blocks into both ends of both Short V-Rails with the Track Nuts sliding into the bottom groove of the V-Rails. Figure 4.
• Use an accurate square to align one Guide Block to both V-Rails and tighten the screws on that end only at this point. You will secure the other end once the router carriage assembly is finished. Figure 6.

IMPORTANT NOTE

To deliver the most accurate results, your Slab Flattening Mill·PRO needs to be mounted to a surface that is well supported and flat in both directions. We recommend using a sheet of quality hardwood plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF) resting on a workbench that supports the sheet nearly to its edges. If your workbench doesn’t fully support your work surface, build a frame that extends support for the sheet. To verify that your surface is flat, adjust your workbench legs with shims so that the top is level in both directions, then check the work surface with a straight edge. Once you have the surface both level and flat, you’re ready to assemble your Slab Flattening Mill·PRO Base.

MOUNT BASE RAILS

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

• M-1 V-Rail Mounting End Cap (4)
• 2 Long V-Rail 76″ (2)
• E-1 Thread Forming Screw Pan Head 10-32 x 1 /2″ (12)
• 0-1 Pan Head Screw #1 Ox 3/4″ (4)
• J-1 Oval Nut 1/4-20 (1)
• J-2 Button Head Hex Screw 1/4-20 x 3/8″ (1)
• J-3 V-Rail Center Support (1)
• J-4 Pan Head Screw #10 x 3/4″ (1)

Install the M-1 V-Rail Mounting End Caps to both ends of both Long V-Rails using three E-1 Thread Forming Screws each side. Figure 515-A. Use a handheld screwdriver with the provided Torx bit to install the thread forming screws.

NOTE: It is very easy to strip out the aluminum extrusion if you use a power driver.

Install one Long V-Rail along one edge of your work surface using 0-1 Pan Head Screws through the V-Rail Mounting End Caps. Figure 6.
Install a J-1 Oval Nut and J-2 Button Head Screw through one side of the J-3 V-Rail Center Support. Slide the Oval Nut down the track of the V-Rail to the middle of the V-Rail. Tighten the Button Head Screw and secure the V-Rail Center Support to your work surface with a J-4 Pan Head Screw. Figure 6-8.
For maximum width capacity, locate the second Long V-Rail 5 7-1 /2″ (center to center) from the first. If you’re setting up on a narrower work surface, mount the second rail parallel to the first at your desired dimension. Do not tighten the second
V-Rail to the work surface at this time. Figure 6-A.

ROUTER CARRIAGE STAND

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED (NOT SUPPLIED):

3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 8″ Plywood or Hardwood (2)
3/ 4″ x 3-1 /2″ x 12″ Plywood or Hardwood (2)
Fasteners – as needed
While assembling your Router Carriage you will need to support it off the table. In use, you ‘II need to support the Router Carriage any time it is not mounted on the rails to prevent damage to the Dust Curtain (and potentially your router bit). So, you should build this stand before starting the assembly procedure. Per Figure 7, build a box from 3/4″ material 3-1 /2″ tall, 8″ wide and 13-1 /2″ long.

ROUTER CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY STEP 1

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

• 5 Short Guide Block (Red Anodized ,AJuminumJ (2)
• 8 Router Carriage Hanger (2)
• 7 Router Carriage (1)
• H-1 Red Wing Knob 1/4-20 Nut (4)
• H-3 White Nylon Washer 3/4″0D (4)
• C-1 Button Head Hex Screw 1 /4-20 x 1 /2″ (4)

Install the Router Carriage Hangers loosely on the Short Guide Blocks with C-1 Button Head Screws using the two inboard holes at each end. The threaded studs on the side should point away from the Guide Blocks as shown Figure s. Tighten the Button Head Screws just less than finger-tight. Slide the threaded studs and index pins of the Router Carriage Hangers through the highest set of holes in the Router Carriage. Place a H-3 White Nylon Washer on then secure with Female Wing Knobs. Repeat these steps for the other side of the Carriage.

RAIL & CARRIAGE ALIGNMENT

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:
N-1 Guide Block End Cap (4)
L-1 V-Rail End Cap (4)
E-1 Thread Forming Screw Pan Head 10-32 x 1 /2″ (20)

Set the Router Carriage Assembly on the squared and tightened end of the Cross Rail Assembly. Make sure the Carriage is fully seated on the index pins. Slide until the edge of the Router Carriage is fully butted against the Cross Rail Guide Block. Make sure the Router Carriage Assembly Guide Blocks sitting flat on the Cross Rail Assembly V-Rails with complete contact on the glide strips at each corner. When everything is flat. flush and square, lock the Router Carriage Hangers to the Guide Blocks. Figure 9. Now slide the Router Carriage Assembly to the other end of the Cross Rail Assembly. Ensure that the Router Carriage Assembly is resting flat on the V-Rails. If it is not, adjust the Cross Rail Assembly (which should not be tightened at this point). Once the Cross Rails are adjusted so the Router Carriage is sitting flush, lock the Cross Rails to the Guide Blocks. Finally, set the Cross Rail assembly on the Base Rails. Slide to one end and adjust the loose Base Rail until the Cross Rail Assembly is setting perfectly on the Base Rails. Once properly aligned, lock that end of the loose Base Rail. Slide the Cross Rail Assembly to the other end and repeat the process. Install the Guide Block End Caps and V-Rail End Caps with thread forming pan head screws. DO NOT use a power driver!

ROUTER CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY STEP 2

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

• 14 Short Vinyl Curtain (2)
• 13 Long Vinyl Curtain (2)
• 12 Short Curtain Retainer (2)
• 11 Long Curtain Retainer (2)
• 16 2.5″ Dust Port (2)
• 17 “Y” Hose Connector (1)
• 10 Cross Brace (2)
• A-1 Pan Head Screw 10-32 x 7 /16″ (22)
• A-2 Kep Nut 10-32 (22)
• 18 2.5″ Dust Hose (2)
• 19 Hose Clamps (2)
• F-1 Black Nylon Washer 3/4″ (2)
• F-2 White Nylon Washer 3/4″ (2)
• F-3 Oval Nut 1/4-20 (2)
• F-4 Black Knob 1/4-20 x 3/4″ (2)
• H-2 Red Wing Knob with Threaded Extension 1/4-20 x 3/4″ (4)
• G-1 Tapered Handle (2)
• G-2 Black Nylon Washer (2)
• G-3 Hex Head Bolt 1/4-20 x H/2″ (2)

Rest your partially assembled Router Carriage on the Router Carriage Stand you built (Step VI). Install the Short and Long Dust Curtains, sandwiching them between the side of the Router Carriage and the Short and Long Dust Curtain Retaining Strips. Secure with fourteen A-1 10-32 Pan Head Screws and A-2 Kep Nuts. Figure 10.

Slide G-3 1 / 4-20 x 1-1 /2″ Hex Head Bolts up through the Router Carriage Guide Blocks. Install a G-2 Black Nylon Washer and G-1 Tapered Handle to each one.
Loosely thread the H-3 Red Wing Knobs into the outboard holes on the Router Carriage Guide Blocks. Slide the notches on the 1 O Cross-Braces under the knobs and tighten the knobs.
Install the two 2.5″ Dust Ports with four A-1 10-32 Pan Head Screws and A-2 Kep Nuts.
Attach the two 2.5″ Dust Hoses to the 2.5″ Dust Ports and join them with the “Y” connector. Secure with two Hose Clamps. Figure 11.

NOTE: You may find it easier to install the hose if you trim the clear material down close to the ribs with a razor knife.
Travel Stops There are two travel stops that fit into the slots of the V-Rails of the Cross Rail Assembly. They can be used to lock the Router Carriage Assembly in position for edge routing and rabbetting operations. Figure 11-A.
To assemble the travel stop, slide the thick F-1 Black Washer and the F-2 White Nylon Washer on the F-4 Black Knob. Thread on the F-3 Oval Nut. Slide the Oval Nut in the track of the Cross Rail Assembly and tighten.

MOUNT ROUTER TO ROUTER CARRIAGE

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:
HARDWARE BAG – ROUTER SCREWS

STD (STANDARD): 5/16-18 x 1 /2″ (4), 1/4-20 x 1 /2″ (4), 10-24 x 3/8″ (3), 8-32 x 5/16″ (3), 10-32 x 1 /2″ (4)
MTR (METRIC): M6 x 1.00 x 12mm (3), M4 x 0.70 x 10mm (4), M4 x 0.70 x 6mm (4)

From the chart below, Figure 12, select the screws and hole pattern which matches your router. Remove the screws and the face plate from your router. Use the Router Screws provided to attach your router to the Router Plate ensuring that the handles on your router do not interfere with your grip on the Router Sled Handles.

Figure 12 TOP VIEW OF ROUTER CARRIAGE

ADJUSTING THE ROUTER CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY

The Router Carriage adjusts up and down to accommodate different thickness of slabs. To adjust the Router Carriage, begin by placing the Router Carriage on your shop-built stand. Loosen the knobs that secure the cross-brace and remove the cross-brace. Remove the four knobs that hold the Router Carriage to the Router Carriage Hangers. Adjust the Router Carriage Hangers to the appropriate position. Replace the knobs finger tight. Replace the cross-braces.
Set the Router Carriage Assembly on the Cross-Rail Assembly. Loosen the knobs that hold the Router Carriage to its hangers just less than finger tight. Make sure the Router Carriage tabs are bottoming out in the appropriate slots (same slots on both sides) and tighten firmly.

SLAB FLATTENING MILL CONVERSION KIT

If you purchased the Slab Flattening Mill Conversion Kit you need to disassemble your Cross-Rail Assembly and re-use the V-Rails with the new Guide Blocks in your Conversion Kit, following the instructions in this manual. You can exclude Section V. as your mounted Base Rails should not need any changes.
NOTE: The V-Rail End Plates and the Guide Block End Plates will be reused.

USING YOUR SLAB FLATTENING MILL·PRO

• Remove the Router Carriage Assembly and Cross-Rail Assembly.
  Figure 13.

• Position your slab roughly centered between the Long V-Rails and no closer than 9″ from the ends. Typically, start by cutting what will be the bottom of the finished slab first.

• Replace the Cross-Rail Assembly and Router Carriage Assembly.

• Use the Router carriage Assembly as a reference point to locate the high and low points on the slab. Shim the slab to eliminate rocking and to level out crowns and twists. There is some “art” involved in this step. Try to shim and brace the slab to maximize the finished thickness and minimize the amount of cutting you must do. When the slab is properly adjusted and stable, install the Slab Clamping Dogs. Put one screw behind the Slab Clamping Dog to position it, then a second through it to lock the slab in place. Figure 14. Make sure the ends of the Slab Clamping Dogs are well below the cutting plane of the router bit

• We recommend a “spoilboard” style router bit. Follow 1tie router bit manufacturer’s recommendations for router speed and depth of cut.

• Set your router bit on the highest point in the slab. Adjust the depth of cut to remove a conservative amount from that point. It’s a good idea to take a light cut and traverse the entire slab carefully to ensure you correctly identified to highest point.

• Typically work from right to left, taking approximately one half the router bit width per pass, pushing the router across and back, then stepping to the left again.

NARROWER SLABS OPTIONAL

When working on narrow slabs, you may want to move one of the Long V-Rails closer. Use the same gauge block procedure outlined previously (S88 Section v. Mount Base Rails, Page 4). Once the Long V-Rails are parallel and screwed down, unlock the six machine screws (Set: Figure 3 Section II. Cross-Rail Guide Blocks, Page 3) that secure the end of the Cross-Rail Assembly and slide it in. Position both ends of the Cross Rail Assembly on the Long V-Rails, making sure the Long guide blocks are resting completely on the Long V-Rails, then
re-tighten.

LONGER OR WIDER SLABS OPTIONAL
The Long V-Rails can be repositioned down the length of a longer slab. Alternatively, you can extend the Long V-Rails wtth another pair of V-Rails and the V-Rail Connectors. Figure 15. Use the connectors to extend the length of the main V-Rails only! You can use the Long
V-Rails in the Extension Kit to replace the Short V-Rails in the Carriage Assembly, but DO NOT use connected V-rails in the Cross-Rail Assembly.
The V-Rail Extensions include a second J-3 V-Rail Center Support and related hardware. Install it in the middle of the extension Base V-Rail on the same side as on the original Base V-Rail. Figure 16.

PRECISION WOODWORKING TOOLS

Woodpeckers, LLC Strongsville, Ohio • woodpeck.com
2023 Woodpeckers, LLC

WARNING! This product can expose you to chemicals, including chromium, which is known to the Stale of California to cause cancer and bith defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Wamings.ca.gov

References

• Woodworking Tools Designed and Made in USA | Woodpeckers
• P65Warnings.ca.gov

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