241-0336
20V Brushless 3-1/4" Planer
For questions / comments, technical assistance or repair parts –
Please Call Toll Free: 1-866-917-4374 (M-F 8:30am-5:00pm EST).
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING:
To Reduce The Risk Of Injury, User Must Read And
Understand Operator’s Manual. Save These Instructions For Future
Reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Symbols ......................................................... Page 2
Safety Instructions ...................................................... Page 3
Overview/Specifications ................................................Page 7-8
Assembly ............................................................. Page 8
Operation ............................................................. Page 9
Maintenance .......................................................... Page 13
Troubleshooting ....................................................... Page 14
Warranty ............................................................. Page 18
Page 2
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Some of these following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their
meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and
more safely.
WARNING:
To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by a
qualied service technician.
Symbol
Name
Designation / Explanation
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watts Power
lbs
Pounds Weight
/min
Revolutions per
minute
Unit of speed
n
0
No-load speed Rotational speed at no load
�
or d.c.
Direct current Type of characteristic of current
Read instruction
manual
To reduce the risk of injury, user must
read instruction manual.
Page 3
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The
safety symbols, and the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and
understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger. The
instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes for proper accident prevention
measures.
WARNING:
Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this manual,
including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER”, “WARNING” and “CAUTION” before
using this tool. Failure to following all instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, re, and/or serious personal injury.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates DANGER, WARNING, OR CAUTION.
May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE:
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property
damage.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Page 4
GERNERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY
WARNINGS
WARNING:
Read all safety
warnings, instructions, illustrations and
specications provided with this power
tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in electric shock, fire and/or
serious injury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers
to your mains-operated (corded) power tool
or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
WORK AREA SAFETY
1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
ammable liquids, gases or dust. Power
tools create sparks which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away
while operating a power tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Power tool plugs must match the
outlet. Never modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs
and matching outlets will reduce risk of
electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with earthed
or grounded surfaces, such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electric shock if your
body is earthed or grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or
wet conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the
cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the
power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or
entangled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
5. When operating a power tool outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use
reduces the risk of electric shock.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp
location is unavoidable, use a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.
Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing
and use common sense when operating a
power tool. Do not use a power tool while
you are tired or under the inuence of
drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating power tools may
result in serious personal injury.
2. Use personal protective equipment.
Always wear eye protection. Protective
equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection
used for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure
the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source and/or battery
pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your finger on the
switch or energizing power tools that have
the switch on invites accidents.
4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench
before turning the power tool on. A wrench
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the
power tool may result in personal injury.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. This enables better
control of the power tool in unexpected
situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and
clothing away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
7. If devices are provided for the
connection of dust extraction and collection
facilities, ensure these are connected and
properly used. Use of dust collection can
reduce dust-related hazards.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Page 5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
8. Do not let familiarity gained from
frequent use of tools allow you to become
complacent and ignore tool safety
principles. A careless action can cause
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
1. Do not force the power tool. Use the
correct power tool for your application. The
correct power tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch
does not turn it on and off. Any power tool
that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power
source and/or remove the battery pack,
if detachable, from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power tools. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk
of starting the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach
of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the power tool or these
instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools and accessories.
Check for misalignment or binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the
power tool’s operation. If damaged, have
the power tool repaired before use. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained
power tools.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are
easier to control.
7. Use the power tool, accessories
and tool bits etc. in accordance with
these instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended
could result in a hazardous situation.
8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces
dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do
not allow for safe handling and control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
1. Recharge only with the charger specied
by the manufacturer. A charger that is
suitable for one type of battery pack may
create a risk of fire when used with another
battery pack.
2. Use power tools only with specically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and
fire.
3. When battery pack is not in use, keep
it away from other metal objects, like
paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or
other small metal objects, that can make
a connection from one terminal to another.
Shorting the battery terminals together may
cause burns or a fire.
4. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be
ejected from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally occurs, ush with
water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally
seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the
battery may cause irritation or burns.
5. Do not use a battery pack or tool that
is damaged or modied. Damaged or
modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable
behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of
injury.
6. Do not expose a battery pack or tool to
re or excessive temperature. Exposure to
fire or temperature above 212 °F (100 °C)
may cause explosion.
7. Follow all charging instructions and
do not charge the battery pack or tool
outside the temperature range specied
in the instructions. Charging improperly or
at temperatures outside the specified range
may damage the battery and increase the
risk of fire.
SERVICE
1. Have your power tool serviced by a
qualied repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the
safety of the power tool is maintained.
2. Never service damaged battery packs.
Service of battery packs should only
be performed by the manufacturer or
authorized service providers.
Page 6
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
PLANERS
• Wait for the cutter to stop before setting
the tool down. An exposed rotating cutter
may engage the surface leading to possible
loss of control and serious injury.
• Use clamps or another practical way
to secure and support the workpiece to
a stable platform. Holding the workpiece
by your hand or against the body leaves it
unstable and may lead to loss of control.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
1. To reduce the risk of electric shock or
damage to the chargers and batteries, use
only with the MASTERFORCE
®
20V battery
packs and chargers listed.
Battery pack Charger
252-8029 (1.5Ah)
252-8031 (2.0Ah)
252-8030 (2.5Ah)
252-8003 (2.5Ah)
252-8034 (4.0Ah)
252-8013 (4.0Ah)
252-8035 (5.0Ah)
252-8005 (5.0Ah)
252-8007 (7.5Ah)
252-8025
252-8026
252-8037
252-8043
2. For best results, your battery and tool
should be stored, charged and used in a
location where the temperature is more
than 41 °F (5 °C) but less than 104 °F (40 °C).
Do not store outside or in vehicles.
DANGER:
People with electronic
devices, such as pacemakers, should
consult their physician(s) before using this
product. Operation of electrical equipment
in close proximity to a heart pacemaker
could cause interference or failure of the
pacemaker.
WARNING:
Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are:
– Lead from lead-based paints
– Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and
other masonry products
– Arsenic and chromium from chemically-
treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type
of work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals:
– Work in a well-ventilated area.
– Work with approved safety equipment, such
as dust masks that are specially designed to
filter out microscopic particles.
– Avoid prolonged contact with dust from
power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities. Wear
protective clothing and wash exposed areas
with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into
your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may
promote absorption of harmful chemicals.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Page 7
Shavings Extraction Port
Edge Guide
Shavings Bag
Wrench
Rear Base Plate
Blade Drum
Park RestFront Plate
Chamfering
Grooves
Rabbeting-
Depth-Guide
Locking Knob
Rabbeting
Depth Guide
Blade
Edge-Guide Locking Knob
Lock-Off Button
Depth-Adjustment Knob
Shavings-Extraction-Port Selector
Trigger Switch
OVERVIEW
Page 8
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Voltage 20 V d.c.
No-load Speed (n
0
) 15,000 /min
Cutting Capacity
max. cutting width 3-1/4” (82 mm)
max. cutting depth 5/64” (2.0 mm)
Max. Rabbeting Depth 5/16" (8 mm)
Weight (without battery) 4 lbs. 13 oz. (2.2 Kg)
Replacement Blade Menards SKU: 236-3091
WARNING:
If any part is broken or
missing, DO NOT attach the battery pack
or operate the tool until the broken or
missing part is replaced. Failure to do so
could result in possible serious injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to
modify this tool or create accessories not
recommended for use with this tool. Any
such alteration or modication is misuse
and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious injury.
WARNING:
Your tool should
never be connected to battery pack
when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, cleaning, or when it is not in
use. Disconnecting the tool will prevent
accidental starting, which could cause
serious personal injury.
ASSEMBLY
PACKING LIST
Planer, edge guide, shavings bag, wrench
(inserted in the tool), rabbeting depth guide
(installed on the tool), instruction manual.
UNPACKING
1. Carefully remove the tool and any
accessories from the carton. Make sure
that all items listed in the packing list are
included.
2. Inspect the tool carefully to make sure
that no breakage or damage occurred
during shipping.
3. Do not discard the packing material
until you have carefully inspected and
satisfactorily operated the tool.
Page 9
ATTACHING BATTERY PACK (FIG. 1)
FIG. 1
Battery-Release Button
1. Align the raised ribs on the battery pack
with the grooves on the bottom of the
tool, then slide the battery pack onto the
tool.
2. Ensure that the battery-release button
on the battery pack snaps into place
and the battery pack is secured to the
tool before beginning operation.
NOTICE: When placing the battery pack
on the tool, be sure that the raised ribs on
the battery pack align with the grooves
on the tool and the latches snap into
place properly. Improper assembly of the
battery pack can cause damage to internal
components.
DETACHING BATTERY PACK
(FIG. 1)
1. Press the battery-release button to
release the battery pack.
2. Pull the battery pack to remove it from
the tool.
OPERATION
TURNING PLANER ON AND OFF
(FIG. 2)
FIG. 2
Trigger Switch
Lock-Off Button
1. To turn the planer on, push the lock-off
button towards the front of the tool and
hold the button, and then depress the
trigger switch.
2. Release the lock-off button once the
planer starts running.
3. To turn the planer off, release the trigger
switch.
ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF CUT
(FIG. 3)
FIG. 3
Depth Scale
Depth-
Adjustment
Knob
The depth-adjustment knob is used to
control the amount of material that is
removed in one pass.
Page 10
Turn the depth-adjustment knob so that
the triangle on the tool housing lines up
with the desired setting on the depth scale.
Plane a scrap piece of wood, measure the
difference in thickness, and then adjust the
setting as needed.
WARNING:
The depth-adjustment
knob should be turned back past the 0
marking to the P (park) after the planer
is used. This will push the blade slightly
away from the surface the planer is
resting on and will help prevent the planer
from lurching forward if it is accidentally
turned on and will reduce damage to the
blade.
NOTE: The proper cutting depth should
be determined according to the hardness,
gumminess, or moisture content of the
material being cut, as well as the feed rate,
and is largely a matter of experience.
EDGE GUIDE (FIG. 4)
FIG. 4
Width Nut
Edge Guide
Bracket
Edge-Guide
Locking
Knob
WARNING:
Disconnect battery
pack from tool before making any
assembly, adjustments or changing
accessories. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the
tool accidentally.
The edge guide can be adjusted to control
the width of the cut from the edge of the
workpiece, such as when creating rabbets.
To install the edge guide:
1. Loosen and remove the edge-guide
locking knob.
2. Align the hole in the bracket with the
threaded mounting hole. Secure the
edge guide in place with the edge-guide
locking knob.
To remove the edge guide, perform the
steps 1 and 2 in reverse order.
To adjust the cutting width:
1. Loosen the width nut and slide the edge
guide to the desired setting.
2. Retighten the width nut before starting
operation.
SHAVINGS EXTRACTION PORT
(FIG. 5)
FIG. 5
Shavings-
Extraction-Port
Selector
Shavings
Extraction Port
Shavings Bag
Zipper
The planer is equipped with a shavings
extraction port on each side of the tool,
which may be used with a dust bag
or a shop vacuum to keep your work
environment cleaner.
Moving the shavings-extraction-port
selector to the left of the tool will force
wood shavings to be discharged through
the right extraction port; moving it to the
right of tool forces wood shavings to be
discharged through the left extraction port.
Firmly attach the shavings bag or vacuum
hose/adapter (not included) to the
extraction port. The extraction port will
accommodate 1-1/4” hoses.
OPERATION
Page 11
OPERATION
For more efficient operation, empty the
extraction port and shavings bag frequently
while planing. Clear the shavings from
the extraction port and clean it with a soft
brush.
NOTE: Empty the shavings bag by
unzipping the bag and then gently tapping
the bag to remove the shavings and dust.
For a more thorough cleaning of the
shavings bag, turn the bag inside out. Use
a soft brush to brush the dust off.
WARNING:
Wear a suitable dust
mask, as there may be some residual
airborne dust particles in the area.
PARK REST (FIG. 6)
The park rest swings down to help keep
the blade from coming into contact with
the work surface when the planer is not
in use. The park rest was designed to
automatically swing up and out of the way
when the rear base plate of the planer
crosses the leading edge of the workpiece.
FIG. 6
Park Rest
PLANING (FIG. 7)
FIG. 7
WARNING:
• Make sure that the trigger switch is
released and the battery pack is removed
before making any adjustments to planer
or planer attachments.
• Hold the tool with both hands while
starting the tool, since torque from the
motor can cause the tool to twist.
1. Support the workpiece using bench-
mounted clamps, a vise, or another
safe, practical support.
2. Adjust the edge guide (if required) and
the cutting depth as appropriate.
3. While standing comfortably, hold the
planer firmly with both hands.
4. Turn the planer on and wait until it runs
at full speed before allowing the blade
to contact the workpiece.
5. Place the front plate flat on the
workpiece and push the planer forward
at an even speed.
6. Move the planer gently forward,
applying pressure on the front of the
planer at the beginning of the planing
pass, then applying pressure at the rear
of the planer at the end of the planing
pass.
7. When finished planing, carefully lift the
planer from the workpiece and release
the trigger switch. Wait until the planer
blade comes to a complete stop.
8. Remove the battery and turn the depth-
adjustment knob to the P (park) setting.
Store in a safe, clean, dry location.
Page 12
OPERATION
CHAMFERING EDGES (FIG. 9)
FIG. 9
NOTE: This technique requires experience
to accomplish the project properly.
Practice on a piece of scrap wood before
attempting to chamfer a workpiece.
This planer has three V grooves in the front
base of the tool for cutting a 45° angle along
a corner, called a chamfer. Each V groove is
marked with a triangle to plane different size
chamfers.
: in the center of the front base to obtain a
large size chamfer.
: on the left side of the front base to obtain
a medium size chamfer.
: on the right side of the front base to obtain
a small size chamfer.
Place one of the V grooves on the corner
edge that you wish to chamfer. The planer
should be held at 45° and the corner should
be seated securely into the groove.
Keep the corner securely seated in the
V groove from the beginning all the way
through the cut.
NOTICE: Reduce feed rate for the cut and/
or reduce the depth of the cut, if the motor
begins to stall.
NOTICE: Practice first on a scrap piece of
material to gauge the correct feed rate and
the cutting depths.
RABBETING (FIG. 8)
FIG. 8
Rabbeting Depth Guide
Rabbeting Depth
Rabbeting
Width
Rabbeting is creating a step on the edge of
a workpiece. When rabbeting, the rabbeting
depth guide will contact the unplaned
portion of the workpiece and help you
avoid planing deeper than needed. The
width of the rabbeting is controlled by the
edge guide. The final depth is achieved by
repeating the planning procedure until the
rabbeting depth guide contacts unplaned
portion of the workpiece. Plane the board
using multiple passes, as needed.
Page 13
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check for damaged, missing, or worn
parts.
2. Check for loose screws, misalignment
or binding of moving parts, or any other
condition that may affect the operation.
3. If abnormal vibration or noise occurs,
turn the tool off immediately and have
the problem corrected before further
use.
REPLACING THE PLANER
BLADES (FIG. 10)
FIG. 10
Loosen
Wrench
Clamping Screw
Blade Clamp
Blade
Cutter Block
Tighten
WARNING:
• Before working on the blade: wear
safety goggles and heavy-duty leather
work gloves.
• This planer can only use the standard
straight blades. Never try to install any
other blades on this planer.
To remove the old planer blades:
1. Remove the battery pack from the tool.
2. Place the planer upside-down on a flat
surface.
3. Loosen the three clamping screws
counterclockwise with the wrench.
4. Push the blade sideways out of the
blade holder. A piece of wood may be
used for this purpose.
To install planer blades:
1. Remove battery pack from the tool.
2. Place the planer upside-down on a flat
surface.
3. Clean all surfaces before installing the
new blade or reversing the old blade,
as this will ensure an accurate blade
setting and proper tool performance.
4. Slide a new, sharp blade between the
blade clamp and the cutter block. If
the old blade is in good condition, the
blade can be flipped (reversed) and
the second edge can be used instead.
The blade groove must engage with the
cutter block.
5. Tighten the three clamping screws
clockwise with the included wrench.
WARNING:
• When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other parts
may create a hazard or cause product
damage.
• To avoid serious personal injury,
always remove the battery pack from the
product when cleaning or performing any
maintenance.
• Avoid using solvents when cleaning
plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible
to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged
by their use. Use a clean cloth to remove
dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
• Using compressed air may be the most
effective cleaning method. Always wear
safety goggles when cleaning tools with
compressed air.
MAINTENANCE
Page 14
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
The planer does not work. The battery charge is
depleted.
Charge the battery.
The tool is overheated. Allow the tool to cool down.
The battery is
overheated.
Allow the battery to cool
down.
Motor is overheating. The ventilation slots
may be obstructed.
Clean and clear the ventilation
slots. Do not cover the
ventilation slots with your hand
during operation.
Planer does not plane properly. The blade is dull. Replace the blade.
Blades are not
installed correctly.
Install the blades correctly.
Page 15
NOTES
Page 16
NOTES
Page 17
NOTES
Page 18
SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS
THIS WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT THEM
20V Brushless 3-1/4" Planer
WARRANTY
90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
This MASTERFORCE
®
brand power tool carries our 90-DAY Money Back
Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your MASTERFORCE
®
brand
power tool for any reason within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, return
the tool with your original receipt to any MENARDS
®
retail store, and we will provide
you a refund – no questions asked.
3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:
This MASTERFORCE
®
brand power tool carries our famous No Hassle 3-Year Limited
Warranty to the original purchaser. If, during normal use, this MASTERFORCE
®
power
tool breaks or fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within three (3) years
from the date of original purchase, simply bring this tool with the original sales receipt
back to your nearest MENARDS
®
retail store. At its discretion, MASTERFORCE
®
agrees
to have the tool or any defective part(s) repaired or replaced with the same or similar
MASTERFORCE
®
product or part free of charge, within the stated warranty period,
when returned by the original purchaser with original sales receipt. Not withstanding
the foregoing, this limited warranty does not cover any damage that has resulted from
abuse or misuse of the Merchandise. This warranty: (1) excludes expendable parts
including but not limited to blades, brushes, belts, bits, light bulbs, and/or batteries;
(2) shall be void if this tool is used for commercial and/or rental purposes; and (3) does
not cover any losses, injuries to persons/property or costs. This warranty does give you
specific legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. Be
careful, tools are dangerous if improperly used or maintained. Seller’s employees are
not qualified to advise you on the use of this Merchandise. Any oral representation(s)
made will not be binding on seller or its employees. The rights under this limited
warranty are to the original purchaser of the Merchandise and may not be transferred
to any subsequent owner. This limited warranty is in lieu of all warranties, expressed
or implied including warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Seller shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages. The
sole exclusive remedy against the seller will be for the replacement of any defects
as provided herein, as long as the seller is willing or able to replace this product or is
willing to refund the purchase price as provided above. For insurance purposes, seller
is not allowed to demonstrate any of these power tools for you.
For questions / comments, technical assistance or repair parts – Please Call Toll
Free: 1-866-917-4374 (M-F 8:30am-5:00pm EST).
08/2022
© 2022 Menard, Inc., Eau Claire, WI 54703
