Is the taper control (black lever on the side) is supposed to be this hard to operate ? it won't budge. I'm afraid i'm gonna break it or something.
1425427
I had exactly the same experience when I first got mine. The selector lever is very stiff and like you, I was afraid of breaking it. But that's the way it is, just go ahead and push it, and with enough force, it will move from one position to another. Even if it did break, I would assume it would be covered under the product warranty.
1425428
There is a screw by the level you need to open the screw so you can move it
1425429
my husband bought it and it was not hard to operate. dont afraid just move it. the only thing, i know conair is good, but this one have a noise that can kill me.
2054636
The black knob comes off. Do not twist or turn - lift straight up. It pops off to reveal the nut that you loosen for chain adjustment. Where the chain goes in the body at the bottom is a screw. Loosen or tighten the screw to adjust chain tension. Then re-tighten the nut to hold the tension. Put the black knob back over the nut. You're ready to go!
1958466
I am having trouble as well, I've tried everything, including the paper clip and a thin blade tiny screwdriver. I cannot budge it. Anyone??? Heeeeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!A. OLOTT did you ever get yours off???
1362887
I know I'm responding to this later than the others, but don't loosen the screws! You have to lift the handle first; I know, it's really tough, I had to get my dad to help me, but that really is the solution. Once the handle is lifted, you can turn to knob to adjust the pressure.
845496
I had the *exact* same issue. I learned by tapping the unit on the side until the handle jiggles up and down makes it much easier to then simply lift the handle off the top. **UPDATE Fe b 20th** Nevermind, it has now become almost impossible to remove the handle. I now loathe trying to remove the top since it could take anywhere from 3 minutes - 10 minutes... along with a bruised palm of my hand.
706915
It takes some finesse. You need to get use to it. Try putting some oil on it. It is stiff when new due to it being on a pressurized pin. Just like takedown pins.
585746
I had the same problem! It vibrates out of its level selection. I simply tied a rope from the selector lever to the opposite handle. Done deal!
2144137
I had similar problem but it was because I didn't refer back to the instructions and got the tension knob & the locking knob mixed up. Boy did I feel stupid! I guess "when all else fails, read the instructions" is not as stupid as it sounds. I hope that is not your problem but it is a thought.
193309
O.k. Thanks! I'll try that tonight. I saw that short knob and I keep messing with it, but nothing is happening. I think I'm not doing it right though so I'll try again and maybe get someone to help me. When I jiggle and pull the knobit, do I pull on the base of the machine at the same time? Just making sure I understand what to do here. Thanks again!
1193342
I used the unit for the first time yesterday, and I also had trouble with the clamp lever initially. It required a HUGE amount of force to loosen the first time. Clearly their a bit overzealous in their tightening department at the factory. I literally have a bruise on the palm of my hand this morning. Once I got it loose the first time, it's been fine ever since then (because I don't overtighten it).
340169
You're suppose to turn the lever on the side so that the plate is loosened from the base. Once you do this the plate should move front and back in, but will be held in by the safety. You need to press and hold down the button on the opposite side of the lever and then slide the plate out.If you're not able to do this or get the plate to slide, then it might be jammed and defective. Its hard to say w/o seeing exactly where you are running into problems first hand, but for a non-defective adapter plate the steps above should work.
1304412
Carol, if you can't move the highth adjustment lever once you squeeze the handle together, you may have a similiar problem as Mr. Carson above you. It should move freely up and down with lowering being the easiest and raising being only slightly more labor intensive.
1092476
There is no release mechanism on the unit as far as I can tell. I just kinda wiggle it back and forth and pull until it slides off. Unless I'm missing something. : )
32558
Loosen the lever. The shoe/plate should drop down (pivot). You might have to force it the first few times if it is tight. Mine was easy to do.
1926620
I also would like to know how to set the lever. It feels pretty much the same to me and I have not been able to find any documentation on the setting. I see reviews that say they set it in one mode or the other. Could one of them reply to this post?
1329862
You must have cross threaded it when attaching. Or maybe you're not fully depressing the release button. I've had no such problem with mine. If all else fails apply a bit of soapy water where it's binding. Maybe that will loosen it enough. Good luck!
32557
I'm assuming that you're lifting the long black lever located on the back side of the blade shroud (I've been teaching the basics of power tools to a few dads that never owned one before). If it seems soft to the touch when you move it to an upward vertical position to adjust the blade depth, but the shoe fails to move, the lever has either come loose and backed off of the nut that tightens the depth adjustment. or it has been rounded out during assembly from being over-tightened. Other than that, this is the best explanation I can give you based on my ownership and experience of this same model. And I've had mine for over 7 years. I'm assuming that you're lifting the long black lever located on the back side of the blade shroud (I've been teaching the basics of power tools to a few dads that never owned one before). If it seems soft to the touch when you move it to an upward vertical position to adjust the blade depth, but the shoe fails to move, the lever has either come loose and backed off of the nut that tightens the depth adjustment. or it has been rounded out during assembly from being over-tightened. Other than that, this is the best explanation I can give you based on my ownership and experience of this same... » Read More I'm assuming that you're lifting the long black lever located on the back side of the blade shroud (I've been teaching the basics of power tools to a few dads that never owned one before). If it seems soft to the touch when you move it to an upward vertical position to adjust the blade depth, but the shoe fails to move, the lever has either come loose and backed off of the nut that tightens the depth adjustment. or it has been rounded out during assembly from being over-tightened. Other than that, this is the best explanation I can give you based on my ownership and experience of this same model. And I've had mine for over 7 years. « Show Less