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Lockout and Inspect Trough

Hit E-stop, lock out the machine, and open the chip conveyor access panel or drawer. Visually inspect the auger trough for visible chip wads or stringy material wrapped around the shaft.

Use a flashlight to check tight corners of the trough where chips often accumulate.

Lockout/Tagout required. Sharp chip hazard - wear cut-resistant gloves.

Manually Clear Jam

Using a hook, rod, or snips, carefully break up compacted chips or cut away stringy material. Avoid excessive force that could damage the auger flights.

For tightly wrapped chips, rotate the auger shaft slightly by hand (power off) to access hidden material.

Never attempt to clear with power applied. Risk of severe injury.

Test Auger Rotation

After clearing, close the access panel, release lockout, and jog the auger in reverse (if equipped) then forward using the control panel. Monitor for unusual noise or resistance.

Listen for grinding sounds that might indicate remaining debris or auger damage.

Ensure all guards are in place before powering on.

Check Coolant Level

Inspect the coolant tank level and ensure it is within the recommended range per the machine manual. Top off if low using the correct coolant mix.

Mark the tank with a minimum level line for quick daily checks.

Use only manufacturer-approved coolant to avoid system damage.

Test Coolant Flow to Trough

Manually activate the coolant pump via the control panel and observe if coolant is flowing into the auger trough. Look for clogged or misaligned nozzles.

Use a small mirror to check nozzle alignment without disassembling guards.

Avoid splashing coolant - wear eye protection.

Clean or Adjust Nozzles

If flow is weak, lock out the machine and clean nozzles with compressed air or a wire brush. Realign if necessary to ensure coolant washes directly into the trough.

Keep a spare nozzle on hand for quick swaps if cleaning fails.

Lockout/Tagout required before working on coolant system.

Lockout and Access Trough

Engage E-stop, lock out the machine, and open the conveyor access panel or drawer to inspect the auger trough for foreign objects like tools or hardware.

Use a magnet on a stick to retrieve small metal objects without reaching in.

Sharp debris hazard - wear protective gloves.

Remove Foreign Object

Carefully remove any non-chip debris using pliers or a hook. Check the entire length of the auger for hidden objects lodged in flights.

Document the object found to trace back to a process failure (e.g., loose fixture).

Do not force auger rotation to dislodge objects - risk of damage.

Verify Clear Path and Test

After removal, visually confirm the auger path is clear. Release lockout and jog the auger slowly to ensure smooth rotation without obstruction.

Run a short test cycle with no cutting to confirm normal operation.

Ensure guards are reinstalled before testing.

Lockout and Inspect Auger Flights

Lock out the machine and access the auger trough. Inspect the auger flights along the entire shaft for wear, cracks, or bent sections.

Compare flight edges to a new auger photo if available to gauge wear extent.

Sharp edges on damaged flights - wear gloves.

Measure Flight Clearance

Use a feeler gauge to measure clearance between auger flights and trough walls. Excessive clearance indicates wear and reduced chip movement efficiency.

Check multiple points along the auger - uneven wear is common near the discharge end.

Ensure machine is locked out during measurement.

Plan Replacement if Needed

If flights are significantly worn or damaged, order replacement parts per the Haas parts manual. Schedule downtime for auger replacement and test post-installation.

Keep a spare auger on hand if your operation generates heavy chip loads.

Do not operate with damaged auger - risk of further jams.

Locate Overload Relay

Lock out the machine and open the electrical cabinet. Locate the auger motor overload relay, typically on the motor starter block, and note the current trip setting.

Take a photo of the relay settings before adjusting for reference.

Electrical hazard - only qualified personnel should access cabinet.

Compare to Motor Specs

Check the auger motor nameplate for Full Load Amps (FLA). Ensure the overload relay is set to 115-125% of FLA as per manufacturer guidelines.

If unsure of correct setting, consult Haas service manual for model-specific values.

Do not adjust relay without proper training - risk of motor damage.

Adjust and Test

If out of spec, adjust the relay setting to the correct value, document the change, and reset the relay. Release lockout and test auger operation under load, monitoring for trips.

Use a clamp meter during test to verify actual current draw matches expected FLA.

Ensure cabinet is closed and locked before powering on.