If you’ve used the thickness planer at Reforge Charleston, you’ve probably noticed the digital readout mounted on the side — that’s the Wixey WR510 Digital Planer Readout. Instead of squinting at the factory gauge (which is notoriously inaccurate on most portable planers), the Wixey gives you a precise digital reading of the thickness of wood coming out the back of the planer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use it confidently, even if you’ve never touched one before.
What Is the Wixey WR510?
The Wixey WR510 is an aftermarket digital readout designed for portable “lunchbox” style thickness planers. It replaces or supplements the factory depth gauge and displays the thickness of your planed stock in inches with fractions, decimal inches, or millimeters — accurate to within +/- 0.0025 inches. That’s far more precise than any stock gauge you’ll find on a portable planer.
It fits most popular planer brands including DeWalt, Delta, Ridgid, Ryobi, Makita, and Craftsman. At Reforge, it’s already installed and calibrated on our planer, so you don’t need to worry about mounting — just understanding how to read and use it.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | WR510 Type 2 |
| Measuring Range | 0–6 inches (155 mm) |
| Resolution (Decimal) | 0.005 in. |
| Resolution (Fraction) | 1/32 in. |
| Resolution (Metric) | 0.1 mm |
| Accuracy | +/- 0.0025 in. |
| Battery | 2x AAA (not included) |
| Display | Angled LCD for easy viewing |
| Auto Shutoff | Yes |
| Memory | Retains calibration when off |
Understanding the Buttons
The Wixey WR510 has a simple interface with just two buttons. Here’s what each one does:
Button 1: ON/OFF + HOLD TO CAL
This is the primary power button located on the face of the digital display.
- Quick press: Turns the unit ON or OFF. When you power on, the display will show the last calibrated measurement position.
- Press and hold for 3–5 seconds: This triggers the calibration function. You’ll use this during the calibration procedure (described below) to zero out the gauge against a freshly planed board. The display will flash or reset to zero when calibration is accepted.
Button 2: ABS/INC (Absolute / Incremental)
This button toggles between two measuring modes. A quick press switches between them — do not hold this button down, just tap it.
- Absolute Mode (ABS): This is the mode you’ll use most often. It shows the actual thickness of the wood that will come out of the planer at the current cutter head height. If the display reads 3/4″, your board will be 3/4″ thick after planing. This is the mode that is set during calibration.
- Incremental Mode (INC): This mode lets you temporarily zero the display at any position. It’s useful when you want to track exactly how much material you’re removing rather than the final thickness. For example, if you need to take off exactly 1/16″ from a board, switch to Incremental mode, zero the display, then lower the cutter head until it reads 1/16″.
Display Modes: Fractions, Decimals, and Metric
The Wixey uses patented “Precise Fraction Technology” to display measurements. The display simultaneously shows both a decimal/fraction value and a visual scale. To toggle between fractional inches, decimal inches, and millimeters, refer to the owner’s manual — typically it involves a button combination or pressing the mode button during power-on. At Reforge, we generally keep it set to fractional inches since that’s what most woodworking plans call for.
How to Calibrate the Wixey (Step-by-Step)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Calibration is required the first time you use the gauge, after every battery change, and whenever the planer blades are replaced or have worn significantly. At Reforge, if you replace batteries or suspect the calibration is off, please follow these steps or ask a fellow member for help.
Calibration ensures the digital readout accurately reflects the true thickness of wood coming out of the planer. Here’s the process:
- Plane a test board: Run a scrap piece of wood (at least 8–10 inches long) through the planer. Make sure the entire top surface has been cut — you need a freshly planed, flat surface. Do NOT change the cutter head height after this pass.
- Position the board on the gauge foot: Lift the spring-loaded scale bar using the lip at the top. Place the freshly planed face of the board flat on the stationary foot at the bottom of the gauge frame.
- Lower the scale bar onto the board: Gently let the scale bar rest on top of the board. Make sure the board is sitting flat and level — any tilt will throw off the calibration.
- Hold the CAL button: Press and hold the ON/OFF (HOLD TO CAL) button for 3–5 seconds. The display will zero out, meaning it’s now calibrated to the actual thickness of that board at the current cutter head position.
- Verify (optional but recommended): Use a set of digital calipers to measure the thickness of your test board. Compare it to the Wixey reading. They should match within a few thousandths of an inch. If not, repeat the process making sure the board is perfectly flat on the foot.
Once calibrated, the Wixey retains its calibration in memory even when powered off. You should not need to recalibrate for each new board — only after battery changes or blade replacements.
Using the Wixey: A Newbie Walkthrough
Here’s a practical, step-by-step example of how to use the Wixey during a typical planing session at Reforge:
Scenario: You need to plane rough lumber down to 3/4″ thick
- Power on: Press the ON/OFF button. The display will light up and show the current cutter head position.
- Check the mode: Make sure you’re in Absolute (ABS) mode. If you see “INC” on the display, tap the ABS/INC button once to switch.
- Read the current setting: The display shows what thickness the planer is currently set to produce. It might read something like 1-1/4″ from the last user.
- Adjust the cutter head: Use the planer’s height adjustment crank to lower the cutter head. Watch the Wixey display as you crank — the numbers will decrease as you lower the head.
- Don’t go straight to 3/4″: If your rough lumber is 1″ thick, don’t drop immediately to 3/4″. Take passes of no more than 1/16″ to 1/8″ at a time. Lower to about 15/16″ first, run the board through, then lower to 7/8″, run again, and continue stepping down.
- Final pass: When the display reads 3/4″ (or 0.750″), run your final board through. That’s it — your board should be exactly 3/4″ thick.
- Verify with calipers: For critical dimensions (joinery, dado grooves, etc.), always double-check with digital calipers after the final pass.
Scenario: Using Incremental Mode to remove a precise amount
- You have a board that’s slightly too thick for a dado joint and need to shave off exactly 1/32″.
- Tap the ABS/INC button to switch to Incremental mode.
- Press and hold the CAL button to zero the display at the current position.
- Now lower the cutter head until the display reads 1/32″.
- Run the board through — you’ve removed exactly 1/32″ of material.
- Switch back to Absolute mode when done so the next user sees true thickness readings.
Tips for Accurate Readings
- Always check the mode: Before trusting the display number, make sure you’re in Absolute mode (unless you specifically need Incremental). The most common mistake new users make is reading an Incremental value and thinking it’s the board thickness.
- Board must be flat: During calibration, the test board must sit perfectly flat on the gauge foot. Any tilt, twist, or rocking will produce an inaccurate calibration.
- Don’t force the scale bar: The spring-loaded bar should move freely and smoothly. If it feels sticky or jammed, let a fellow member know so we can address it.
- Take light passes: The Wixey tells you exactly where the cutter head is, but the planer still works best when you remove small amounts per pass (1/16″ to 1/8″ max for hardwoods).
- Verify critical dimensions: For joinery, shelf fitting, or any situation where a few thousandths matter, always confirm with digital calipers. The Wixey is very accurate, but a quick caliper check gives you total confidence.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Display shows nothing or is dim
The batteries are likely dead. The WR510 Type 2 uses two AAA batteries. Replace them and recalibrate. Spare batteries are kept in the supply area — if we’re out, please let a member know.
Readings seem way off (like 0.200″ error)
An error of exactly 0.200″ (or a multiple like 0.400″, 0.600″) is a known issue that occurs when the scale bar is moved too quickly. Recalibrate following the steps above and the problem should resolve.
Scale bar doesn’t slide smoothly
The mechanism needs to travel freely up and down past the readout. If it’s binding or catching, the mounting brackets may need minor adjustment. Please don’t force it — report the issue so we can address it properly.
Calibration doesn’t seem to hold
Make sure you’re calibrating in Absolute mode, not Incremental. Also ensure the test board is sitting flat and level on the gauge foot during the calibration hold. If problems persist after fresh batteries and a clean recalibration, contact Wixey support — they are known to be very responsive.
Makerspace Etiquette & Shared Equipment Care
⚠️ REMEMBER: Reforge is a member-driven makerspace with no on-site staff. Taking care of shared equipment is everyone’s responsibility.
- Leave it in Absolute mode: When you’re done, always switch back to Absolute mode so the next user gets meaningful readings immediately.
- Power off when done: Although the Wixey has auto-shutoff, please turn it off manually to extend battery life.
- Don’t recalibrate unless needed: The calibration holds across power cycles. Only recalibrate if you’ve replaced batteries, the readings are clearly wrong, or the planer blades have been changed.
- Report issues: If the display is acting erratic, the batteries seem dead, or the scale bar isn’t moving smoothly, please report it so we can fix it promptly.
- Keep it clean: Brush sawdust away from the gauge foot and scale bar area. Dust buildup can affect the accuracy of calibration and readings.
Instructional YouTube Videos
These videos are excellent resources for seeing the Wixey WR510 in action. Watching someone walk through the installation, calibration, and daily use is one of the best ways to build confidence before using it yourself:
- Wixey WR510 Installation on DeWalt Planer — Search YouTube for step-by-step installation walkthroughs. Several woodworkers (including byTravis and others) have posted detailed install guides showing the full mounting and alignment process on DeWalt 735 and similar planers.
- Wixey Digital Planer Readout Calibration & Use — Multiple tutorial videos cover the calibration procedure and demonstrate using both Absolute and Incremental modes in real planing sessions.
- Wixey Planer Gauge Reviews & Real-World Use — Watch experienced woodworkers demonstrate how they use the Wixey in their daily workflow, including tips for getting the most accurate readings and common pitfalls to avoid.
- Thickness Planer Tips for Beginners — General planer technique videos that cover proper feed direction, how much material to remove per pass, and how digital readouts like the Wixey fit into the workflow.
Official Resources & Reference Links
- Wixey WR510 Product Page — Official product information, features, and compatible planer models.
- Wixey How To Use Guide — Official mounting and usage instructions from Wixey, including planer-specific installation details.
- Wixey Calibration Instructions — Step-by-step calibration guide directly from the manufacturer.
- Wixey WR510 Owner’s Manual — Full downloadable owner’s manual (PDF) with detailed diagrams.
- WR510 Type 2 Installation Instructions (PDF) — The complete installation instruction sheet for the current Type 2 model.
- Wixey Planer Readout FAQ — Official frequently asked questions covering calibration tips, troubleshooting, and compatibility.
- Will It Fit My Planer? — Compatibility checker showing which planers the WR510 fits and any special installation notes for each model.
- Wixey Customer Support — Contact Wixey directly for technical questions. They have a reputation for being very responsive and helpful.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Action | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Turn on/off | Quick press the ON/OFF button |
| Calibrate | Place freshly planed board on foot, hold ON/OFF for 3–5 sec |
| Switch to Absolute mode | Tap ABS/INC button (don’t hold) |
| Switch to Incremental mode | Tap ABS/INC button (don’t hold) |
| Zero in Incremental mode | Hold CAL button for 3–5 sec while in INC mode |
| Read thickness | Look at the display — the number shown is the board thickness in ABS mode |
| Change units | Refer to owner’s manual for unit toggle procedure |
The Wixey WR510 is one of those simple upgrades that makes a massive difference in your woodworking accuracy. Once you get comfortable with it, you’ll wonder how you ever planed without it. If you have any questions about using the Wixey or the planer itself, don’t hesitate to ask a fellow Reforge member — we’re all here to learn and make great things together.
Happy making! 🪵