Replies

1. 
   demar1 | Jan 05, 2005 09:17pm | #1

   http://amos.shop.com/amos/cc/pcd/10987174/prd/16866445/ccsyn/260

    

   Andy, I use the Oneway multi gauge which is more versatile- can be used for the setting planer knives as well.  It is more expensive but I think it is worth it in the long run. Good Luck, Ernie

1. 
   AndyA | Jan 06, 2005 07:28am | #2

   Thanks, Ernie.
   I don't know how I missed seeing this tool. It looks great!
   Regards,
   Andy

2. 
   Napie | Jan 10, 2005 09:31pm | #3

   I have had great luck with the magna-Set.

1. 
   AndyA | Jan 11, 2005 06:20am | #4

   Thanks, Napie.
   Regards,
   Andy

3. 
   Paulie | Jan 12, 2005 09:32pm | #5

   I use a brass straight edge on the out field table and set the blades so they just touch when you roll past top centre. This is very cheap, fast(10 minutes) and in my opinion very accurate.

   
   

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   Edited 1/12/2005 1:33 pm ET by paulie

1. 
   AndyA | Jan 13, 2005 07:50pm | #7

   Thank you, Paulie.
   Regards,
   Andy

4. 
   Peter36 | Jan 12, 2005 11:25pm | #6

   Hi Andy. I think that most jigs will do an excellent job of setting the knives parallel but a lot of care must be used in setting them at the right height. I don't know if your jointer has an adjustable outfeed table but your knives need to be higher than the outfeed by a fractional amount. The exact amount varies by feed rate, number of knives, and the typical material being jointed. The general rule of thumb is to set your outfeed table so that a flat piece of wood will be pulled about 3mm when you rotate the cutterhead by hand. The reason for this is so the high points of the scallops created by the machine, rest on the bed. Good luck.

1. 
   AndyA | Jan 23, 2005 08:34am | #12

   Thank you Peter. Very good info.
   Sorry for the late response. Somehow I missed your post.
   Regards,
   Andy

5. 
   MarkRD | Jan 14, 2005 10:16pm | #8

   FWIW, I use a sheet of glass resting on the outfeed table and some powerful magnets to hold the blades up while I tighten them into place - I don't remember where I learned this technique (did I invent it? - I doubt it) but it works like a charm.

   HTH,
   Mark

1. 
   AndyA | Jan 15, 2005 07:29am | #9

   Thanks, Mark. That sounds interesting. I will give it a try.
   Regards,
   Andy

2. 
   x372sailor | Jan 17, 2005 09:09am | #10

   Interesting idea Mark.  How do you ensure you have the blades at top dead centre?  And how do you avoid moving the blades while tightening the gib bolts?

   Brian

1. 
   MarkRD | Jan 17, 2005 06:08pm | #11

   Regarding Top dead center - I honestly don't remember - it's been years since I replaced the cutters - it is possible that I just "eyeballed" it. My outfeed table height is adjustable too so it may not matter.I remember that the moving blades was a problem while tightening them into place and I don't remember how I dealt with it...Mark

6. 
   JerryPacMan | Jan 27, 2005 09:27pm | #13

   Use the stick method!!!

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=18458.13

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

7. 
   cowtown | Feb 03, 2005 11:30am | #14

   I duuno how yer machine is set up, but my 2040 makita planer uses the stick method.

   I did at one time try using a dial indicator to "improve" alignment, but it didn't offer any benifet to me.

   I've used the stick method with my jointer with success for years now too.

   I note that others have indicated using glass (gotta try that one!)

   It's interesting how many folks suggest inexpensive methods that have served them well for many years.

   just might be something to it eh? doncha figure? A solution that is quick, easy and at hand. What else would give a gizmo marketer nightmares.

   Eric in Cowtown

1. 
   AndyA | Feb 03, 2005 07:52pm | #16

   Thanks, Eric
   Regards,
   Andy

8. 
   RickL | Feb 03, 2005 03:31pm | #15

   Don't kid yourself on the stick method. I set up machines professionally and use a special indicator. I can change the knives on a 20" 4 knife jointer in less than 1/2 hour and keep it within .0005".

1. 
   AndyA | Feb 03, 2005 07:52pm | #17

   Thanks, rick3ddd.
   Regards,
   Andy

1. 
   RickL | Feb 04, 2005 04:43am | #18

   This is the gauge I use. No longer available but a block of wood and a $15 indicator from Enco works fine. I use a 1/2" convex button tip but if you can make sure the indicator is perpindicular a 1/2" flat tip would be simpler and top dead center is no big problem.

   
1. 
   AndyA | Feb 04, 2005 07:40pm | #19

   Rick3dd,
   Thank you very much for the photo. That would surely do the trick. I like the heft of it, too.
   Regards,
   Andy