Jointer blade height

[tdorey]

Hello.

First. I searched the forum and couldn't find anything.

I had my jointer blades sharpened and put them back in. What is the best method for setting the height for the blades so they are all identical. Those Allen bolts that are under the blade set the height but I can,t think of anything better than turn each half turns. Anything more acurate than counting turns? I,m worried about the left and right, keeping the blades the same on both sides along with each blade being the same.

This has to be perfect.. Doesn't it?

Thanks for your input.

[dusty]

It is important (imperative) that they all be the same and that they all be the same at both ends and in the middle. I set mine for a couple of thousandths above the outfeed table. When setting blade height, I have both the infeed and the outfeed table set to be coplanar. It is almost as important to have the tables setproperly as it is to have the blades set properly.

Low quality production but a good presentation of how I check jointer blade settings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybHUddm89Ho

As I view this video NOW, I believe the blades were maladjusted. It appears to me that the blades lift higher on one side of the jointer than on the other. This would not be acceptable. The amount of lift and travel that the blades impart to the 6" ruler should be identical at every location. The amount of lift should be no more than is necessary to move the ruler (.001" - .003").

[jsburger]

Hello.

First. I searched the forum and couldn't find anything.

I had my jointer blades sharpened and put them back in. What is the best method for setting the height for the blades so they are all identical. Those Allen bolts that are under the blade set the height but I can,t think of anything better than turn each half turns. Anything more acurate than counting turns? I,m worried about the left and right, keeping the blades the same on both sides along with each blade being the same.

This has to be perfect.. Doesn't it?

Thanks for your input.

Yes you need to check the height at each end of the blade. That assures the blade is level and parallel to the tables. Use a 6" steel ruler. Set it on edge (you may have to lightly hold it on edge) on the out feed table so it projects over the cutter head. Rotate the cutter head so the blade moves through top dead center. The blade should just kiss the ruler and move it less than 1/8". The ides is to have the ruler move the same amount when you check each end of each blade

[charlese]

John nailed this one! This is a tried and true method, however it is (can be) a trying and frustrating job.

Another method is to hold a straight piece of glass to the outfeed table with rare earth magnets and bring the blades up to the glass. (Not plexiglass,-- plate glass)

[jsburger]

John nailed this one! This is a tried and true method, however it is (can be) a trying and frustrating job.

Another method is to hold a straight piece of glass to the outfeed table with rare earth magnets and bring the blades up to the glass. (Not plexiglass,-- plate glass)

I use exactly the same method with my 6" Powermatic jointer. I also sharpen those blades with the SS sharpening guide and conical sanding disk.

I find that if the blades were aligned properly to begin with when you reinstall the newly sharpened blades with the SS jig you don't have to adjust anything. Just check to be sure.