ShopSmith jointer cutterhead allignment

[whitewj50]

I puller the cutter head and replaced the worn out bearings. I am in the process or reassembling and I note that there is considerable play (slop) available in cinching down the bearing blocks. I am guessing that centering left and right and aligning the shaft to be parallel with the headstock power drive will be adequate. Any other insights would be appreciated.

[edma194]

I haven't done a joiner rebuild myself but this thread may help you out: viewtopic.php?t=12462

I don't recall any mention of slop between the bearings. Did you get the correct bearings? Sources are mentioned in the thread along with the dimensions of the correct bearings.

[dusty]

I puller the cutter head and replaced the worn out bearings. I am in the process or reassembling and I note that there is considerable play (slop) available in cinching down the bearing blocks. I am guessing that centering left and right and aligning the shaft to be parallel with the headstock power drive will be adequate. Any other insights would be appreciated.

There should be no slop when the bearing blocks are secured. What is the OD on the bearings that you bought? Same as the bearings that you removed??

[chapmanruss]

If the "considerable play (slop) available" you are referring to is between the blocks and the Jointer's main casting that is not a problem and shouldn't really be that much. Simply align the cutter head to be a straight cut across the table width and in line with the headstock. There shouldn't be enough play there to cause a problem. If your Jointer has more than normal "slop" make sure the knives are not hitting the main casting after aligning them.

[whitewj50]

Thanks Russ. The pillow block/casting play is what I am referring to. I am going to reassemble the unit today and will center the cutter head left/right and align the axis with the headstock drive shaft and see how the blade adjustment goes.