Jointer depth of cut adjustment knob sloppy

[tomsalwasser]

Hello woodworkers,

My shopsmith jointer depth of cut adjustment knob has quite a bit of play before it adjusts anything. I've studied the jointer, the documentation and google and I can't see how to remove the play in the knob. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Best,
Tom Salwasser

[robinson46176]

Most jointer table adjustment controls are sloppy. You normally back the table down a tiny bit below the level that you want then tighten the knob to raise the table to the exact position. Most hand planes work pretty much the same way. The slop doesn't really matter, you just always want to control the slop in one direction. I hope that makes sense, I'm running behind on sleep today...

[tomsalwasser]

Most jointer table adjustment controls are sloppy.

Thanks for the reply Francis. I have 45 degrees of slop before the knob engages. It seems like I need to tighten the knob down but I don't see how.

Best,
Tom

[wa2crk]

Hi;
I think that the slop that your referring is really some backlash in the worm gear. I havent taken a jointer apart for a few years but if I recall correctly the worm gear that raises and lowers the infeed table can not be adjusted.
My jointer has the same amount of slop that you describe and it is not a problem for me.
If you have an older jointer, 30 years or so, it may be time for a tear down and when you do this you can clean and lube the area where the infeed table rides up and down the ramp as this area can accumulate some crud over the years.
By the way, "CRUD" is technically correct term !!!
Bill V

[tomsalwasser]

[quote="wa2crk"]Hi]

Thanks Bill. I misspoke earlier, I meant to say 90 degrees of play. Do you find that to be excessive?

[tdubnik]

My jointer also has a fair amount of play in the depth adjustment knob. My manual says this will be the case and to over-adjust to the down side and then bring the infeed table UP to the desired cut. I have always worked this way and never found the slop to be a problem.

The only issue I can see would occur if the table moves down once you make your depth adjustment properly.

[heathicus]

My old 1960's Craftsman jointer is the same way. It may even have more than 90 degrees play in the adjustment handle.

[tomsalwasser]

Thanks everyone, I do appreciate your help. I'll just let that sloppy adjustment knob alone then.