Quick Question: Setting Planer blades, but lost the setting gauge - replace or ??

cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:12 pm

Hi, I removed my planer blades for a much needed grinding & sharpening -- they were leaving ridges in the planed wood they were so dinged up.

Blades are back, looking good, and all is clean and ready for re-install.... but I can't find the setting gauge.

Should I just buy a replacement? Or is there a reasonable way to set the blades without this tool? Even better, is there an even MORE accurate way to set them (flat and even to each other), maybe with a dial gauge or something built for true accuracy?

Thanks!

jayhawk · Post by **jayhawk** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 4:41 pm

On Sawdust Session #20, Nick uses a dial indicator to set the planer knives. After watching the video and taking some notes on his settings, I was able to set the knives on my planer using a dial indicator and now get a very smooth finish.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... _Index.htm

cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:02 pm

Just previewed the video here at work and this looks like a compltete answer, thanks jayhawk. I'll probably close or lock this thread if I can, and go buy one of those dial indicators & frame setups. Presumably it'll work equally as well at setting up the jointer blades, and maybe even stuff like table saw blade height (?).

jayhawk · Post by **jayhawk** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:26 pm

Glad I could help. Here is a link to the manual for Shopsmith's Dial Indicator. Good info in it, too.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/prod ... icator.pdf

cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:14 pm

Ah cool, that looks great, thanks. I like the mitre attachment, too.

But... that item, as-is, does not seem to handle the planer adjustment. Or am I missing a way it could be used?

jayhawk · Post by **jayhawk** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:19 pm

You're right. You need a magnetic base to do the knife adjustments. I bought one at HF.

wannabewoodworker · Post by **wannabewoodworker** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:59 pm

The HF magnetic base is on sale for $9.99 and you could get their digital dial indicator good to .0005 for $27.99 also on sale now. Looks to be perfect for setting the knives. I think I may get this for doing my jointer blades.

Dial Indicator

Magnetic Base

lv2wdwrk · Post by **lv2wdwrk** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 11:05 pm

wannabewoodworker wrote:The HF magnetic base is on sale for $9.99 and you could get their digital dial indicator good to .0005 for $27.99 also on sale now. Looks to be perfect for setting the knives. I think I may get this for doing my jointer blades.

Dial Indicator

Magnetic Base

Check the magazines you get, if any, that are DIY or woodworking related, there may be a 20% coupon.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 11:30 am

Another thing to think about with those dial indicators is whether or not they accept different tips. You'll need one that accepts accessory tips like the flat ended tip used by Nick. Without replacing the tip, it will be difficult to balance the standard ball ended tip on the edge of the planer blade as you slide it back and forth taking measurements.

wannabewoodworker · Post by **wannabewoodworker** » Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:49 pm

I picked up the HF digital dial indicator and magnetic base yesterday. It worked great and has a reversible tip so you have a flat end and a ball end tip to use. I ended up just using a straight edge and getting the blades just to touch the blades at the apex of their travel. After using the dial indicator I tested the cut and the jointer still gouged the wood at the end of the cut. So i went back and did the manual instructions to just get the blades to touch a straight edge. I re-tested and it now cuts perfectly with no gouging so I am a happy camper.