Jointer Problem: Convex Joint

[pjallen]

thanks for all the comments.

I have waxed the beds
The fence is square. I am not sure if it is within 0.001" but it is pretty square. Since a few of my boards are 10-12" wide I even bolted on an auxiliary fence made of birch plywood (that I was using to build a few jigs)

The blades are set ever so slightly above the outfeed table. I used the ruler method noted in the manual and I even used a jointer-knife setter jig that I built. Granite the metric dial micrometers that I used didn't really have necessary accuracy at that thickness. But both methods show the knives are evenly, ever-so-slightly above the outfeed table. I might try raising them and see what happens.

I have been trying to keep and even pressure on the outfeed table with the piece flush against the fence as soon as I have enough of the board passed through.

But I am starting to suspect the operator. I have had run-ins with him before!

I think I will get a few pine boards and just run them through and tweak everything until it improves.

thanks for the suggestions. I will keep you informed of my progress.

Phil

[pennview]

There are a couple of possible reasons for a convex edge after jointing. One is technique, and that's been addressed by several others. The other is that one of the tables is tilted upward ever so slightly on the outward/outfeed end. Given that the outfeed table on the Shopsmith is fixed, its likely a fix here would require having the table reground. If the infeed table is at fault, shimming might work.

Art

[pennview]

I have read criticism about the 4" jointer but I am very pleased with the performance of mine. Yes, there are limitations. But this is a 4" jointer and I believe that is adequate for my work. I do not recall having ever needed to joint a board that could not be done here.

It would be interesting to have a round table discussion with those who feel they "need" a jointer larger than that. Just what do they joint?

I guess it all depends on what someone wants from a jointer whether they're satisfied with the Shopsmith jointer. It's what it is -- 4" wide and not very long, which limits the type of work that can be accomplished using it. If you're jointing a board that's not too long, it does a nice job at edge jointing, and I'm pleased with mine for that purpose.

But a jointer also serves to fix defects in rough lumber so that it can be surfaced flat and the size of the Shopsmith severely limits what can be done in this area. It's of little use if your lumber is twisted, bowed, cupped, etc. If you run rough lumber through a planer with defects like these, you'll likely end up with a smooth board that still exhibits the same defects.



Art in Western Pennsylvania