Shopsmith Forums

So - I was working away on my inherited planer on some red oak and I noticed that the blades really weren't cutting very well at all.

The blades need sharpening. I took 'em out of the cutter head with only a little swearing at some stuck set screws but now I have to decide if I cn sharpen them myself in the shop, or if I need to take them in to have them professionally sharpened.

They look like a straight 45 degree bevel cut.

Any suggestions on jigs or methods for sharpening these bad boys?

Thanks very much!!!

justsomeguy wrote:So - I was working away on my inherited planer on some red oak and I noticed that the blades really weren't cutting very well at all.

The blades need sharpening. I took 'em out of the cutter head with only a little swearing at some stuck set screws but now I have to decide if I cn sharpen them myself in the shop, or if I need to take them in to have them professionally sharpened.

They look like a straight 45 degree bevel cut.

Any suggestions on jigs or methods for sharpening these bad boys?

Thanks very much!!!

Don't make it harder than it is! Your problem has been resolved here.

dusty wrote:Don't make it harder than it is! Your problem has been resolved here.

Yes, $130 and shipping and that solves your problem. I made a copy of the Deulen jig. Take a scrap of wood, cut two 45 angles so you blade sticks out like an upside down V and run through several grits of sand paper.

Rotate out one blade when you done 50% of your sharpening with that grit. Example: blades 1/2, 1/3, 2/3.

I can make a homemade jig in minutes.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=31167

Updated with better link to show jig.

Here's another option for sharpening jointer or planer knives -- http://deulentools.com/ -- and it's likely that one could easily diy a similar set-up. The video explains the jig.

pennview wrote:Here's another option for sharpening jointer or planer knives -- http://deulentools.com/ -- and it's likely that one could easily diy a similar set-up. The video explains the jig.

What he said...or what I said...I guess they are the same .

I've been playing around with it because it is a really simple method and as long as the slots you cut are pretty tight you'll get a 45 degree angle. Cut the block long so you can trim off any ends that might not be straight. Cut long enough and you can create a jig for jointer blades too.

Great - thanks very much everyone for your advice!!!

It is much appreciated. Hopefully will get some time to have a go at a sharpening jig this weekend.

Cheers!

Great jig! Thanks for the tip!