Shopsmith Forums

I have the shop smith jointer and it seems to be very hard to turn the adjustment knob. I can move it to 1/8" very easy then it binds up. What do you think I have to fix to make it move easier or is this normal?

One other question...how exactly does the jointer work? I mean I notice the back part of the jointer raises higher than the front part but how does it slice the wood when the outfeed is higher than the infeed portion?

Clueless

The outfeed is higher than the infeed by the amount you are cutting from the board. If it sat at any other height, you could not cut a board straight.

The knob is attached to a screw. Likely the threads are crudded up.

The blades should be set to the same height as the outfeed table. The infeed table is adjusted to control depth of cut.

The blades do the 'slicing', not the tables. The tables support the workpiece as it approaches(infeed) and moves away(outfeed) from the blades.

pilvr83 wrote:I have the shop smith jointer and it seems to be very hard to turn the adjustment knob. I can move it to 1/8" very easy then it binds up. What do you think I have to fix to make it move easier or is this normal?

One other question...how exactly does the jointer work? I mean I notice the back part of the jointer raises higher than the front part but how does it slice the wood when the outfeed is higher than the infeed portion?

Clueless

If you will carefully read this entire thread, I believe it will answer your questions regarding how the jointer work.

Don't get embroiled into a debate regarding whether the cutter should be "at the same height" or a "tiny bit below" the outfeed table.

Your question involves infeed table height with respect to outfeed table height.

How far the infeed table is below the cutter head (which is for all practical purposes the same as the outfeed table) will determine how much is cut.

I seldom cut more than 1/64" to 1/32" on a single pass.

With your jointer at is highest setting (i.e. your "⅛ inch") check how far the out feed table actually above the indeed table. Could be your depth of cut indicator is wrong.
Forrest

Could be one of 2 things - the nut that holds the outfeed table could be too tight. The second one is a longshot but - on the newer joiners there is a tab that drops down to prevent the operator from unknowingly taking too deep of cut. This seems silly but I have had it happen. I don't have a newer joiner right now so I can send you a photo.

forrestb wrote:With your jointer at is highest setting (i.e. your "&#8539] Could be your depth of cut indicator is wrong.[/U]
Forrest

By 1/4"??????????


What does it indicate when the tables are the same?

Thank you for the responses. I still am having trouble visualizing how it is supposed to work but I notice it does work. My wife tells me to not worry about the mechanics of the operation!!

I will look at the nut placement a little closer today. I am a little intimidated to take it too far apart.

One more question, yesterday Shopsmith sent an email with a conical sanding disk that also joints wood.

Would this be a better option for me then using this jointer?

Thanks again,

Greg

Not IMO, jointer for jointing sanding disc for sanding. Think of your jointer this way, like an aircraft carriers deck, that hat has a crack in it perpendicular, (left to right) to the plains landing, the farther half is higher then where the planes first touch down by 2 feet, as the planes land and pass over this difference in height, it takes of there wheels.
Dont take that nut off yet, just back off a quarter/half turn and see if it moves smoother, you dont want it to easy.

pilvr83,
I will take some exsadurated pics in a bid and post them. That should give you a better picture in your mind.