Shopsmith Forums

So after much much delay I am going to try and use the Planer sharpening jig to sharpen up my pro planer blades, my spare blades, and the jointer blades.

I have put it off for so long because I got this jig when I got my 520 and never found instructions on how to use it. I finally found the manual and am seeing some small lines in my pieces after going through the planer.

So, any advice for a total beginner when sharpening these blades with the jig? Once I get it going I will most likely be sharpening my 2 planer sets, my jointer set, and while I am at it, my father in-laws jointer and planer blades. So I will get some use out of it, but really do not want to mess up my blades. (And yes I will be using the conical disk sander).

It's pretty straightforward, really, The hardest part is to not cut yourself on those sharp blades.

The first time I used mine, I was surprised at how light the contact needs to be between the disc and the blade, and so I took off more metal than necessary. Start with the abrasive just barely kissing the blade, at the highest point (wobble-wise) on the disc.

Be aware the clamps may require futzing with to make sure the blades are bottomed out in the slot.

Also make sure you keep the jig in contact with the fence all the time. I find I have to really pay attention to that.

Another thing is to run all 3 knives the same amount of times regardless of when each one gets sharp. That way they are all the same width. It makes getting them all the same height in the cutter head much easier.