Setting Knives for Rabbeting and Nicks (Model 54A only)
NOTE: Rabbeting is not applicable on helical cutterhead models.
To position the knives for rabbet cuts, take a shop scale with 1/32” graduations and place it against the end of the cutterhead. Slide the knife out until it is at the 1/32” mark on the scale; that is, the knife will now be 1/32” beyond the edge of the cutterhead. The gib should remain in normal position, even with the edge of the cutterhead. (Figure 27). This adjustment will ensure that the knife clears the end of the gib and cutterhead, and has good contact with the workpiece. (See the Rabbet Cuts section for further information.)
Note: This will also correct for small nicks without requiring replacement of blades.
Replacing or Rotating Knife Inserts (Model 54HH only)
The knife inserts on the model 54HH Jointer are
Use the two provided star point screwdrivers to remove the knife insert screw. See Figure 28. Use one of the screwdrivers to help hold the cutterhead in position, and the other to remove the screw. It is advisable to rotate all inserts at the same time to maintain consistent cutting. However, if one or more knife inserts develops a nick, rotate only those inserts that are affected.
Each knife insert has an etched reference mark so that you can keep track of the rotations.
IMPORTANT: When removing or rotating inserts, clean saw dust from the screw, the insert, and the cutterhead platform. Dust accumulation between these elements can prevent the insert from seating properly, and may affect the quality of the cut.
Before installing each screw, lightly coat the screw threads with machine oil and wipe off any excess.
Securely tighten each screw which holds the knife inserts before operating the planer!
Make sure all knife insert screws are tightened securely. Loose inserts can be propelled at high speed from a rotating cutterhead, causing injury.
Figure 27
Figure 28
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