20
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 unt il 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
four-sided. When dull, simply remove each insert,
rotate it 90° for a fresh edge, and re-install it.
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 tim e 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 knif e
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