Setting Knives at Correct Height and Parallel To Outfeed Table
For accurate jointing, the outfeed table surface must be level with the knives (or knife inserts for the helical cutterhead) at the high point of their arc. In addition, on the straight cutterhead, the knives must be parallel with the outfeed table along the entire length of the knives.
When you receive the jointer, the knives have been
Height setting of knives is not applicable to the helical head models, in which the knife inserts are immediately at the proper height after installing. However, the height of the outfeed table must still be verified in relation to the arc of the knife inserts, as follows.
Knives or knife inserts are extremely sharp; use caution and proceed slowly when setting them.
To set outfeed table in relation to the knives, proceed as follows:
1.Disconnect jointer from power source.
2.Raise the outfeed table by loosening the locking handle (A, Figure 23) and using the lever (B).
3.Place a straight edge upon the outfeed table and extending over the center of the cutterhead as shown in Figures 23 and 24.
4.Rotate the cutterhead, using the belt or pulley, until one knife or knife insert is at its highest point. Do not grab the cutterhead itself to rotate it.
5.Lower the outfeed table until the straight edge contacts the knife, as shown in Figure 24. Using the drive belt, rock the cutterhead slightly to make sure the apex of the knife is contacting the straight edge.
6.Lock the outfeed table at that height by tightening the locking handle (A, Figure 23).
The importance of the knives being level with the outfeed table are shown by these examples of incorrect settings:
If the outfeed table is too high, the finished surface of the workpiece will be curved. See Figure 25.
If the outfeed table is too low, the work will have a gouge, or snipe, at the end of the cut. See Figure 26.
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26
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