Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Nov 20, 2006 05:38pm | #1

   While you've got it apart, you should consider changing the cutterhead for better performance.  I've got an old Northfield with a 4 knife cutterhead, and it's outstanding.  Enjoy.

   Jeff

1. 
   tzach | Nov 21, 2006 02:34am | #4

   I guess I didn't realize that there were square cutterheads made.  Do older planers have the possibility of square cutterheads or isn't this a problem because of the pressure rollers and mechanical feed?  Just out of curiosity do you have any place to get a 3 or 4 blade cutterhead or possibly a spiral carbide head?  I will probably keep it a 2 blade however just so as not to have to repour or alter the existing babbitt bearings.  

1. 
   JeffHeath | Nov 21, 2006 04:57am | #5

   My jointer is a Northfield, and they are still manufacturing industrial equipment up in Minnesota.  I'm sure that there would be a way to retrofit a helical type head to your jointer, as there are a few manufacturers out there.  However, one of the guys who rebuild these machines, perhaps Rick, would know of sources.  I do not know of a source for your particular machine.

   Jeff

2. 
   RickL | Nov 21, 2006 04:03pm | #6

   Square cutterheads were the the standard in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. Nothing wrong with babbitt. It's quieter than ball bearings.  There's still plenty of folks that will repour them. Converting the heads isn't always an easy thing. Babbitt journals are typically longer and not always removable to use pillow block bearings. http://www.byrdtool.com and http://www.sunhill.com offer insert heads. There's also Tersa heads which are straight quick change knives. http://www.estausa.com/ would be something you could use on your existing head. Two knives is a piece of cake, but I do machine repair for a living. I can change a 4 knife head in 20 minutes within .0005".

   You got a great deal and it will last you your whole life without changing anything so spend the money on other things.

2. 
   RickL | Nov 20, 2006 06:08pm | #2

   At least it's a modern style cutterhead and not the clamshell type. I wouldn't worry about changing the cutterhead. Just feed the wood a bit slower and it will cut fine.  The advantage to a two knife head is it's quicker to change knives.

1. 
   JeffHeath | Nov 20, 2006 06:18pm | #3

   Rick

   Good point.  I definately wasn't stating a 2 knife head wasn't good, just that the 4 knife head was a vast improvement for me.  I've got to work on my communication skills!

   Jeff