I have a Grizzly 8″ jointer and have trouble setting the blades. The first time I changed the blades they came out maybe 85 percent as accurate as factory. The second time I was twice as careful and the machine was hardly useable.
I just used a straight edge to set the blade heights and now I think I need to buy a jig. I was wondering will I able to set the blades with a jig easily and perfectly or will I still be getting frustrated because of learning curve.
I see some of these jigs cost 70 or 80 dollars, a lot of money for a little magnetic steel. I was also thinking of switching to a new cutter head with the inserts for 4 times the money. What to do?
Replies
I think it's a matter of getting the knives correct. They have to be just a hair higher than the outfeed table. When you use the straight edge method, the knives should move the straight edge as you gently turn them by hand. With a blade from a combination square, you can get the knives set very accurately. Holding the blade on 8", it should move 1/8". You will find that you can get the movement of the straight edge to be exact. It's fast, accurate and sets the jointer just right. After setting up, cut in several inches on a straight piece and look to see if the cut rests nicely on the outfeed table. Checking the cut tells it all.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Unless you have money that you must dispose of, do as Hammer1 says. I would add: keep your stock clean & don't plane or joint after sanding. That way you won't be sharpening & resetting very often. Also beware woods bearing free silica.
Cadiddlehopper
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