I wanted to close out a thread I had started a few months ago… but don’t recall how to get to do so; sorry everyone.
Notwithstanding, you may recall that I had purchased a new DJ-20, that ended out having a cracked (1/2″ deep & approximately 1/128″ wide, situated at the apex of 2 trunnions, about mid-way along the length) in-feed table. The crack had clearly been there prior to painting, as there was paint in the crack. Delta agreed to either replace the table or allow me to return the jointer to the dealer for a reimbursement and to reorder should I elect to do so. I elected to have them replace the defective table, as I wasn’t interested in paying to have the jointer moved out of my basement workshop, then to pay again to have the replacement unit brought in. One $125 move was enough for me, thank you very much!
The replacement in-feed table came in 3 weeks later and the tech brought it over to my shop to do the swap-out. Guess what? They had erred and sent the right table, but one with the older Delta gray colour rather than the X-5 light gray. The Regional Rep offered to have someone come down to my shop and paint the table, plus give me $200 toward accessories. I took him up on the deal and the tech proceeded to do the job. 4 hours later, and with it installed but now adjusted, I released the tech and told him I’d call for his assistance with the adjusting if I couldn’t get it done myself.
After nearly 6 hours of serious work, using a 24″, .001″ accurate straight-edge and plenty of patience, I was able to successfully set up the unit. It planes better than any jointer I’ve ever used. I followed the instructions on Delta’s website, but found I had to modify them to get the results I wanted. While reading through the instructions, I was surprised to note that the acceptable tolerance for flatness of either of the two tables is a whopping .008″! Although mine was within .002″, as measured with my straight-edge, I can’t see how Delta would have the gall to declare any table as being flat, if it was anything over .004″ out. Your thoughts?
I am now very satisifed with the machine, but still a bit disappointed that the factory quality-assurance team didn’t catch the defective casting before it left the factory.
Marty
Replies
The importaint thing is how well it works. If if planes flat then who cares how flat the tables are? Of course when you spend that kind of money you expect good tollerances. What brand and model of straight edge did you use? A good one is close to $100. If it is not a good one then there will be variation due to deflection and handling.
Mike
Mike,
I purchased the Veritas 24" model, that they state as being within .001" over its length, on both edges. The faces aren't registered.
Marty
That should be good enough. Just curious because I am looking for a good inexpensive straight edge, is it aluminum and how much does it sell for?
Mike
I just received the 38" aluminum straight edge from Lee Valley. It is a nice length and accurate enough for use in my shop.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=50074&cat=1,240,45313
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
> the acceptable tolerance for flatness of either of the two tables is a whopping .008"!
I suspect Delta puts a larger tolerance in the manual than the actual manufacturing tolerance to reduce phone calls from people with straightedges.
Pete
Oliver used to allow 0.010" for their 16" jointers. My Oliver outfeed table had a 0.017" dip and wouldn't joint an acceptable edge. I had it ground and got it to 0.004" which worked fine. There has to be some kind of allowance for tolerance. Woodworking isn't as fussy as metalworking where one might be making space shuttle parts. PM allows .015" on their tabletops.
lets see....1/128=.0078 , 1/256=.004, 1/512=.002, 1/1024=.001
I know we all want our jointer tables perfectly flat but we are working with wood and seems to me that expecting .001 is a bit overkill... I would think clamp pressure would certainly close any 1/512" gap
I have been considering the grizzly 8" jointer, and was curious what they used as an acceptable tollerance. I called TS, and they indicated they use a tolerance of .002 per foot of bed. So, for the one I'm looking at, .012 would be considered acceptable. Interesting, on what is acceptable.
They could magnaflux their castings in order to catch cracks. They do it with car motor parts all the time, if the parts are cast iron.
You don't have to reply, but I am curious how you could adjust the wings on a DJ 20 for sag with a 24" straight edge.
Ken
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