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Jointer help

2K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  Littleroom 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey folks,

So I bought a used Mastercraft(yeah I know…) Jointer model #55-5514-8 and it was running fine for a while, I had not needed to use it for a few months then I started to use it today and I noticed that when I ran a board over it it would only cut the front and miss the back. So I continued to make passes and there was no change. So I checked the blades and height using the ruler method and made adjustments until both blades moved the ruler 5mm. But when I ran a board over it again anything more than 1/64th would cause the board to be difficult to push over the knives. I've feeling stuck here, I'm not sure were to look next. And to boot I can't find a manual any where. Does anyone have experience with this jointer?

Thanks

Jeff.
 
#6 ·
I used to have that jointer and found it pretty frustrating. There's a recall on it, you can return it to a Canadian Tire store and get full retail price back on it (I can't remember how much, possibly $299 Cndn). Then use the money (plus some more) to buy a used full size 6 inch jointer. If you want, of course…

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2011/12076r-eng.php
 
#7 ·
set the knife height by sound

that is, extend your straight edge across the out feed table and slowly raise each edge of the knife until it barely rubs your straightedge, then tighten

i have a Delta the same size as yours, and 5mm is way too much movement for the size of the small tables

also, i get best results and blade life by only taking paper-thickness cuts (0.004")... too large a bite, and the small cutterhead starts to chatter madly
 
#8 ·
There is a knife setting jig that consists of two magnets which attach to the out-feed table and the blades at the same time. You get co-planar blade settings every time. Other than that, I would say that if you deal with rough lumber regularly, you need a decent Jointer. They pay for themselves very quickly when you mill rough stock.

Good luck with your adventures.
Best,
Tim
 
#9 ·
jdh122 My model is not the recalled model, I've made sure of that before I purchased it.

davezedlee - Thanks I set out to do this after work today and got one knife all set up and started on the second, but thanks to Monday I striped the head of a hold down bolt. They are hex key bolts and I rounded it right out, so off to Lowes in search of a replacement and then I'll set the second blade up.
 
#10 ·
Do yourself a favor and get a dial indicator. About $30 for a set on Amazon that includes a magnetic base and 22 different tips in a nice plastic case. Not only is it what you need to set your knives, but there are a zillion other uses for it as well.

Product Watch Red Gas Office supplies


I set the knives using the straightedge method quite a bit - with mixed results and lots of frustration. It wasn't until I got the indicator that I realized how imprecise that method is.

Cheers,
Brad
 

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#11 ·
You guys in Florida have all the neat stuff. I like the point set in that kit. My dial indicator just has a rounded blunt point. Well actually I have two and they both have the same point. Guess it is time to look into the style you have.
 
#12 ·
When I use the straightedge method, I stick a rare earth magnet on the side of it to help hold the blade tight against it while I tighten it down.
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
You guys in Florida have all the neat stuff. I like the point set in that kit. My dial indicator just has a rounded blunt point. Well actually I have two and they both have the same point. Guess it is time to look into the style you have.
- BlasterStumps
You can get just the point set for about $8 :)

Cheers,
Brad
 
#14 ·
So a week later and I've rectified my jointer issues. Turns out the knives were duller than a butter knife. I've sharpened them by hand. I used the scary sharp method with sandpaper and a piece of glass. I went up to 1200 grit and had a mirror finish on the bevel. Put them back into my jointer and the thing is rock'n and roll'n.
 
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