Jointer bearings check?

[davidtu]

Newbie alert!

I'm new to the jointer, I got a used Grizzly 1182Z and LOML who is more experienced with them says it doesn't sound right to her... seems to have a "rotational rhythm". Now I'm concerned maybe there is a bearing problem?

How can I check that the machine is operating correctly and the condition of the bearings?

Thanks!

[Tom Miller]

Newbie alert!

I'm new to the jointer, I got a used Grizzly 1182Z and LOML who is more experienced with them says it doesn't sound right to her... seems to have a "rotational rhythm". Now I'm concerned maybe there is a bearing problem?

How can I check that the machine is operating correctly and the condition of the bearings?

Thanks!

If you're satisfied with the results you're getting, and it's not bouncing around the shop, and you don't smell a burning smell, and you don't hear a screeching sound....

Regards,
Tom

[LarryG]

With the jointer UNPLUGGED and the cutterhead guard shoved aside, you should be able to grasp the cutterhead and wiggle it around and feel any unusual slop or play in the works.

My Ridgid jointer has a formed, heavy-gauge sheet metal base, and it makes sort of a rumbling sound when running. FWIW.

[gsmittle]

Newbie alert!

I'm new to the jointer, I got a used Grizzly 1182Z and LOML who is more experienced with them says it doesn't sound right to her... seems to have a "rotational rhythm". Now I'm concerned maybe there is a bearing problem?

How can I check that the machine is operating correctly and the condition of the bearings?

Thanks!

Is the Griz belt driven? Maybe the belt has a flat spot....

g.

[davidtu]

Thanks guys... sounds like a bearing problem would be much more obvious.

It does have a belt drive and when I get a chance, I will check that.

[Tom Miller]

It does have a belt drive and when I get a chance, I will check that.

Am I remembering right -- is this a used machine? If so, the belt is definitely a candidate for a close inspection. If you do decide to replace it, you might consider replacing it with a good link belt.

Regards,
Tom

[davidtu]

Yes, it is used.

Good advice/reminder on the link belt, I will remember that.

[LCHIEN]

Yes, it is used.

Good advice/reminder on the link belt, I will remember that.

take the belt off and give the blade assembly pulley a good spin by hand.
if it spins smoothly then it's probably not bad. if it feels raspy or doesn't spin easily then it might need new bearings.

with the pulley still off, run the motor. if the motor runs smoothly and w/o vibration then it's ok too.

Now when you put the pulley back on and adjust for (both angular and offset) alignment, tension it should run smoothly.

When I got my new jointer and set it up, i thought i needed link belts but after I let the belt run in a bit it was great.

your belt should already be run in but if its been sitting a long time it may need to run it again if it took a set.