Craftsman 6" Jointer Setup Question - Model 21788

[just started]

If you remove all the blades at once just remember to tighten them in stages when you replace them. As long as you tension the cutter head evenly you will be ok.
If you had galvanic action use the compound made for aluminum wire to copper lugs that electricians use, it is made for that purpose but is not a lubricant so it won't help the screws loosen up during use from the vibration.

[dkerfoot]

Simple Knife Setting Procedure

I was in the process of using one of the more complicated procedures, when I decided I had a better way, especially since I don't have a dial indicator. This will only work with the type of knives that have a height adjustment screw (like on the Craftsman Jointers).

I installed the new knives and tightened the clamp bolts until they were applying a bit of pressure to the knife, but not enough to keep it from adjusting. I raised the infeed table all the way and laid one of the old knives across the two as a straight edge on the fence (inside) side and adjusted the (installed) knife until it just touched when rotated. Repeated on the opposite (outside) side.

Once I had it roughed in, I adjusted the knife down inside and outside in tiny increments until it just stopped touching when rotated (with each downward adjustment I'd give it a little rap with a hunk of wood to insure it was seated). Then, I raised it up, about 1/32nd of a turn at a time, until it just started to catch the straight edge again. I was shooting for it to move the knife forward a hair when rotated, but not move it back when rotated the other way, both front and back.

Snugged up the retaining screws and repeated on the other knife. Checked both again inside and outside, applied final torque to the retaining screws and checked again.

I then ran a 6" wide piece of hickory flooring through for a few passes, top (smooth) side down. I got very clean and even results with no snipe. I guess this process may horrify some, but I am very pleased with the results. I am confident I could repeat the whole procedure in less than 20 minutes and if I find I need to readjust the knives after they break in, I could do so in under 10 minutes.

YMMV

[drumpriest]

Btw, I think Palgrem makes that jointer.

http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-84261...664409&sr=8-34

[dkerfoot]

I just wanted to confirm that the knives advertised on the sears website as: Craftsman Knives for 6-1/8 in. Jointer Sears item# 00922994000 Mfr. model# 22994 http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00922994000P?v

Work for the model# 21788 jointer, even though they are listed "For use with 21768 and 21728 Craftsman 6-1/8 in. jointer-Planer."

Contrary to the picture, they now have two slots for the lift screws, so they work with all three jointer models.

They are exactly the same as you get from Sears Parts Direct. I ordered both and they are identical:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...umber=18457.00

Bizarrely, the set I got from SearsPartsDirect actually had the top of the package with the part number cut off and the new part number pasted to the back via a label. Another example of Sears part number insanity.