Folks -
Well, I spent most of the morning using the "Blue Collar Backhoe" - my
shovel.... Clearing out the foundation trenches for the new shop. I have
removed most of the loose soil and stones and will shopvac the rest (much to
SWMBO's consternation) out this evening after the sun has passed...
Tomorrow I am going to go get lumber, rebar and dobies and start laying out
the footings. EXCITING!
So, working on the new shop in the AM and Evening and working IN the shop in
the afternoon... I have an old Craftsman 6" jointer, a good cast iron one
and knew that it "needed attention" I removed the jointer proper from the
stand, cleaned it up and installed and adjusted new knives... I think I got
everything within about 2-3 thou of each other, and I *don't* look forward
to doing that again anytime soon. I can see why they get the bucks for the
set up tool. Tightening the locking wedges invariably would move each blade
just enough to screw it up, and the adjustment on the grub screws really is
a bit coarse for the fine adjustment needed.
I adjusted the infeed table so that it was even with the outfeed table,
then used the dial indicator set up that I recently purchased to check if
the infeed table had any droop or was out of square (parallel??) with the
outfeed... sho' enough! With the pulley side of the infeed table even with
the pulley side of the outfeed table, I discovered that it (the infeed
table) was canted by about 8 thousandths (low) to the operator side.
Additionally, I checked the end of the table at both corners and discovered
a 10 to 12 thou drop. I clamped a 24" aluminum level to the outfeed table
and extended it over the edge of the infeed table to check this... Now I
know that the level isn't a true straight edge and that there is some slop
in measuring out that far, but I could definitely see light at the feed end
of the infeed table.
There are four height adjustment bolt assemblies underneath the two
dovetailed way supports for the infeed table - adjusting these is a real
trick and I am not sure if I have it right or not. I have set up the dial
indicator to measure how much I am moving the infeed table, but am wondering
if there is a better way. This is about 1 RCH away from being a real pain
in the ass.
I have a mess of QSWO to joint and want to get the jointer running 5x5
before I get going. Is there an easier way to do this? Finally, the
jointer is powered by a 1/2 HP cap start motor. How big a motor do y'all
think I could get away with if I wanted MORE POWER? I have a 3/4 and a
spare 1 hp that I can press into service.
I think I'll be happy with the jointer once I do get it square, sharp and
strong. I just wish it didn't take so long!
John Moorhead