Shopsmith 4" Jointer Blade Setting & Alignment

[@GaryGlamper]

I ordered new blades and followed your instructions, it went smoothly and cuts great now. Thanks!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Awesome!

[@bruceguyster]

The more I watch your My Growth Rings videos, the more I am impressed with the minds behind Shopsmith. Scott, you bring clarity to a disappearing knowledge base. Blessings, Bruce

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks Bruce. They really were some smart guys with a laser focus on keeping things simple. Scott

[@SciGuy3801]

Thank you so much! This video was a lifesaver. I learn so much from your videos

[@looper9264]

Awesome video, just proves how much of a visual learner I am.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You aren't alone, that's for sure. Scott

[@randywolfe3387]

Good video. I recently sharpened and adjusted my knives as you show. I am getting a little snip at the trailing end of the board. Why and what do I do to eliminate it?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@randywolfe3387 It all depends on how much snipe we are talking. An almost imperceivable snipe will quickly fix itself as the tips of the sharp knives dull a bit. If it’s more than that then the knives are too high. Scott

[@jeffreynielsen3659]

Once again you taught this old dog a new trick, thanks

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s great. You are welcome. Scott

[@larrywiltse6268]

I want to thank you for getting to this topic. The first thing I noticed was that my wedges did not have the outer holes for adjusting the depth screws. But then I noticed that width of my wedges was narrow than yours and the blade depth screws were exposed for adjustment. My jointer was made in 1955 so this explains the difference. Thank you for the excellent presentation of the adjusting the blade height.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Larry, yes, your jointer is quite early. Is your fence lock lever a single cast piece? There’s nothing wrong with the earlier design it’s just the new one’s better! No need to “upgrade” though. Scott

[@kofdenhamsprings2701]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing how to adjust these. Mine were all off just a bit and your video made it clear how to adjust them. Thanks, again. K

[@haujeancontactee]

Scott I followed this video and achieved phenomenal results. My used jointer had a nick in the blades and the previous owner installed the blades such thst they were cutting on a slope. After I installed the new set The boards that I glued up today had invisable glue seams,

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s great news. Thanks for reporting in.

[@mcmatzdorff]

Why do you align the blades "a hair higher than the outfeed table" and not level with it? Love your videos. Bought one not knowing what I was doing, your videos made me feel like I joined a cult, and I love my shopsmith!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Chase. Because the blades are Hugh Speed Steel the tips will wear ever so slightly fairly rapidly, and if you make them flush with the outfeed table, in no time the boards will hit the outfeed table. If the blades were carbide we wouldn’t have that issue.

[@Me58651]

Thank you! Bought my shopsmith second hand with the Jointer, and the guy didn't have the blades up high enough. I called him and he was really good at telling me how to do it but ... I really needed to see what was going on. On the next part, when I went to test it with my piece of scrap wood, I forgot to "Wind-up" the power head and started running my board through, jamming the wood in and breaking the power coupler... so waiting on new ones... smh. Love your video's and really enjoying my shopsmith.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Oh my! I can tell you that you aren't the first to do that!

[@Me58651]

@@MyGrowthRings No doubt.

[@timgoudy662]

Sharpened my blades yesterday and needed a refresher on resetting everything afterwards. Great video and easy to follow! Thanks!

[@giljusino]

Once again, thanks for your guidance. I’ve been intimidated by the jointer. You took the mystique out of this tool. My blades were set to low, now the tool is working as it should 👍👍

[@MyGrowthRings]

Excellent. Mission accomplished.

[@TheVerbiousOne]

Thanks Scott! This video was just what I needed to replace my jointer blades.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Happy to help!

[@Nyth63]

I have a greenie jointer from 1959. It amazes me that the current jointer is nearly identical. I upgraded mine with the new featherboard, both rear guards and the dust chute.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Sounds like you are all caught-up. Not many companies around that make their 66 year old products retrofittable! Scott

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

Great video. Very good explanation

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531 Thanks!

[@barryknight9326]

Barr: Hey Scott, I really appreciate your channel, as always great and informative content. I am a Tool and Die Maker by Trade. The blade height setting process recommended by SS using the ruler as you demonstrated is a bit combersume. I prefer using a dial indicator with a magnetic base mounted on the outfeed table. Simply rotate blade as you demonstrated and adjust the jack screw's until the dial shows .002" of an inch of projection when the cuthead is at the top dead center of it's rotation then tighten down the wedge. Once everything is secure recheck and confirm both ends are the same. Repeat the process for the remaining knives to complete the procedure. This method worked much better and with less frustration than doing it that other way. Thanks I hope you try it.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I also like and perhaps even prefer the dial indicator approach. I think for those of us who don't have them or the budget to purchase them, that simple little iGaging Snap tool is a neat little tool that's a huge leap above using the straightedge approach. Have you played with one? amzn.to/39DXywF I'm sure you would consider it a toy! Thanks for chiming in! Scott

[@castle5711]

Thanks for the very clear technique! Really clarifies the manual!

[@MyGrowthRings]

My pleasure. Scott

[@SpookDogSparky]

Used this method of blade setting and the "Ol' WD-40 and ScotchBrite" method of cleaning to restore my 40-year-old Shopsmith jointer today and it worked perfectly. Thanks Scott. Now, my dad's 70-year-old jointer (Shopsmith, early 1950s) is next. My Growth Rings is awesome!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it worked as well for you as it did for me. Very cool that you are taking car of your dad's tools too. Let me know how that turns out. Scott

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

When using the snap Check from i Gauging it is an absolute must that the device remain in the exact location when adjusting your knives. Front to back and side to side. I recommend placing a flat stick with double face tape down on the outfeed table. A drawn line will not work. That way the knives are at the exact same height when you read your measurements. Its a must do! Thank You.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Good tip!

[@danasmith8950]

A brief demo of the rabbeting operation would be interesting to see.

[@MyGrowthRings]

With the feather guard installed it's pretty limited, but with the old "porkchop" guard removed you could do very wide rabbits. I'll see if I can do one in the mid-week follow-up video. Scott

[@gatheringsplinters4800]

@@MyGrowthRings I'd love to see this as well. Perhaps even a focus on the quality of the cut vs. say a router or a dado stack.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I'll do that soon in a weekend video. Good suggestion. Scott

[@harleywood9588]

This is great content. Perhaps one day you can talk about the Shopsmith conical disc sander

[@MyGrowthRings]

I will be happy to as soon as I pick one up. We used them all the time in the Shopsmith Academy, but I've never had the need to buy one. Scott

[@harleywood9588]

@@MyGrowthRings I’ve got two. Perhaps I can send one. I live just south of Charlotte

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@harleywood9588 Do you happen to have the jointer/planer sharpening jig too?

[@harleywood9588]

@@MyGrowthRings Sorry I don’t have that

[@frankenberry9670]

@@MyGrowthRings William Ng has a good video on thickness planer blade sharpening that would apply to jointer blades as well. When I saw this video it made me realize its past time I got the blades out of my jointer and sharpened/honed them.

[@jimscruggs5400]

Good info, glad I found you

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Jim. Happy to have you here. Scott

[@agggravateddocsurg]

Thanks again for a helpful video -- remarkable how a well thought-out demonstration makes so much more sense than the manuals. Given the state of my garage/shop, I have smiled as yours has become a bit more crowded week by week!

[@MyGrowthRings]

It really is filling-up! I keep fighting the urge to bring more and more over from my shop. Glad to hear you found it helpful. Scott

[@thomasillinois4934]

Great video! I had never before seen the trick to horizontally align the knives using a straight edge registered against the outfeed table. My jointer manual (620-c 1964), PTWFE 1955, and PTWFE 1989 all fail to mention this technique and so do countless other KZbin videos. Thanks so much for sharing it. I had been using my fingers to align the opposite side of the blade to the back of the cutter head. It makes good rabbets this way, but I prefer not to rely on luck so I will be using Scott's method from now on. I have been using the "move the straight edge 1/8th inch forward" method to set knife height. I had a horrible time at first until I got it straight in my head that the knife should DRAG the straight edge forward without LIFTING the straight edge off the outfeed table. Also, I learned that it is important to keep the majority of the weight of the straight edge on the outfeed table otherwise it will teeter down towards the infeed table and through the whole thing off. Sheeesh, so many mistakes I've made.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's all part of learning. Glad you found it helpful. Scott

[@danasmith8950]

I did this recently since I needed to get the blades sharpened. It went ok but would have been better if I had this video. The end results have been great but now I think I could have done a bit better getting the blades set just right. So I might go back and adjust them again. Thanks.

[@MyGrowthRings]

The more you do it the easer it gets, so I would encourage you to take another stab at it. Glad this helped. Scott

[@ellisreeves8936]

Thourly informative Scott. I changed the blades on my SS jointer about a month ago, but after seeing you set one up, I got the blades a little high. Thank you.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Ellis, that shouldn't take much to adjust that out. Scott

[@hyperionhelios190]

very educational. Thank you Scott!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad you found it so. Scott

[@jexoify]

Hey, great video! I do have a question- I have a mark V jointer and the fence will lock for angle but not for size. The fence will slice clear off if I'm not careful. What is missing or what needs to be fixed in order for the fence to fully lock?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks! That very question was covered in the follow up to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafJfJqEqd2miJYsi=SP12_UCHBbQnxfYm

[@stased7343]

I would be interested in seeing how to build an accessory fence for the jointer.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That was covered in a video that is now member-only, so you have access to it. It is posted on the channel’s Community tab, but here it is: STUMPED? Q&A from "Shopsmith Jointer Rabbets" vid & ESSENTIAL DIY Jointer Auxiliary Fence Extension kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaq1Z4aXpt58sLs

[@warrensedlacek6860]

Thanks! A great project for later this week!

[@stewwolfe1]

Great video Scott!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks Stew.

[@jeffs2287]

Scott , Thank you for the video. I followed your instructions but when I tighten the widge and I check with ruler again the blade drop. I really enjoy all your videos.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Did you raise the two support screws on the left and right ends of the blade?

[@jeffs2287]

@@MyGrowthRings Yes I raised the supports screws per you video. I had to slightly above and once I tightened the 3 wedge screws then was in tolerance.

[@kencormiernsls]

Completely off topic here...besides the fact that I thoroughly enjoy your videos as I have 3-510’s and 1-500, plus two shorty’s lol....would you be able to do a show on the shopsmith Jigsaw....i know it is discontinued....but there are still many out there...one of which i just purchased...i would love to see a tear down of it etc...you do such a good job.....thanks so much. Ken

[@MyGrowthRings]

It's on my list. I own a couple of them.

[@kencormiernsls]

@@MyGrowthRings I will be watching 😊. Thanks

[@Varience]

thank you

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are welcome. Scott

[@themarkfraleypodcast3266]

very helpful, thanks

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it. Thanks Mark. Scott

[@daveziehm8096]

I have (2) model 505681 4” jointers can you cover the set up on that style cutter head with flat blades. Could you also cover replacing the pork chop guard spring and it’s reassembly. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You've stumped me, because other than the 2 1/2" 10er jointer cutter head I don't recall a Shopsmith jointer with flat blades. How old are these jointers? Scott

[@MyGrowthRings]

Or is this the 10er version that bolts to the pivoting base? I have no experience with those, but a picture of the cutter head might tell me what I need to know. My email address is ScottMarkwood(at)gmail(dot)com

[@smalltownmachineshop6860]

Is there a spec for how much the blades can be sharpened down to before they become unsafe to use

[@MyGrowthRings]

SS suggests tossing them after they have been ground down beyond 11/16” or 17.5 mm.

[@richardgroomer5309]

I have bought an early Greenie jointer and want to replace the bearings. Do you have a size recommendation for a bearing puller to do this job? I had no idea there were so many choices available. I assume one has to remove the bearing housing and bearing together. How do you then remove the bearing from the housing? Thanks for any help.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Richard. It's pretty straightforward and has been covered to death on the Shopsmith Forums, so forgive me for not retyping it here. Check out forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=24869&p=280577 and forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=3388 As for the bearing press, you'll only have a couple inches of shaft on the drive hub side, and the other end is only 1" or so long, so almost any bearing press will make easy work of it. The bearing mounts are removed by removing the two bolts that hold them on each side on the bottom of the jointer. The bearings will more or less fall right out of those mounting blocks, but the press will be needed to push the bearings off of the shafts. Good luck and you've got this! Scott

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

Dennis. I think you might enjoy this intel. When you did your video on adjusting/installing knives on the SS jointer. You introduced the SnapCheck iGauging digital read for setting up your knives. iGauging now makes the Snap-Check Pro. This is now a dial gauge measurement and the body of the tool is aluminum and not plastic. In my opinion at $50 bucks on Amazon is a far superior measurement tool. I work in a wheelchair and have a pretty fair shake in my hands. The dial is WAY WAY easier to use than the older digital read. Yes it has the same (3) measurment. Inches, MM, Fraction. Take a quick look!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Who is Dennis? I've been called Mark before, but never Dennis. Thanks for the tip about the new tool and I'm heading to check it out. Scott

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

Hi Scott, in regards on jointer knife replacement/adjustment. I sent you a comment on the drag when using a scale and watching it move 1/8”. I have an added comment. Do not use a wooden scale. Don’t do it. Every time I spun that cutter head I took off a few thousands of wood! Duh! I ended up with a wood scale with 4 worn down edges. Hey you said “ use a scale that can stand on its own edge”. I did just that but it was wood because it was very light. That said when I reset my knives I will wax the outfeed table and use a 6” scale. Boom! Next, after alignment I had cranked the knives down below the outfeed table with the adjustment knob….way past ground zero. Motor running…Something made a slight rubbing sound. I went “ oh no” did I have a knife strike? Could you tell me what or where did the strike occur? The knives still look golden. My old knives under magnification looked like a serrated kitchen knife. Ugly! I also discovered a trick. I left 2 wrenches in the leveling screws. That way I was not searching for registration. That part I got right. Thank You!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad you found that issue and good for you for tackling this.

[@Jim-fr3gr]

This could apply to any jointer.Could you tell me about a chart on various speed of the tools .Thanks

[@MyGrowthRings]

Some of it, yes. The biggest difference is that the SS jointer uses a wedge where most others use a gib and while some have leveling screws many today use springs. As I said. lots of ways to skin this cat! The speed chart is printed in the "Power Tool Woodworking For Everyone" book as well as in the Mark V manual, but Shopsmith has also offered a laminated version a couple times over the years. I would check eBay if that is of interest to you. Scott

[@bobwebberkc]

Great info Scott. I have always struggled keeping me Fence square when tightening any tricks or tips for that?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Do you have the stop set? I really rely on it when locking at 90 degrees. Scott

[@bobwebberkc]

@@MyGrowthRings yes the stop is set. I am wondering if I am being over zealous when tightening. Love your vids keep up the good work

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@bobwebberkc That could be. The jointer is one of those tools that I always check with a square, but my stop is set pretty accurately so I rarely have to change anything. Thanks for your encouragement. Scott

[@judebak1]

Perfect timing, I just received my new blades so I was hoping for a tutorial on how to replace and align. Is there a helical option for this jointer?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not that I’m aware of.

[@billmclaughlin8438]

Are there any scale checks or adjustments for the depth of cut or the fence angle indicators?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Bill. Yes, both. Watch this video for a view of the depth gauge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafJfJqEqd2miJY

[@timplays6602]

Great timing Scott, I just bought a Shopsmith sharpener and I will need to sharpen and then adjust the knives when I'm done. Maybe you can do a video on sharpening?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I will once I get a sharpener and a conical disc. The issue here is that I can get blades sharpened so reasonably. It's on the list. Scott

[@rdhelm]

Ask and you will receive. Thanks Scott ! Roger

[@MyGrowthRings]

It was all for you. Thanks for asking.

[@daveschmitt6369]

There’s a lot to be said for being a visual learner, that’s me as well. I was wondering what would happen to the jointer as I sharpened it with the blades drop down below and obviously this video lets me know that I can sharpen my Jointer without having to throw away the blades.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Exactly. My local share ping shop charges $1 an inch, and SS also makes a sharpening jig that works very well.

[@clydew2357]

Scott, I just finished cleaning my 40 year old jointer bed, and now working on getting rid of the rust on the fence. I will be removing the blades and wedges to clean those and reinstalling them. Should I polish those with some Wax? I'm also going to have to upgrade to the to feather board guard since the original one was broken during one of my 25 some moves. Funny thing is I realized when I was cleaning the bed that the jointer had never been setup or used, because it wasn't aligned to the headstock. Is there any other way's to sharpen the blades other than with the Shopsmith jig and heliacal sander?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I install them dry and if your area is humid you can apply mineral oil or wax to the exposed parts, but I wouldn't oil or wax the blade where it meets the cutter head or wedge. The only practical way other than the jig is to send them out to be sharpened. Most sharpening shops will charge around $1 an inch. Scott

[@woodsprout]

Should the tab on the bottom of the fence touch the infeed table when fence is tightened? Mine lifts up a 1/16th or more.

[@MyGrowthRings]

It doesn’t have to touch and being a little above the table during a 1/8” cut means it will rest on the table when you make a deeper cut. I suggest checking the fence clamp to make sure it isn’t deformed from over-tightening. Scott

[@thomasillinois4934]

@@MyGrowthRings I can confirm that a deformed fence clamp is an issue. Yes, in makes the fence ride high. Mine was so deformed that it protruded above the infeed table. Couldn't figure out how I managed to get snipe in the middle of my board. Finally realized that snipe occurred when the end of the board dropped off the fence clamp and onto the in feed table. FYI, this clamp is item F on Shopsmith's 17 most Frequently Ordered Service Parts List.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thomas, do you think it was from over tightening it did it get damaged some other way? Glad you figured it out. Scott

[@scottgreen2883]

Another great video. I’m restoring one that also needs new bearings. I haven’t removed the old ones yet, but was wondering when I press the new ones on whether there is a mark or anything on the shaft to know how far to press them on? Or should I take measurements before removing the old ones. Also, there is some play in the position the assemble is mounted, do you align them with the rabbit extension?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Scott. Yes, there is a shoulder and there’s I bit of play in the bearing mount as it connects to the bed, so there’s a little fine tuning available. It’s pretty straightforward. Scott

[@aubydauby]

I'm in the process of replacing my bearings as well. There's a lock ring against the sheave side bearing, you'll see it when you pull the fan sheave. The bell end bearings fit against spacer washers from what I remember, but I've slept since I've looked at it. I've considered making a video on motor disassembly, as Jacobs and some of the others don't really show it in detail. I was this close to beating the fan sheave loose before I noticed the set screw...

[@suzetteedwards7956]

This has been great. I have an old Magna jointer I got when I got my SS. It was HORRIBLY rusted and full of grease and sawdust. Apparently the previous owner thought the rails needed grease. I do have a question. The blades are dull (go figure). I was considering making a jig and using the sanding disk to sharpen. Your thoughts?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I appreciate your kind words. Have you seen the Shopsmith knife sharpening jig? It uses their conical disc and that combo works great. Using the standard flat disc would be a problem though, because your knives will want to remove the abrasive from the disc.

[@suzetteedwards7956]

@@MyGrowthRings isn't the abrasive on the conical the same as abrasive on the flat? I used to use a belt sander to sharpen my gouges for turning before I got a grinder. That didn't cause any problems with the abrasive. BTW. You do great videos.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@suzetteedwards7956 It sure is. The difference is in how the knives interact with the disc. Because of the shape of the conical disc the knives only touch the disc at 12:00 on the disc, and the knives enter and exit the abrasive where the paper is held away from the knife by the cone shape of the disc. With a standard disc, if you slide the knives fast the disc, even with the fence angled, the corner of the knife wants to dig into the paper. It’s really hard to explain in text!

[@suzetteedwards7956]

@@MyGrowthRings I believe I understand what you are saying.

[@suzetteedwards7956]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks for all you help. Your channel has been a lifesaver.

[@arthilliker3721]

Hi Scott ! Thank You for another very informative video ! I love your teaching style ! To the point and precise ! Question: you may have answered this already but, are the blades for a MAGNA jointer and the Shop Smith jointer interchangeable ?? Thanks in advance !

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Art. Thank you for your kind words. Ya know, I’ve probably never address that directly so that’s a great question. Yes, the knives used by Shopsmith today meet the same specifications as the original Magna jointer. Though they’ve made a few improvements to the jointer over the years, it’s fundamentally the same tool. Scott

[@arthilliker3721]

Thanks Scott ! I have a chance to buy a new set for $20. Guess I'll jump on 'em !! Have a Blessed Day !

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@arthilliker3721 I’d bite at that!

[@arthilliker3721]

@@MyGrowthRings Sorry, I couldn't resist, they're now mine ... but I'll share !! LOL !! Thanks for your help Scott !! You STILL da man !!

[@robertaiken8576]

Hey Scott I have an older ss jointer with short wedges. Can the longer wedges be retrofitted onto an older machine? Looks like the blade could use a little better support with the longer wedges. Thank you

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Robert. Not without swapping out the entire cutter head. I think that the leveling screw distance is different, so they’re not accessible through the wedge holes.

[@gatheringsplinters4800]

I have the shopsmith dial indicator setup gauge. Have you used this to setup the jointer blades? If so, is this easier or more work than using the ruler method?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I have not used theirs, but I have used a similar tool on a non-Shopsmith jointer and it worked fine. This method is easy enough for me, but a dial indicator is nice too. Scott

[@nobuckle40]

Scott, I have a Shopsmith 4" jointer that was made by the Magna Power Tool Corporation. The original blades have the name Disston on them. Is this the same Disston that made hand saws? Also, because the knives are wedge shaped does that mean that I have to buy replacements from Shopsmith? Do you know of any place else that sell knives for these jointers? Thanks for the video.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Doug. Yes, it's that very Disston. They used to make Shopsmith's steel saw blades too. Yes, I have yet to find a non-Shopsmith jointer knife with the proper geometry, so I'd recommend sticking with the genuine article. Scott

[@nobuckle40]

@@MyGrowthRings Thank you sir.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are welcome. Scott

[@gatheringsplinters4800]

What are your thoughtts on 3rd party blades for the jointer? I know the angle of the blades is unique to the Shopsmith Jointer but I've seen that some others have bought blades from other manufacturers.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I've never seen an aftermarket blade marketed as being tapered, so I would be hesitant, but I'm open to exploring if the manufacturer confidently coveys an understanding of the Shopsmith jointer. This is not unlike me talking to the folks at Carter Products about the Shopsmith bandsaw. They know it well and would steer someone away from some of their products as a result. Scott

[@LoganRandle]

@mygrowthrings When I use my 4" jointer, it cuts the board until I move my hand to the outfeed table to apply pressure. Then it no longer cuts. After doing this multiple times, the front end of the board is thinner than the back end but it still never cuts past the front section. What am I doing wrong? Is it blade height? Thanks so much.

[@MyGrowthRings]

So sorry that I’m just now seeing your comment. The first thins I would check is the blade height and if the infeed table is truly parallel to the outfeed table. My guess is that the infeed table is sagging.

[@LoganRandle]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks for the reply, Scott! Much appreciated!

[@mandoborg]

Scott, GREAT video. I have a question, I was just gifted one of these jointers and I really like the cutter head assembly over my old Rockwell. Brilliant, yet simple design !! I'm going to see if I can swap cutter heads on the machines. Will have to switch out the bearing pillars etc.... we'll see..... my question is, if I decide to just stick with the Shopsmith , can I use regular blades in it ? I know these came with wedge shaped blades, but the one I have here is missing the blades. Will the wedge cap lock a regular blade in tight enough ??? Safety First !! Thanks for all the great videos !

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Jim, it's my understanding that you really don't want to use flat blades with this type of gib. Take a look on eBay for a used or NOS set and don't discount folks who are selling complete cutterheads and jointer. I was looking for knives once and purchased a complete basket case jointer for $25! Scott

[@mandoborg]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks Scott ! Will do just that ! So from your reply, I take it you can no longer buy new blades of this style? Too bad, there's probably quite a few of these machines out there. Thanks again for the quick reply !

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@mandoborg Shopsmith still sells them.

[@kofdenhamsprings2701]

With the new ability of the Upgraded 510 to 520 to lift either end of the Shopsmith, should I remove the jointer when in drill press mode? will it be too heavy or just unsafe if it were accidently to fall out? Opinion..thanks, K

[@MyGrowthRings]

Did you convert to the double tilt? If so, any accessory including support table should be removed before raising into the drill press mode. If you don’t have double tilt, of the jointer on. Scott

[@kofdenhamsprings2701]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks, I do have it and I will take the Jointer off when using the drill press mode, thanks, K

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@kofdenhamsprings2701 Ah, yes. That's the one thing you don't hear SS mention when they talk-up the double tilt. That was a deal killer for me. Scott

[@kofdenhamsprings2701]

@@MyGrowthRings I wanted the double tilt for the under router ability. K

[@devinskimackelenski4392]

Broke my power coupling on my bandsaw. I am planning on buying a new one. Debating between aftermarket on eBay vs shop smith (more money) any thoughts? Great show by the way.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I will only use a SS coupling. I've witnessed many of the destructive tests that SS conducts to make sure that these are properly and will not risk my safety on an untested, bargain part. Go and do likewise. :-) Scott

[@gmdachiardi]

I have a 1950's Shopsmith with 4" jointer. Can I buy a later model 6" jointer system and swap it out?

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's a great question,. You mention 6" jointer, though. The only 6" version of this jointer were made in Taiwan and sold by a couple importers, including Total Shop. Anyway, if you own a Mark V you can use those jointers or any of the SHopsmith 4" jointers except for the very first one, which bolted to a bracket on the 1940's 10ER. And I believe that even that one may have a work-around to allow it to adapt to the Mark V, but I'm not 100% sure about that. Scott

[@gmdachiardi]

@@MyGrowthRings great thanks Scott. I maintain a 2.5 mile boardwalk made of Ipe. I started using my shopsmith on the Ipe and because Ipe is one of the desist woods out there I believe it burnt out my shopsmith motor... It's getting bench tested next week. Anyhow I'm looking into upgrading the motor and also wonder if there's shelix jointer cutters out there?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@gmdachiardi I imagine that keeping the blades sharp will be your biggest challenge, so carbide cutters would be a smart addition. I'm not aware of a Shelix cutter head or any upgrade cutter head that will fit the SS jointer, and I've looked for them several times. Even an upgrade to a high speed steel knife wold be better, but I'm concerned that the aftermarket knives that are offered by resellers may not have the correct taper to the blades, which are an important safety feature in the design of the SS cutter head. Scott

[@gmdachiardi]

@@MyGrowthRings Sounds like the SS may not be the tool for these ipe projects. Thanks for the help.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@gmdachiardi Perhaps not. Good luck with your project!

[@gdrdro1194]

Hi Scott, could you check to verify that a SS jointer would fit/operate on your Total Shop machine ? I have been on eBay searching for a TS jointer and can't find one. If it does, it will make it easier for me to pick up my elusive jointer for my own TS! Thanks in advance for your efforts!

[@MyGrowthRings]

It will fit and work just fine. Scott

[@robertdanner580]

Scott, have you used a magnetic jointer blade jig (e.g. Rockler) and if so, is the process of adjustment essentially the same ?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Robert. Yes, I’ve used them but unfortunately they don’t work well with the Shopsmith jointer due the the action of the wedges against the tapered knives. As you tighten the wedges they pull the knives away from the magnets. Yes, you can adjust the leveling screws us, but they never seem to get the knives straight. I’m sure that someone out there has mastered that jig, and for a time Shopsmith even sold it, but we had too many customers who had issues with it so we stopped recommending it’s use with the SS jointer. It was patented under the name Magnaset, but those patents have expired so it has become available generically from several sources. Scott

[@lwoodt1]

Do they make a Sehelix cutter head for that jointer.

[@MyGrowthRings]

My understanding is that they don't yet make one for a 4" jointer.

[@larryjacobs5713]

Scott just bought a reconditioned SS jointer but can’t find any instructions on assembly! Where can I find them please?

[@MyGrowthRings]

There’s an early version of the manual available for download here: vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=18511

[@johnoerter2883]

Very timely, Scott! I obtained a used jointer with butchered blades. New ones just arrived from SS. I’ve read thru the manual and ditto thanks to you for the visual and coherent learnings! Also I know a widow who has a ?Magna? 6” jointer - HEAVY - Do you know whether it’s worth messing with?

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are welcome, John. Is the Magna jointer freestanding or a bench top tool? I’d love a pic. They made some very excellent tools and a few dogs so a little more info would help. Scott

[@johnoerter2883]

@@MyGrowthRings yes I can get a pix. Can I attach it to my reply somehow?

[@johnoerter2883]

@@MyGrowthRings I think it goes on the SS.

[@johnoerter2883]

@@MyGrowthRings Scott, how do I post/send you some pix?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@johnoerter2883 You can email me at ScottMarkwood(at)gmail(dot)com

[@woodsprout]

Did anybody buy the Shopsmith add-on fence (taller and longer) or make one? When jointing the edge of 1x12, I wish I had a taller fence PLUS the feather board blade cover.

[@MyGrowthRings]

The feather guard is excellent and a shop-made fence extension is super-simple. I’ll add one in the follow-up episode. Scott

[@danasmith8950]

I recently added one and like Scott says, it is simple to do using the two holes in the existing fence. I haven't looked at one from SS but I can't imagine any real reason to buy vs make.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@danasmith8950 I totally agree that it is well within the skillset of any Shopsmith owner. I don't even use two bolts. I guess I really need to show this! Scott

[@joshwalker5605]

i feel like “stumped” is maybe a little ominous when we’re talking about jointers ;-)

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yeah, I actually considered that when we were throwing names around.

[@RobertKeeney]

How much does a Shopsmith jointer weigh?

[@MyGrowthRings]

It's a bout 55lbs, give or take, which is one of the reasons mine lives on my Mark V. Scott

[@chadnevels246]

Hey Scott, wrong video title on thumbnail picture for this video.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Oops, you are right. I’ll fix it shortly,

[@MyGrowthRings]

Done. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@chadnevels246]

@@MyGrowthRings Cool beans. I didn't catch it at first myself. Posted it on the SS forum, and didn't see it till after I posted on the facebook pages. Had to do a double take, and thought I had somehow messed it up.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Even worse was last week's Stumped where I uploaded and went live before remembering to add the "Chairmen of the Board". I quickly deleted it and uploaded a revised version. There's so much to remember!

[@chadnevels246]

@@MyGrowthRings Not easy with a production staff of one.

[@mattnelson4387]

I found this process exasperating. I have been working for about an hour and still can't get these set. Every time i tighten the set screw, the blades lower down again .ugh!!

[@mattnelson4387]

Ok, i fixed the issue: I took the cutter blades and shims out, cleaned them thoroughly and now i can properly adjust them. I think the blades weren't sliding well because of all of the caked on debris.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That would do it.

[@thomasillinois4934]

Can't resist another comment. While looking up information on setting the knives in the original owner's manual I saw a diagram and instructions for installing the jointer on the SAWSMITH! No, not the Sawsmith 2000, the original Radial Arm Saw version. This led me to google for some pics, which led me to a Tool-Hunter blog post claiming a sweet SawSmith/Jointer Ebay combo score. www.tool-hunter.com/shopsmith-posts/shopsmith-5-in-1-tools-like-the-mark-v-mark-vii-and-more/magna-yuba-sawsmith-radial-arm-saw-information-history-review Any way you gives us a SawSmith powered jointer demo?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yeah, it'll happen. I'm working my way through a list. Glad you found one of my blogs. Scott

[@willimanfreeman23]

I just brock my infeed table suck.

[@MyGrowthRings]

What is broken and how? Scott

[@willimanfreeman23]

@@MyGrowthRings on the bottom where the feed tables gets adjusted look like a wash brok. It was in my hand i lost my grip that all it took

[@MyGrowthRings]

I think I know the part. Bummer. Well, there are folks on eBay who part them out from time to time, and who knows, you might be able to get one on Craigslist. Good luck! Scot