Another Jointer Question:

[Don Selke]

My 8" jointer has springs in lieu of jack screws. Has anyone tapped the spring holes and installed jack screws? If so, what type of screws did you use? The next time I replace the knives, I am going to have to replace the springs.

[Chip Lindley]

Don, if you notice, the springs are directly beneath the knives, and not accessible from above. Stiff springs do a fair job of setting the knives when pushed down with a gauge. Adding jack screws in their location would be of little advantage. Knives could not be adjusted except by removing the knife.

Jack screws are offset, with most of their hole bored into the cutterhead just behind the knife. This leaves ample room to insert an allen wrench and adjust the flat-head allen screw. Only an edge of the screw head protrudes beneath the knife to register it.

[Don Selke]

That makes a lot of sense Chip and thanks for the info. I never thought of that aspect of jack screws. Will pick up some heavier springs before I change the knives again.