Changing planer blades?

[keith ouellette]

I was having problems with my yrok craft 20" planer. Turns out it was a tri fecta of problems. One of which is needing new blades. I finally found my manual and it mentions a knife setting tool that was supposed to come with the planer (to bad it didn't).
The manuel mentions springs under the knives. I am thinking the tool is some concave jig that holds the knives down to the correct height as the springs push up.

Anyone know where I could get a jig like that or some suitable replacement?

[Bruce Wrenn]

Have you tried to contact Wilke Machinery? That's where I would start.

[Stephen Cherry]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-986589700074242027#

The gauge in this video would be a better option.

[Chip Lindley]

I thought all 20" ChiWan planers had jack screws under the knives. Hmm.

Some planers (like the Grizzly) can use either springs OR jack screws. If your planer has holes bored in the cutterhead as below, the jack screws may already be below the knives. If not, you can thread M5- .8 x 12 flat head allen screws in the holes to adjust the knives, using a dial indicator. Much more accurate than using a planer gauge to press down spring-loaded knives.

184807

[Russell Sansom]

I have to go with the group here. A dial gauge is the most sensible option for setting knives. By a long shot.

[keith ouellette]

Have you tried to contact Wilke Machinery? That's where I would start.

I was under the impression that they closed down.

[keith ouellette]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-986589700074242027#

The gauge in this video would be a better option.


Thanks. I'm Gonna watch that again when the blades come in.

[Larry Edgerton]

How often do you change knives Keith?

The reason I ask is that if it is two or three times a year, I would look at the ESTA Disposablade system. You will need jackscrews to take advantage of the never having to set knives again feature, but you should have them anyway. They are easy to add as Chip has mentioned.

I use them in a jointer. Its nice, five minutes to a change, and perfect every time with no dial indicator after the initial setup.