jointer blade setup tool

[keith micinski]

This is fastly becoming my favorite tool in the shop. I use it to set up everything anymore and test cuts are a thing of the past. I really like it for setting up my rail and style bits so I tried it with the jointer blades today and it worked like a champ. I used to dread changing the jointer blade out but this made it as easy and as accurate as could possibly be done.
http://www.wixey.com/heightgauge/index.html

[Stephen Cherry]

Agree completely, the Wixey digital height gauge is the best thing there is for setting jointer knives. as well as many other uses.

[Russell Sansom]

Looks good. But I'm still attached to the good old analog dial indicator for jointer knives. But wait! I sold that jointer and put in a Byrd helical head! To be honest, I won't miss those two-hour sessions setting up knives.
What's the update speed and the resolution of the digital readout? Can it really replace a swinging needle?

[Steve Griffin]

Sounds like I'm missing out on a lot of fun!

Takes me about 15 minutes to swap out jointer blades, 30 minutes for the planer. Planer takes longer because I have to remove dust shrouds and stuff.


Heres a great tutorial on setting knives fast with no batteries:
http://woodgears.ca/jointer/knives.html
(http://woodgears.ca/jointer/knives.html)

[Ben Hatcher]

I don't see how that could be used to set up jointer blades. Please elaborate. I've always used a strait edge and a paper shim to get the blades just a hair above the outfeed table.

[Rod Sheridan]

I simply use an allen wrench to change jointer and planer blades, no adjustment requirement, about 1 minute per blade. (Hammer A3-31).

When I did have a conventional knife type jointer and planer, I used a dial indicator.

The Wixey looks interesting, however I'm trying to stay away from battery operated devices.............Rod.

[Myk Rian]

I'm with Ben. A straight edge on the outfeed. I adjust for 1/8" movement, then raise the outfeed table to level with the knives.
That Wixey would come in handy for other jobs though.

[Joseph Tarantino]

this FWW video aeems to be the simpletst way to adjust jointer blades:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=5294