Shopsmith Planer Knives

[Dan T Jones]

Any one out there have a Shopsmith planer? I just picked up a 1984 model in very good shape (including the knives).

Do you only use Shopsmith knives or do you use another company? Shopsmith says they are tapered but I understand the taper is very small (1-2 thousandths ?)

Do you shapen your own?

Thanks much.

Dan

[Mel Fulks]

Don't have a Shopsmith and doubt I could do all the folding and unfolding! Have ordered and used lots of machine knives.
Most are 1/8 inch or 5/32 inch thick. Machines made for 1/8 won't take 5/32. I seriously doubt that there is anything special about knives purchased from Shopsmith. Don't buy by price,insist on genuine M2 or T1 steel. Few ,if any,new machines are sold with high grade knives.

[Dave Lehnert]

I have owned a Shopsmith planer for over 20 years.
Like you said in your post, the Shopsmith blades have a taper on them. It has always been my understanding other brand knifes will not work. But not 100% sure.
I have only used Shopsmith brand. And never sharpened my own.
If you own a MarkV they do make a jig to sharpen planer blades.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/j_knifesharpener.htm

[Mel Fulks]

Dave, thanks for confirmation, that's new to me.