Is this a clamshell cutter head?

[Joseph Sorrentino]

Hi all,

Does this look to be a clamshell type cutterhead on my 1943(ish) Oliver 8" jointer? Based on images I've seen I don't think it is, just want to be certain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c83bhSRLWm0

Thanks

[Andrew Hughes]

Not a clamshell. Get those knives down further somewhere like this.
I think you have to be a contributor to send Pm’s

[Jared Sankovich]

No it's a modern style gib head.

[Joseph Sorrentino]

Cool, so the head is safe. Now I can get down to business.

No clue how to set the knives but have a new set on order (current are actually decently sharp but I wanted a backup set anyways). Any tips?

I assume I set knives first, then set back table height, then set cut height, right?

[Andrew Hughes]

First look to see if there knife lifters in the holes. If not consider buying some from http://www.eaglemachinery-repair.com/ makes setting easier . Hopefully they still sell them.
The key is to get them all set the same out from the head any means that makes sense to you. I set mine knives with a dial indicator and button tip.
Then adjust the outfeed up to the highest part of the cutting circle.
Heres a good video that shows how to set the outfeed height. Let the cut determine the height https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ob3V5SVrqAw. Patrick does a good job explaining at 7.40
Good Luck

[Walter Plummer]

The clamshell heads had bolts counterbored into the "clamshell" face. If I remember correctly the heads were about 1 1/4" diameter with 4 holes for a special spanner wrench.