Geoff Siemering
10-08-2003, 7:37 PM
I am now at the point where I HAVE to have my two sets of jointer/planer knives resharpened. I've got a Robland XSD 310 12" jointer/planer combo. I only need to put fresh blades on once a year (not enough time in the shop!) and since I bought the machine two years ago and it came with an extra set of knives I haven't had to resharpen any until now. The machine has three 12" blades.
My dilema is whether I should send them out for resharpening (suggestions on a good shop are welcome), install the ESTA quick change system, or buy a sharpening system and just do them myself.
The pros and cons of each situation (as I see it) are:
Commercial resharpening: will cost $28-35 a set, but then I still have to reinstall them with the lame Robland jig. It is a metal part that sits over the blade and the blade is pushed up by two springs. It took me about 1hr and 30 minutes to get the knives level last time. The least expensive of the three options.
Install the ESTA quick change system:
This will run about $350, but will make the knive changes a breeze. With ESTA's new Posiset magnets installation should be easy.
Buy a sharpening system and sharpen them myself:
Will also run a few hundred dollars, would still be left with lame Robland jig, but would have new tools! I currently sharpen my chisels and handplane knives using waterstones and am proficient enough that I don't need a jig for the waterstones so I don't really need a grinder for other tools.
All three options are definite possibilities, I'd appreciate any feedback others might have.
Thanks,
Geoff
My dilema is whether I should send them out for resharpening (suggestions on a good shop are welcome), install the ESTA quick change system, or buy a sharpening system and just do them myself.
The pros and cons of each situation (as I see it) are:
Commercial resharpening: will cost $28-35 a set, but then I still have to reinstall them with the lame Robland jig. It is a metal part that sits over the blade and the blade is pushed up by two springs. It took me about 1hr and 30 minutes to get the knives level last time. The least expensive of the three options.
Install the ESTA quick change system:
This will run about $350, but will make the knive changes a breeze. With ESTA's new Posiset magnets installation should be easy.
Buy a sharpening system and sharpen them myself:
Will also run a few hundred dollars, would still be left with lame Robland jig, but would have new tools! I currently sharpen my chisels and handplane knives using waterstones and am proficient enough that I don't need a jig for the waterstones so I don't really need a grinder for other tools.
All three options are definite possibilities, I'd appreciate any feedback others might have.
Thanks,
Geoff