Jointer depth setting

[Steve Roxberg]

I have a jointer with levers (which I enjoy for quick adjustments).

What would the group recommend for the depth of cut on the top stop?

1/16

1/32 or less?

I like the ability to move the tables up and know exactly what I'm taking off.

Any advice before I set it?

[Gary Keedwell]

Steve,

I would set it under 1/32. I, myself, only take .010- .015 on each pass, especially with hardwoods. You can take it off but you can't put it back on. Kinda like whittling. I like to scribble pencil marks all over the board to make sure it is "cleaning-up"

Gary K.

[Jim Becker]

My jointer is set to 1/32 and that's where it stays. Sometimes that means more passes, but that's just fine with me.

[Guy Germaine]

I do the same thing Jim. The last time I changed knives, I set my depth of cut to 1/32 while I had the dial indicator out. That's where is stays 99.5% of the time.

[Steve Roxberg]

Sounds like 1/32 is it.

I'm going to set it with my Multigage so that it's accurate.

Are these conversions to 1000ths correct.

1/8 = .125
1/16 = .0625

So

1/32 = .0325

So how do I gauge that on the dial? 32 thousands or 325 thousands meaning the dial needs to spin three times, and then another 25?

I'm confused.

[Gary Keedwell]

Steve,


Don't spin it 3 times or you will have .300 which is about 5/16ths. Just move the dial 32 lines and you have .032 which is 32 thousands. Just remember that you divide each inch into 1000 lines. .500= 1/2 inch......250= 1/4inch .750= 3/4 inch .


Gary K.

[Greg Salata]

My jointer is set to 1/32 and that's where it stays. Sometimes that means more passes, but that's just fine with me.


I have to agree, I rarely change the setting. Shallow passes work best and I am not constantly readjusting the machine.

[Dave Malen]

If your working with a curly wood I would go even shallower. Also you can put mineral oil or water on the would to prevent tearout.

Dave

[Alan Turner]

I guess I am alone at this practice, but my jointer table goes up and down a lot. I find it faster to take a heavier cut to start flattening a poor surface or edge, and then crank it up as it bites more. I rarely go over about 3/16" however.

[Norman Hitt]

Sounds like 1/32 is it.
Are these conversions to 1000ths correct.

1/8 = .125
1/16 = .0625

So

1/32 = .0325

I'm confused.

Not that it really matters for what you are going to do, Steve, but actually...
1/32 = .03125

maybe you just left out the 1 when you typed it.;)