What is the correct way to place jointer knives?

[David Klug]

I'm new to woodworking and I just purchased a used Craftsman jointer. When I was looking it over I noticed that the bevel of the knives faced the out feed table. It seems to me that they should face the infeed table. Does anyone know which is the correct way?

Dave

[Dave Arbuckle]

The way they are in there is correct. Flat faces infeed, bevel outfeed.

Dave

[Ron Jones near Indy]

The cutting edge must contact the wood first. The beveled edge would tend to push the stock away from the cutting edge--could lead to kickback, a very bad situation.:( The bevel provides clearance for the cutter head to rotate without contacting the stock. Glad you asked the question. Always better to be safe than sorry.:cool:

[David Klug]

Thanks for the help. The way you explain it makes sense.

Dave