Wixey / Jet 15 Inch Surface Planer

[Bob Genovesi]

It's been a long time coming but here it is. I had to be creative to get this to work primarily due to all the irregular surfaces I had to deal with and the lack of available mounting features.

I designed this using SolidWorks 3D solid modeling software. I have both the models and the drawing. I will be glad to share them with anyone who would like a copy. The drawings are complete with all dimensions and materials.

Materials: All the brackets are made from aluminum angles and are available through most metal supply shops or can be purchased over the Internet.

OK, Here Goes!

Bed bracket with vertical mount.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_003.jpg

Close up of the assembly showing a notch to clear the heavy bed frame.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_004.jpg

The bed already had 2 6mm tapped holes and I added a 1/4-20 for extra measure

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_001.jpg

Assembly mounted in position

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_006.jpg

Wixey supplied bracket mounted to the vertical mount.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_007.jpg

Wixey unit fully in position and adjusted.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_008.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_009.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_015.jpg

Unit with top support bracket

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_013.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Wixey-Jet15_014.jpg

After I calibrated it I was really amazed just how accurate and repeatable it really is. Just to test it I planed a couple of boards, moved it and went back to the same setting. I was surprised to see the 3rd board's thickness was dead on!

I'll give this a thumbs up!

[Jerry White]

Very well thought out plan, Bob. Looks great...a very sturdy mount. Your plan looks like it would apply directly to my situation, too. Thank you for sharing.

Jerry

[Mike Goetzke]

Bob - nice design. Especially since you didn't need to mess too much with your planer. Are you aware that you can by a new readout at Wixey that is easier to read for $20 (display window is on an angle)? Don't know if it's needed but you might want to check it out.

Mike

[W Craig Wilson]

Thanks Bob
I got one of these for Christmas but have yet had the brainpower to figure out the mount. With the help of your pics & experiance, my Jet will be digitized this weekend.

[Walt Caza]

Hi Bob,
Great work with your sturdy height guage mount, and utilizing readily available materials is a bonus to boot!
I see that like my install, your upright also rises taller than your return rollers.
I had to learn to watch the guage when moving long stock around it. (oops)

Great photos and posting, should prove helpful to others trying to 'reinvent the wheel'.
Thanks for sharing a strong install,
Walt

ps ...for those considering adding a digital height guage to their planer, now that I have used it a while, I would not go without...
:)