Speed and Power for a jointer?

[Porter Bassett]

I have an old Craftsman 6" jointer that has no motor. How big of a motor do I need, and how fast do I want it?

[Steve Schoene]

I'd think 1 1/2HP would be fully adequate for a 6" jointer (even 1 hp, would probably suffice). As far as speed, you want the cutterhead to be turning around 4800 rpm, give or take, so a 3450 rpm motor will achieve that with a pully just a little larger than the one on the cutter head.

[Porter Bassett]

Excellent! That means that my decision to not get rid of my POJ Harbor Freight table saw is vindicated when I lobotomize it for its motor!

Once I get the motor on it and the blades sharpened, I'll need to set it up properly, which means I'll need a good straightedge. Where can I find a good deal on a straightedge?

[Mark Rios]

I have to respectfully disagree. I think you need a 12hp 220V motor at somewhere around 8000 RPM so that you get a glass like finish.


JMO
:D

[Porter Bassett]

I'll keep that in mind for... next time. When I upgrade....

Yeah, that's the ticket. :p

[Mark Rios]

:D:D:D:D:D


Congrats on the refurb project. I'm sure you'll grab some pics for us, hmmmm? ;):D

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I have an old Craftsman 6" jointer that has no motor. How big of a motor do I need, and how fast do I want it?

I ran mine on a 1 HP for years and years. The cutter head is small in diameter so the power consumption is low.