Setting jointer knives on Delta DJ20 37-350

[Bob Barsalou]

Just bought a 1986-1992? 8" Delta Jointer . didn't have a manual. Found 2 on internet. Each gave different blade to head setting: One said .060" , the other said .015". Delta couldn't help. They only gave me current settings (.015) . Anyone have 1985-95? Delta DJ20 jointer?

[Peter Quinn]

I have one. Just checked my owners manual for you. My knives are set .015-.020" above the head. A setting of .060" (just shy of 1/16") is crazy high on a parallelogram jointer. Ignore that manual, go with .015".

Its not that Delta can't help you, its that they WONT help you. They made nice tools, still make a few decent things today. But their business model is such that they will not support older machines, they want you to scrap old fine machinery and buy new. There web site is garbage, their CS is garbage, and their name is quickly approaching garbage! Fortunately their older machinery is very well made and a pleasure to use.

If you ever have a chance to deal with WMH customer service you will see how a real American tool manufacturer conducts business. Need a part for a green powermatic, they will try to help, you will speak with a tech that cares. Need a part for an older delta shaper or jointer? You will speak to a telephone answering sevice, possibly with a woman that neither knows anything about tools nor cares to (as I did on several occasions) who will tell you that your machine is no longer supported in their system, and can she help you with anything else today sir? Good luck with that jointer. The OEM manual is a great technical reference, well written and informative. Let me know if you can't find a copy, I could scan it and email it to you.

[Chip Lindley]

I am 99.999% sure that the spec for DJ-20 has not changed since its inception. The spec is .015" on my late '90s DJ20. Here is the link to Delta's website which has several user manuals and parts diagrams available. http://www.dewaltservicenet.com/Products/DocumentView.aspx?productid=43591&typeId=10445&documentId=30176

Hope this works for you!! And....Enjoy your DJ-20!! Its a nice machine, and I hope you got a bargain on it! MerryChristmas!!

[Bob Barsalou]

Thanks Peter. I agree about Delta customer service and by instinct, I did adjust to .015.

[Bob Barsalou]

Thanks chip I went for the .015 even though older manual said .060. The Dj20 is in very good shape - I paid $700

[Chip Lindley]

Woah!! $700 for a DJ-20 is worth a *GLOAT* here at the Creek! In June '07 I finally found a nice DJ-20 for $675, but took a tank of gas to get it home. If you bought yours locally you have me Beat! Congrats!!

[Bob Barsalou]

Chip,
I'm happy ---a 90 mile round trip got it home.