Knives for a Powermatic 60B

[Eric L. Severseike]

Hi all,

I'd like to get your thoughts on a set of replacement blades for my Pmatic 60B jointer. The user's manual calls for 1/8" x 11/16" x 8 1/16" blades, but I'm having trouble finding that exact size. Would a set 1/8" x 3/4" by 8 1/16" blades work, or would my next stop be the emergency room with 8 1/16" of steel poking out of/through me?

Thanks for your responses,

Eric

[Jeff Willard]

...or would my next stop be the emergency room with 8 1/16" of steel poking out of/through me?

I doubt it. As long as the gibs have enough knife width for purchase, that 1/16" shouldn't be significant. You just won't get as many sharpenings out of the narrower knives. If you are having trouble locating knives, direct replacements should be available through Powermatic.

EDIT: Oops! I read that wrong. You're looking at wider, not narrower knives. I don't know. Why not try measuring to see how much depth you have in the cutterhead?

[Paul Murphy]

Dig around the websites below, all have something close. Most of these guys have longer lengths of most any width, and will cut them to your exact size. Just call or email for a quote.

Not knowing what a Pmatic 60B is, I'll guess at a jointer based on the 8"...

If you run a 1/16" oversize there are two things to consider:
First, will the knife adjust to the proper depth, or will the knife project an extra 1/16"? If it projects, will it clear the cast iron tables, etc?
Second, if the knife projects 1/16" extra, your cutting circle will not be anywhere close to the current adjustments. Will your tables both raise 1/16" if need be? As most tables raise, they usually move closer to the cutterhead...rember the larger cutting circle!!! Spin the new oversize setup a full revolution by hand before applying power, and check with the table at both ends of normal travel.

I would get the custom knives, not much more money, and usually only an extra day to cut & ship. Hate to instal oversize knives that might cause problems.

http://www.americannationalknife.com/8To12.asp
8 x 11/16 x 1/8 1088 Jet JJ-8 - Set of 3. 42.50
8 x 3/4 x 1/8 1091 Powermatic 60, Pryor, Sunhill - Set of 3. 37.60

http://globaltooling.bizhosting.com/...ner_knife.html
31" Length x 11/16" Width x 1/8" Thick - T1-HSS Planer Knife - Bevel Edge - Smooth Back $20.35 + cut

http://www.wmooreprofiles.com/p-3524-pk-411-08.aspx
Price: $33.22

[M Toupin]

Check with Holbren, whey carry 1/8" X 8 1/16" X 13/16" blades which I believe they will fit as is, but they could easily be ground down if need be. Holbren also does custom sizes if I recall correctly which might be an option too.

To answer your original question, the extra 1/16" is for the rabbiting ledge, a 8" blade will work just fine. You just won't be able to use the rabbiting ledge, but to be honest, I don't know anyone who actually uses it. It's a pain, and there are much better ways to rabbit a board.

If you go with Holbren be sure to use the SMC10 code for a 10% discount.

http://www.holbren.com

Mike