Cutterhead spring

[norm932]

I recently bought a used 8" jointer. The knives needed changing. This is my first trying this task. While taking the old knives out I noticed that one knife had no springs in the holes. Either I lost them or they were missing when I started. I was wondering where do I go to get replacement springs. Also since I'm going through all this trouble is there anything else I should rebuild or do while I got the cutterhead apart?

 

[NCPete]

norm, if you use the jointer-pals, I don't think those springs will matter at all??? the magnets will hold the knife at the right height while you tighten 'em into place. I may be totally wrong, but my wife isn't here, so maybe just this once???

 

[norm932]

Pete,
Are you gonna tell my wife, I need a $30 jig, cause I don't have 2 $1 springs. I wouldn't miss that conversation for anything. LOL

 

[toolman]

:rotflm: :rotflm: :rotflm:

 

[NCPete]

Pete,
Are you gonna tell my wife, I need a $30 jig, cause I don't have 2 $1 springs. I wouldn't miss that conversation for anything. LOL

I wouldn't have told my wife about the missing springs! :5sigh: Besides, the jig will make setting the knives that much easier, you might be able to justify both.

 

[Travis Porter]

I would want the springs. Although a jointer pal/buddy will help, it is only an accessory. As to where to get the springs, Might try an Ace or True value hardware. If that doesn't work, a gun shop may have some.

Since you are tuning the jointer up, I would additionally check to see if there is any sag in the tables that needs to be shimmed up. Metal beer (or soda) cans make good shim stock.

 

[striker]

no springs / jigs necessary for a spiral head. If your gonna get in hot water over a 30 dollar jig may as well make it worthwhile!

 

[FredP]

3 rare earth magnets and a 6" piece of steal works fine in lew of jointer jigs. you can also use a strip magnet glued to a strait edge. bring tables up to same level. stick the magnets to the steel one on each end and one in the middle. stick it to the table and center the middle magnet over the knife. do one side then the other only snuging it up. after set tighten all down. the jig is easier [i have one] but its not that hard to do without.:icon_thum

 

[norm932]

Thanks guys, I got the knives changed and tables adjusted. Everything working fine, and finished boards are so flat they stick to the table (not bad for a first time rookie). BTW I had already heard from the wife when I bought the Jointer Pal last week. Which I will have to admit made the job alot easier than I thought it would be. Once "top dead center" was found and the other marks required for the jig, everything went smooth.