Earlier I posted my experience putting a new Jet JWP-160S 16" planer together. Several on the WREC warned that blade changes with the motor above the access plate might be a problem. I just finished my first blade change and it was pretty easy. The access cover had 4 screws and the dust port has 3 lower screws that have to be removed. One of the cover screws is partially under the motor, but it was no problem. Once the cover is off, I had to remove a plastic deflector shield held by 3 screws. Two of the screws had to be loosened with an open-end wrench due to the motor, but there was penty of room. The cutter head is toward the outfeed and there was plenty of room accessing the blades from the backside. Loosened the 5 gib bolts on the 1st blade and the springs lifted it up. There is plenty of room to lift the blade out with finger tips on the ends of the blade. A little cleanup and the new blade (Jet) slipped in. I pushed it down, compressing the springs, till it stopped against 2 jack screws. Snugged up
2 of the gib bolts and checked with the guage.....perfect. Tightened the gibs and did the same for the next 2 blades. No adjustments were required. That might be a different story after I change to blades that have been sharpened, but the jack screws seem to make that easy. Total time was about 1 hour. Next time should be faster. Won't have to read the manual 10 times for each step......Can't be too carefull. The new blades cost $155! YikesJim