Hello group!
I am seeking some advice on a problem I am having with my jointer. Simply put I cannot it to cut a true flat edge. I get snipe at the last few inches of the cut.
Here is a bad ascii drawing of the bottom of the jointed edge:
Front (fed into jointer cutter heads) Rear ________________ __________________________________/
This all started when I had to replace the blades on the unit because the original blades were too dull and beat up. After the blades were replaced I ran into a number of problems with blade alignment, and fitment. These issues are now sorted and the blades are sharp and parallel to the cutter head.
I read a book on maintaining machines which had a section on tuning a jointer. It suggested that this problem comes up because the infeed table is angled downwards toward the end furthest away from the cutter head. I tested this with a straight edge and this was indeed the case, The book says in this case the gibs must be tightened. Did that no infeed and outfeed tables not in plane. Next step: shim the infeed table pushing it upwards until it is in the same plane as the outfeed. Did that using aluminum from a soda pop can.. Now with a straightedge across the table, and the infeed set at the same height as the outfeed everything appears "in plane." But I still have the snipe problem.
I have followed the instructions from the book and still have the same problem, Since this is the first time I am doing this, and since I am not getting the expected results, I do not know if I am doing it correctly.
My problem is I cannot continue my current cabinet project until this is fixed because I am now starting work on rails and stiles for the doors (first time at that too) and everything must be square otherwise nothing will fit.
Thanks for any suggestions you can provide. (no the wife will NOT let me buy an 8 inch jointer).
It is an old Busy Bee 6 inch jointer with spring loaded blades.
Dean