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Results 1 to 15 of 67
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18th December 2013, 12:41 PM #1
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Jointer tables - How flat do they need to be?
Hi all,
I recently picked up a used jet jpt-310hh combo thicky/jointer. Haven't had the chance to use it yet. Still waiting on getting a 15 Amp outlet in my workshop.
I thought I may as well adjust the jointer tables co-planer while I wait for the sparky. I got as far as checking the in-feed and out-feed tables for flatness, and discovered the out-feed table has a dish (depression/hole) 0.4 mm deep (about 16 thousands) at its deepest point (measured using feeler gauges and a steel Veritas straight edge). The depression is approx 250 mm long and covers approx 3/4 of the width of the out-feed table, roughly in the middle of the table.
The in-feed table also has a smaller dish, but is approx 0.1 mm at its deepest point.
I wanted this tool purchase to be the last planer/jointer I need. My gut says 0.4 mm is too much and needs to be resolved. I can see 0.4 mm on a standard ruler, so that seems HUGE given what a jointer is used for. I am very disappointed.
Is my gut wrong? Is a 0.4 mm dish nothing to stress over?
By the way...I checked my old jet 6 inch long bed jointer and the deepest dish I can find is about 0.04 mm. Very flat in comparison to the much more expensive jpt-310hh.
Thanks for your thoughts and advice.
Cheers
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18th December 2013, 12:43 PM #2
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Also, since I haven't got the 15 Amp outlet yet, I don't yet know how well or poorly the machine makes wood straight and flat.
Cheers
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18th December 2013, 12:45 PM #3
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Sounds like a noticeable deviation from flat. I suppose that you can run different length/width boards through it and check them with your straight edge to see if the depression creates problems for any particular board sizes.
PS. Wait for the 15Amp power and do test runs before stressing about non-flat table.
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18th December 2013, 12:54 PM #4
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Also just found this related post: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f154/j...e-flat-177910/
A refund isn't an option for me though.
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18th December 2013, 06:25 PM #5
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While obviously less than ideal, I don't think it will noticeably affect the end result. If it was close to the cutter end of the table you'd definitely have a problem.
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18th December 2013, 06:35 PM #6
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I just got a Jet 310HH delivered this morning and put a straight edge corner to corner on both tables.
Here are my results of the dishes.
Infeed: 0.13-015mm
Outfeed: 0.18mm
These are the low spots.
Im quite annoyed I can see daylight on a "precision machined" piece of equipment.
Not sure what to do about it.
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18th December 2013, 06:57 PM #7
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18th December 2013, 08:26 PM #8
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For what it's worth, I have contacted Jet for comment on the problem since it seems to be a common issue. I'll report back with their reply.
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18th December 2013, 08:27 PM #9
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Sounds like a good plan.
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18th December 2013, 11:16 PM #10
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Maybe a chat to the guys who machine engine heads would be a good start.
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20th December 2013, 09:57 AM #11
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Yeah I'm starting to speak to businesses about grinding. Not easy at this time of year though.
Got a rough quote of about $200 to do both tables, but I'm not confident of the tolerances they can guarantee. All I got assured was "it'll be good enough for woodworking". Very affordable, but it'll sure be a pain to take off and reassemble the tables, and the result will need to be much better than it is now to make it worth the effort.
Forgot to ask what method they use to, but it's not Blanchard grinding.
Anyone think 0.4mm is nothing to worry about?
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20th December 2013, 10:34 AM #12
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It seems that this really worries you, so get it done, and get this out of your head
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20th December 2013, 10:38 AM #13
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Would grinding the tables make other areas of the machine go out of whack?
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20th December 2013, 12:49 PM #14
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Worried...I sure am! But I'm just trying to gauge if my worry is justified based on all you other woodworkers past experiences.
Still no 15 amp socket to run the machine, so I guess I'm stuck wondering until the new year. Electricians seem hard to pin down this time of year. Must all be off fishing.
Cheers
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20th December 2013, 04:36 PM #15
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