Jointer Tune Up - Will Box Level Suffice for Straightedge?

[Spencer Hochstetler]

One of the best jointer set ups I've seen was done by a guy with no straight edge, no dial indicators, no feeler gauges. Just test pieces and tweaking. The old school results oriented method. You have to know which adjustments affect which alignments, play around a bit.

This guy tuned up a badly adjusted 12" parallelogram powermatic so it was everyone's favorite machine again. I don't know if a box level is accurate enough, some probably are at least good enough to give you a starting point. I don't know where you can find a quality straight edge cheap either. But it is possible to set up a wood working machine with out going down the expensive and uber anal machinists road.

Excellent point. I use my level to get close and then joint some 4' boards until things are aligned; i.e. when there is no convex or concave curves in the boards after jointed as determined by holding them against each other and trying to twist them. Proof is in the pudding.

[Eduard Nemirovsky]

if you have Fine Woodworking subscription, please check this article. It show how to tune-up jointer with homemade straightedge.
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