Jointer Blade Sharpening

For this instructable, I will give my newly purchased jointer some TLC and sharpen her blades.

Supplies

Jointer
Allen wrench
Marker
Sanding paper or tool
Spare 2x3
Something flat (I use plate glass)
Table saw
Angle finder(s)
Screws and screwdriver
Whet stone (optional)

Step 1: Giving the Jointer Some TLC

When I acquired this jointer, it was stored in a barn and the dude sold it to me without a motor for less than $10. So I used WD-40 and a scouring pad to remove superficial rust. That’s when I noticed that the blades were in bad shape and needed to be re-sharpened. I remove them and gibs with an Allen wrench and marked each blade and their associated space 1, 2, and 3.

Step 2: Sharpen Those Blades (knives)

Once the knives were removed, (or blades depending on what you wanna call them) I used a spare 2X3 block and my table saw to cut a 53° notch for the blades to sit. I use 53° because my angle finder said that the blade angle was 37°. 90 - 37 = 53. I have to go two blades at a time when sharpening, obviously, and so I just alternate 1 & 3, 2 & 3, and 1 & 2 as I sharpen them.
I bought a pack of automotive sandpaper, which is good for use with water, which came in a pack of 200, 400, 800, 1000 grit. Using them with water helps move away the removed metal as you go. Like I said earlier, I alternate the blades as I go up in grit number. I do this for the face of the blade and the back. Both are important for cutting action! I had to spend a lot of time on the 200 grit so that I could get a nice flat face and backing. But as you move up and grit number, it shouldn’t take you as many strokes to get a nice polished finish.
If you really wanted to go the extra mile you could finish them up with a whetstone as I do in my last photo.

Step 3: Take It for a Test Spin

Once all of the knives were sharpened to my liking, I put them back with their associated gibs into their slot. This is a long and tedious task, but I do mention it in my video in the beginning.
With that, I added a motor and belt to take it for a test spin and it cuts like butter! Now I have a new piece of equipment to add to my workshop!

Thanks for looking and I hope this helps.