Delta Jointer 37-280

[DannyL]

I have a Delta Jointer 37-280 that I bought several years a go. I have developed a problem with getting a straight joint. The infeed and outfeed seem to be level and straight, but when I run an edge through, it bows the edge. It acts as though the end of the out feed is lower than the outfeed table nearer the blades, but I've put a straight edge on the tables at zero depth and they line up flush. Any help?

[UtahAV]

It sounds like you have checked things out and the jointer is setup properly. I am guessing that the problem is just a limitation of the 37-280 jointer. The 37-280 jointer has a fairly short bed length. If you are jointing short lumber, say 24" to 36" you should have no problems. As the length of the board increases you are more likely to see the problem that you described. Think of the left edge of your jointer's table as point "A" and the right edge as point "B". Lets assume you have a board that is 8' long you are trying to joint. Initially you set the board on the infeed table and begin to push it through the cutter head. All is well at this point and you are getting a nice straight edge. As the board moves across the jointer the leading edge comes to point "A" at this point the board is making contact with Point "A", most if not all of the outfeed table, the cutter head and point "B". As the board continues across the jointer the leading edge of the board is no longer supported and can now begin to drop towards the floor. Because the distance from point "A" to point "B" is fairly short compared to the length of the lumber the jointer will continue to follow the bow in the board. Simply put, as the length of the lumber to be jointed increases, the length of the jointer bed also needs to increase give a good, straight edge.

Hope this makes any sense and helps!

-UtahAV
-Mark

[AntoineB]

I purchased a set of blades that go to the 37-280 6" jointer and they do not fit. I could not get them to seat all the way, so I thought. They stuck out of the jointer making the outfeed table to low. I put them together with the old ones and saw a size difference of .047 larger width on the new set. I have check and double checked about the size and this is the proper size for the jointer. However they are to wide.