I have an old jointer I would like to start using. I think it's a craftsman. It has a 1/2 HP motor. The pulley on the motor is 2.5". The one on the jointer is 2". I think I need to increase the rpm's. So what kind of speed should I be looking for and what size pulley do I need to put on the motor.the blades are about 4.5 inches.
Thank you
Could you let us know what model craftsman jointer it is? The craftsman jointer 113.206801 I have has a 1/2hp 3450 rpm motor. Both the pulleys on the cutterhead and motor is 2.5"
This looks like a great little joiner.
My first thought is to use the joiner as-is.
Without knowing the RPM of the motor ( most likely either 1750 or 3450 rpm), it's premature to recommend a pulley change.
I would stay with the original ratios if you can find what they are.
I'm betting the pulley ratios are original.
This little machine was made to make a maximum cutting depth of no more than 1/8" per pass.
With a 2" pulley on jointer a 5" on a 1725 RPM motor or a 2.5" pulley on a 3450 RPM motor will give you just over 4300, close to recommended speed of 4500 for those jointers.
I think with a 1/2hp motor any attempt to change the gear ratio to achieve the rpm you need the motor will slow down and stop when cutting. I think you need a bigger motor or a faster one. Personally I think you need a 3/4hp 3450 rpm motor and gear it even money.
I used one similar to that up until I got my big 6 inch jointer. Mine had a 1/2 hp 1725 rpm motor, with around a 5 or 6 inch motor pulley and a 2 inch head pulley. If memory serves correctly the recommended speed for the cutterhead is in the 4-5000 rpm range, so a 5 inch motor pulley should do you well.
As far as power goes, the 1/2 on yours should be plenty, so long as you keep the knive sharp and don't try making super-deep cuts
I installed the 5" pulley. It does 4" wide boards without a problem. The shaving a half the size they were before and it sounds smoother. I just have to get the right size belt and secure the motor better. Need to make an adjuster for the belt tension.
Thank you
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