This video and guide demonstrate replacing bearings and installing a new cutterhead in a jointer, highlighting spiral cutterhead benefits. It details required tools, safety precautions, removal of old parts, preparation and installation of new components, alignment, and reassembly steps to complete the process safely and accurately.
In this video, we'll demonstrate how to replace bearings and install a new cutterhead in a jointer. We also discuss the benefits of spiral cutterheads over conventional straight knife cutterheads. While this video demonstrates changing the cutterhead in an 8" jointer, the process will be similar for other jointers.
We've also included the step-by-step instructions below so you can follow along.
Tools and Components Needed
Tools
- Socket wrench set
- Allen wrench set
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Rubber mallet or soft-faced hammer
- Pry bar (for pillow block removal)
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Plastic wrap (for cutterhead protection)
Components
New Components:
- New Cutterhead
- Front bearing (best to replace with new)
- Back bearing (best to replace with new)
Components from original assembly that will be reused:
- Key
- Drive pulley
- Washers
- Nuts
- Set screws
- Shims (if present in original setup)
Safety First
- Disconnect the machine from power before starting.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the cutterhead—it is extremely sharp.
- If your cutterhead has no protective covering, wrap it in plastic during installation.
Step 1: Remove Existing Components
- Disconnect the jointer from power.
- Remove the fence.
- Remove the blade guard.
- Remove or flip the blades.
- Open the cabinet and loosen the drive belt; remove the belt.
- Lower both tables.
Step 2: Remove the Old Cutterhead
- Loosen the nut below the pillow blocks.
- Pull the cutterhead pulley toward the front pillow block, then lift straight up and out.
Note: The two long threaded rods prevent sliding in or out. - Inspect the space between the pillow blocks and the base for shims.
- Mark their position and do not lose them.
- Remove the set screws.
- Pull the pulley off the end of the shaft.
- Do not lose the key; set it aside for later use.
- Tap off or pry the front pillow block and bearing.
- Remove the old bearing if it comes off with the pillow block.
Step 3: Prepare the New Cutterhead
- Install the front bearing on the front shaft of the cutterhead.
- Remove the back pillow block from the pulley shaft and ensure it’s free of the old bearing.
- Install a new bearing on the back pillow block.
- Attach the back pillow block and bearing to the longer shaft of the cutterhead.
Step 4: Install the New Cutterhead
- Drop the pillow blocks (with shims if present) into place.
- Tighten the nuts with washers above.
- Install the key.
- Slide the drive pulley on and tighten the set screws.
- Check that the pulley is coplanar; adjust if needed.
- Install and tension the drive belt, then close the cabinet.
- Carefully unwrap the plastic from the cutterhead.
Step 5: Align and Reassemble
- Raise the outfeed table to true, checking alignment from every angle.
- New or different shims may be needed.
- Raise the infeed table and ensure it is true to the outfeed at zero.
- Re-zero the pointer if necessary.
- Reinstall the fence.
- Reinstall the blade guard.
- Connect to power and test run the jointer.