How to Level a Craftsman Jointer in Woodworking

Turn off the jointer and unplug it. Prop the cutter guard open by wedging a piece of scrap wood between the fence and the guard. This allows the cutting blades recessed inside the jointer to be visible through the top of the appliance.

Locate the hole in the back of the jointer directly above the vacuum port. Spin the cutter head until one of the blades is at the top -- its highest point. Place the straight edge over the outfeed table and the blade. The blade should just touch the straight edge when it is leveled correctly.

Loosen the three blade lock screws using a 5/32-inch Allen wrench. To raise the blade, pry it upward gently with a screwdriver using the outfeed table as a fulcrum. If the blade is too high, tap it gently down with a piece of scrap wood. Tighten the locking bolts, and remove the piece of wood holding the cutter guard.