Jointer: Squeaking or Squealing Sound Coming From the Cutter Head
If you hear squeaking or squealing sounds coming from the cutter head of your jointer, it could be one of two parts. Check the bearings and belt for signs of damage. Use our expert repair advice to fix your jointer yourself, much more efficient and less costly than hiring someone. Check your owner's manual for advice tailored to your model.
Bearings
A bearing is a round, wheel-like device that is used to reduce friction, bear stress and enable movement in the form of linear motion or rotational. Worn bearings inside the cutter head can cause a grinding or squealing sound and can be accompanied by a vibration.
To check the condition of these bearings, and to replace, begin by removing the guard by pulling up, then taking out the fence. Release the tension on the belt by loosening the motor bolts. Remove the bolts underneath that hold the cutter head in place. Remove the cutter head by sliding it out. Now, place the cutter head assembly in a block, or bench vice, with soft jaws attached to avoid any damage. Spin the bearings by hand. Bearings should rotate freely and smoothly with no sound. Bearings that feel rough and make any noise are worn and require replacement. Use a puller, or...
To check the condition of these bearings, and to replace, begin by removing the guard by pulling up, then taking out the fence. Release the tension on the belt by loosening the motor bolts. Remove the bolts underneath that hold the cutter head in place. Remove the cutter head by sliding it out. Now, place the cutter head assembly in a block, or bench vice, with soft jaws attached to avoid any damage. Spin the bearings by hand. Bearings should rotate freely and smoothly with no sound. Bearings that feel rough and make any noise are worn and require replacement. Use a puller, or...
A bearing is a round, wheel-like device that is used to reduce friction, bear stress and enable movement in the form of linear motion or rotational. Worn bearings inside the cutter head can cause a grinding or squealing sound and can be accompanied by a vibration.
To check the condition of these bearings, and to replace, begin by removing the guard by pulling up, then taking out the fence. Release the tension on the belt by loosening the motor bolts. Remove the bolts underneath that hold the cutter head in place. Remove the cutter head by sliding it out. Now, place the cutter head assembly in a block, or bench vice, with soft jaws attached to avoid any damage. Spin the bearings by hand. Bearings should rotate freely and smoothly with no sound. Bearings that feel rough and make any noise are worn and require replacement. Use a puller, or bearing separator, to remove the bad bearing.
When installing a new bearing on the shaft, use a press to ensure even pressure. If you do not have a press, you can keep it in the bench vice and use a socket big enough that it only contacts the inner race of the bearing to avoid damage. Then, tap into place with a hammer.
Reinstall the cutter head back on the jointer and then the belt, fence, and guide. Reapply the tension to the belt by adjusting the motor to tighten the belt, then secure the motor bolts. Belt tension should not deflect more that a ¼ to 2/8 of an inch.
To check the condition of these bearings, and to replace, begin by removing the guard by pulling up, then taking out the fence. Release the tension on the belt by loosening the motor bolts. Remove the bolts underneath that hold the cutter head in place. Remove the cutter head by sliding it out. Now, place the cutter head assembly in a block, or bench vice, with soft jaws attached to avoid any damage. Spin the bearings by hand. Bearings should rotate freely and smoothly with no sound. Bearings that feel rough and make any noise are worn and require replacement. Use a puller, or bearing separator, to remove the bad bearing.
When installing a new bearing on the shaft, use a press to ensure even pressure. If you do not have a press, you can keep it in the bench vice and use a socket big enough that it only contacts the inner race of the bearing to avoid damage. Then, tap into place with a hammer.
Reinstall the cutter head back on the jointer and then the belt, fence, and guide. Reapply the tension to the belt by adjusting the motor to tighten the belt, then secure the motor bolts. Belt tension should not deflect more that a ¼ to 2/8 of an inch.
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Find your Bearings here
Belts
Worn belts will produce a squealing sound on the pulleys because they are slipping and, in some cases, will produce a burning smell. To replace a worn out belt, remove any panels to access the belt. Release the tension on the belt by loosening the bolts on the motor. Now, remove the belt. Install the new belt around the pulleys and reapply the tension by pushing down on the motor and tightening the bolts. For proper belt tension, check your manual. If you do not have a manual, then the belt should not deflect more than a ¼ to 3/8 of an inch.
Worn belts will produce a squealing sound on the pulleys because they are slipping and, in some cases, will produce a burning smell. To replace a worn out belt, remove any panels to access the belt. Release the tension on the belt by loosening the bolts on the motor. Now, remove the belt. Install the new belt around the pulleys and reapply the tension by pushing down on the motor and tightening the bolts. For proper belt tension, check your manual. If you do not have a manual, then the belt should not deflect more than a ¼ to 3/8 of an inch.
Find your Belts here
