Delta JT360 - User Manual

This document is an instruction manual for the DELTA ShopMaster 6" Deluxe Jointer, Model JT360. It provides comprehensive information on assembly, operation, maintenance, safety, and warranty.

Function Description

The DELTA ShopMaster Model JT360 is a Deluxe 6" (152mm) Jointer designed for woodworking operations such as jointing, planing, beveling, taper cuts, and rabbeting. Its primary function is to create flat and square surfaces on wood workpieces. It can also be used to create specific angles (bevels) and tapers, and to cut rabbets. The machine includes a heavy-duty 3/4 hp, 120/240 volt induction motor, a stand, a dust chute, a center-mounted fence, a three-knife cutterhead, a cutterhead guard, and push blocks.

Important Technical Specifications

Model: JT360
Cutting Capacity: 6" (152mm) width
Maximum Depth of Cut: 1/2" (13mm) for jointing and planing, 1/2" (13mm) for rabbeting.
Motor: Heavy-duty 3/4 hp induction motor
Voltage: 120/240 volts, 60 HZ alternating current. Shipped ready-to-run for 120 volt operation; convertible to 240 volt operation by qualified electrical personnel at an Authorized Delta Service Center.
Power Cord: Requires a 3-wire extension cord with a 3-prong grounding type plug and matching receptacle. Minimum gauge extension cord recommendations are provided based on ampere rating, voltage, and cord length (e.g., 18 AWG for 0-6 Ampere Rating, 120 Volts, up to 25 feet; 12 AWG for 10-12 Ampere Rating, 120 Volts, 100-150 feet).
Weight: Approximately 175 lbs (79.4 kg).
Minimum Workpiece Dimensions for Jointing/Planing: 10" (254mm) length, 3/4" (19mm) width, 1/2" (12.7mm) thickness.
Cutterhead: Three-knife cutterhead.
Fence: Center-mounted, capable of tilting 45 degrees right or left, with positive stops for 90 and 45-degree angles.
Dust Collection: Includes a dust chute and a 4" O.D. dust collector adapter for connection to a dust collection system.

Usage Features

Assembly: The manual details the step-by-step assembly process, including the stand, dust chute, motor and switch, and attaching the jointer to the stand. It emphasizes the need for a minimum of two people to lift the 175 lbs machine onto the stand. Tools required for assembly (6mm, 4mm, 3mm, 2.5mm Allen wrenches, 12x14mm, 8x10mm open end wrenches) are supplied.

Infeed Table Adjustments: The infeed table's height, which controls the depth of cut, can be adjusted using a lockhandle and a raising/lowering handle. An index stop automatically sets the table at 1/8 inch depth of cut, which can be overridden by pulling out the stop. The maximum depth adjustment is 1/2 inch. Positive stops are provided for limiting height and depth, allowing for rapid setting for finish or final cuts.

Outfeed Table Adjustments: For accurate work, the outfeed table must be level with the knives at their highest point of revolution. Adjustment involves loosening a lockscrew and turning a hand knob.

Knife Adjustment: Knives must be precisely level with the outfeed table. The manual provides detailed instructions for checking and adjusting knife height using a straight edge and a feeler gauge. It also covers loosening and tightening locking screws and raising screws for knife adjustment.

Fence Operation: The fence can be moved across the table and tilted 45 degrees to the right or left. Lock handles and tilting levers are used for positioning. Positive stops are available for 90 and 45-degree angles, with adjustment instructions provided. The fence guards are adjustable to close the opening between the fence bracket and the fence, limiting access to the cutterhead.

Starting and Stopping: The on/off switch is located on the front of the jointer. The switch toggle can be removed to lock the switch in the "OFF" position, preventing unauthorized use.

Operational Techniques:

Jointing an Edge: The workpiece is held firmly against the infeed table and fence, with the narrow edge on the infeed table and the major flat surface against the fence.
Planing or Surfacing: Similar to jointing, but the major flat surface of the workpiece is placed on the infeed table, with the narrow edge against the fence. Push blocks are recommended.
Beveling: The fence is locked at the desired angle, and the workpiece is run across the knives. Tilting the fence inward (towards the table) for angles approaching 45 degrees is suggested for better workpiece control.
Taper Cuts: Involves lowering the forward end of the workpiece onto the outfeed table, spanning the knives, and pushing forward.
Cutting a Rabbet: Requires removing the cutterhead guard, adjusting the fence to the desired rabbet width, and lowering the infeed table to the desired rabbet depth. Multiple passes may be needed for deep rabbets.
Planing Warped Pieces: Light cuts are recommended to avoid springing the wood.
Planing Short or Thin Work: Always use push blocks.
Direction of Grain: Feed with the grain to avoid chipping and splintering.

Safety: The manual includes extensive safety guidelines and specific rules for jointers. Key warnings include:

Always read and understand all instructions before operation.
Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask.
Wear proper apparel (no loose clothing or jewelry).
Do not use in dangerous environments (damp/wet locations).
Maintain tools in peak condition.
Check for damaged parts.
Keep the work area clean.
Keep children and visitors away.
Reduce the risk of unintentional starting (ensure switch is OFF before plugging in).
Use guards.
Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before starting.
Use the right machine for the job.
Use recommended accessories.
Use the proper extension cord.
Secure the workpiece.
Feed workpiece against the direction of cutterhead rotation.
Do not force the workpiece.
Do not overreach.
Never stand on the machine.
Never leave the machine running unattended.
Turn OFF and disconnect power before adjustments or repairs.
Make workshop childproof.
Stay alert and use common sense.
Take precautions against dust inhalation.
Do not operate until fully assembled.
Keep knives sharp.
Tighten infeed/outfeed tables before starting.
Secure blades in cutterhead.
Clear table of objects before turning ON.
Never turn ON with workpiece contacting cutterhead.
Avoid awkward operations and hand positions.
Keep arms, hands, and fingers away from the cutterhead.
Never make cuts deeper than 1/8" (3.2mm).
Never joint or plane workpieces shorter than 10" (254mm), narrower than 3/4" (19mm), or less than 1/2" (12.7mm) thick.
Use hold-down/push blocks for small workpieces.
Hold workpiece firmly against table and fence.
Never perform "free-hand" operations.
Do not feed workpiece into the outfeed end.
Do not feed warped, knotted, or foreign object-embedded workpieces.
Maintain proper relationship of infeed and outfeed table surfaces and cutterhead knife path.
Support long or wide workpieces.
Never perform layout, assembly, or set-up work when the machine is running.
Always use cutterhead guard and push blocks.
Never pass hands directly over the cutterhead.

Maintenance Features

Cleaning:

Periodically blow out all air passages with dry compressed air.
Clean plastic parts with a soft damp cloth; avoid solvents.
The dust chute cover can be removed for cleaning.

Lubrication:

Apply household floor paste wax to the machine table and extension table or other work surface weekly.

Protecting Cast Iron from Rust:

Use WD-40® and a Scotch-Brite™ Blending Hand Pad to polish the table surface, followed by degreasing and applying TopCote® Aerosol.

Knife Maintenance:

Whetting Knives: Instructions are provided for whetting dull knives using a fine carborundum stone on the infeed table, ensuring the stone lies flat on the knife's bevel.
Replacing and Resetting Knives: Detailed steps for safely removing, replacing, and resetting the three knives, emphasizing extreme caution due to sharp edges. Knives must be installed correctly and securely fastened before operation.

Troubleshooting:

For assistance, users are directed to the Delta Machinery website (www.deltamachinery.com) for service centers or to call the DELTA Machinery help line (1-800-223-7278; in Canada, 1-800-463-3582).
A basic troubleshooting tip for "Failure to Start" is to check the cord plug contact, blown fuses, or open circuit breakers.