The best current way to dial in jointer knife alignment

Precisely aligning jointer knives can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. Here's a method that's fast, accurate, and requires only an inexpensive multimeter (used to measure voltage, current, and resistance), a steel rule, and a bit of masking tape.

First, apply two parallel strips of the masking tape to the jointer's outfeed table. Clamp one of the multimeter's alligator clips to the rule, the other to the jointer knife at top dead center. Rest the rule on one of the tape strips (which insulates it from the jointer's metal table) and over a jointer knife. Turn on the multimeter and set it to "continuity" mode. Raise the knife until the multimeter beeps or its gauge shows a circuit has been completed. Repeat the process for the other end of the knife.
—Don Doerr, Lawton, Mich.