I'm wondering if chipbreakers are generally interchangeable as long as they match the width of the iron. I have a Taylor Toolworks jointer plane, and while I've been able to address most issues, the chipbreaker is the biggest problem. It just doesn't fit well with the iron and gets clogged quickly. I've tried grinding it flat without much success, so I'm thinking about replacing it. If I find a chipbreaker that matches the width for a 2 3/8" blade, can I expect it to work with the current iron, or will I need a new blade too?
3 Answers
Yes, in theory, they should work as long as the chipbreaker fits the iron and the plane casting properly, and it has the right thickness. It might be worth checking if you have any images of your setup, as that could help diagnose the issue with your chipbreaker. Sometimes, flattening may solve it, but it sounds like something might be bent if you're still having problems.
I don't have any pics at the moment. The gap is pretty small and only shows up when the blade is held up to the light. I'm starting to think the chipbreaker might be warped.
When looking for a replacement, make sure any new chipbreaker has the same distances and cutout dimensions for things like the yoke. These specs need to line up with your plane for it to work right.
Definitely reach out to Taytools for help. They usually have great customer service and can guide you on the best replacement options.
Can you share those pictures? It might help pinpoint the issue quicker!