Quote Originally Posted by wolften View Post
...in other words the 2 tables have to be parallel to each other no mater what height they are at.
I am just going through the same dilemma as I have purchased a new 6" Carb-tec jointer.
The important tools to have to true up (coplanar) the tables are a long and true straight edge and feeler guages.
Don't think your level is truly straight either, most aren't.
Place the straight edge on the out-feed table, the blades should already be set at the correct height. If not do that first.
Bring the in-feed table up to the st. edge or close to it, gap to be measured with feeler gauge, and keep checking with that feeler guage along the length of the infeed table, adjusting keyways and height adjuster as necessary.

When you think you're spot on, plane a piece of timber say 900mm long.
If it planes all the way after the 2nd or 3rd pass, depending on how bad the timber edge was, you've nailed it
As I said earlier, it's the straight edge that is the most important tool here.
I'm going to pick up a Veritas straight edge tomorrow.
Hope this helps.
The edges are parallel but the top is never parallel, it is in the same plane. It is no good referencing to the blades as they are movable. All reference must be made to the cutter head or drum. As for feeler gauges you can use them but there is a quicker and far better way. Get a torch and shine it behind the straight edge and look for light. In a well lit area you don't need a torch. Any light indicates a problem, this is far quicker and more likely to find problems. Actually a straightedge is strictly not even necessary, you can use string and light to do the same job but toys are nice and it is a good excuse to buy one. Mind you I think we are talking at cross purposes here, I am talking of setting the tables flat in both planes as referenced to the cutter head. It is only after that the blades can be set. BTW you will see light through a gap that no feeler gauge will fit through.