A jointer is it is a woodworking tool that is great for flattening out cupped boards, removing twists, and preparing board edges to be glued together. f you have any notion about working with rough lumber, you may want to consider getting a jointer. If you’re curious about what a jointer is used for in woodworking, and if you need one, check out the rest of the article below.
How Does a Jointer Work?
The woodworking jointer consists of a base, a fence, an infeed table, and an outfeed table. The base is where the motor is housed. The fence is attached to the base and is used to guide the board as it is being fed through the jointer. The infeed table is where the board is fed into the jointer, and the outfeed table is where the board comes out.
To use the jointer, you will start by setting the fence at the desired width. Then, you will turn on the jointer and feed the board into the jointer, making sure to keep it flush with the fence. As the board goes through the jointer, the blades will remove any high spots on the board, leaving you with a flat surface.
Once the board has gone through the jointer, you can then use the outfeed table to support the board as you finish running it through the jointer. This will ensure that the board is perfectly flat.
What is a Jointing Machine Used For?
Jointers’ tools are important for any woodworker, but they are especially useful for those who work with rough lumber. By running the lumber through a jointer, you can create a smooth, flat surface that is ready for any subsequent operations. Jointers are also great for creating rabbets and grooves and for squaring up the edges of a board.
If you are planning on working with rough lumber, then you will definitely need a jointer. Jointers are the only way to get a perfectly flat surface on a board. If you try to flatten a board without a jointer, you will likely end up with a warped or cupped board.
Another reason you may need a jointer is if you are planning on gluing boards together. In order for the glue to work properly, the boards need to be flat and square. If you try to glue boards together without first running them through a jointer, you will likely end up with a very weak joint.
- Can create flat, smooth surfaces on boards;
- Allows for accurate cuts and measurements;
- Great for creating joints;
- Can make repetitive cuts quickly and easily;
- Can be used to create beveled or chamfered edges.
- Can be difficult to use for beginners;
- Takes practice to get precise, clean cuts;
- Can be dangerous if not used properly;
- Produces a lot of sawdust.
How to Choose a Jointer: Key Features
A jointer is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a woodworking shop. It is used to create flat, level surfaces on wood stock and to square the ends of boards. There are many tools for woodworking, such as Power Jointers and Jointer Planes. What is the difference between them you can read here.
When shopping for a jointer, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
- First, consider the size of the jointer. Jointers come in a variety of sizes, from small hand-held models to large floor-standing models. The size of the jointer will be determined by the size of the projects you typically work on. If you mostly work on small projects, a small hand-held jointer will suffice. However, if you frequently work on large pieces of wood, you will need a larger floor-standing model.
- Another important feature to look for is the type of cutter head. Jointers come with either a spiral or straight cutter head. Spiral cutter heads are more expensive, but they are also more efficient and will produce a better quality cut. If you can afford it, opt for a jointer with a spiral cutter head.
- Finally, pay attention to the fence on the jointer. The fence should be easy to adjust and should lock into place securely. A good fence is an essential part of getting accurate cuts with a jointer.
Keep these features in mind when shopping for a jointer, and you will be sure to find the perfect tool for your woodworking shop.
Types of Jointers
There are two types of jointers tools: benchtop jointers and cabinet-style jointers. Both benchtop jointers and cabinet-style jointers have an infeed table and an outfeed table. The difference between the two types of jointers is the size of the tables and the number of knives. Benchtop jointers typically have smaller tables and only two knives, while cabinet-style jointers have larger tables and four knives.
The number of knives is important because it determines the quality of the surface that is created. The more knives there are, the smoother the surface will be. The quality of the surface is important for many woodworking projects, such as creating a cabinet door that is smooth to the touch.
The size of the tables is also important. The larger the table, the easier it is to keep the piece of lumber flat against the table. This is important because a flat surface is necessary for many woodworking projects.
Benchtop jointers
Benchtop jointers are the smaller and more affordable of the two types of jointers. Benchtop jointers are typically only six inches wide, making them ideal for smaller projects. Benchtop jointers are the more affordable option and are better suited for smaller projects. Cabinet-style jointers are more expensive and better suited for larger projects. When choosing a jointer, it is important to consider the size of the project and the quality of the surface that is needed.
Cabinet-style jointers
Cabinet-style jointers are larger, more expensive, and better suited for larger projects. Cabinet-style jointers are typically eight inches wide, making them better suited for creating flat surfaces on wider pieces of lumber. Cabinet-style jointers also typically have a fence. The fence is used to keep the piece of lumber at a consistent angle as it is being fed through the jointer. This is important because it helps to create a consistent surface.
What Size Jointer do I Need?
A jointer is a tool used to create a smooth, flat surface on a piece of wood. The size of the jointer you need will depend on the size of the pieces of wood you will be working with. The size range of most jointers is from 6 to 12 inches. If you are working with larger pieces of wood, you may need a larger jointer.
There are many different types of jointers available on the market, from small hand-held models to large floor-standing machines. The size and features of the jointer will vary depending on the intended use. For example, a small hand-held jointer is fine for small projects, but a large floor-standing jointer is necessary for creating long, flat surfaces.
Safety Tips
No matter what type or size of jointer you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when using the machine.
- Always use a push block or push stick to feed the board into the jointer. This will help keep your hands away from the blades.
- Make sure the board is flat before running it through the jointer. If the board is not flat, the jointer will not be able to create a flat surface.
- Be careful not to over-joint the board. This can cause the blades to tear out the grain of the wood, resulting in a rough surface.
- By following these tips, you can use a jointer to create a perfectly flat surface on any piece of lumber.
FAQ
Can you use a jointer on both sides?
You can use a jointer on both sides of a board, but you need to be careful of the orientation of the board. If the board is not flat, the jointer will cut into the board on one side more than the other. This can cause the board to warp or twist. Also, if the board is not supported properly, the jointer can cut into the board on one side more than the other.
Do you really need a jointer?
As a general rule, if your stock is less than 12″ wide, you don’t need a jointer. If you’re working with wider stock, or stock that is very warped or cupped, then a jointer can be a lifesaver.
For most people who are just getting started in woodworking, a jointer is not an essential tool. You can get by just fine without one. However, if you do a lot of work with wide boards or boards that are warped or cupped, then a jointer can be a very useful tool to have.
Can you use a planer as a jointer?
A planer can be used as a jointer, but it is not as effective as a jointer designed specifically for that purpose. When using a planer as a jointer, the blades cut against the wood grain, which can cause tear-out. In addition, the planer leaves a slightly rougher surface than a jointer.
Conclusion
If you are planning on working with rough lumber or gluing boards together, you will need a jointer. Jointers are the only way to get a perfectly flat surface on a board, and they are also great for squaring up boards.
References
- Jointer – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jointer
- Carpentry – https://www.britannica.com/technology/carpentry
- A Complete Guide To Wood Jointers – https://bettertoolz.com/wood-jointer-buying-guide/
