How to Master the Jointer

Preparing the Jointer

• 1

  Run a precision square along the fence with the long part of the square facing up and the short part resting on the table. Adjust the fence to bring it 90 degrees relative to the table, then run the square along the fence to make sure that the same angle is maintained along its entire length. If the fence is warped or twisted, you may need to have it machined.

• 2

  Place a carpenter's square on the outfeed table with its short end facing up and another square in the same position on the infeed table. Bring the squares together. They should match and have no gaps between them. If there is a gap, adjust the tilt of the table to eliminate it.

• 3

  Adjust the height of the knives with a precision caliper. Run the caliper along the knife to make sure it is the same height above the table at every point along its length. Start with a a height of 1/32 inch. You can adjust the knives upward if needed.

• 4

  Wax the table with paraffin wax to reduce friction and make the boards easier to push. The wax should be silicone free, because silicone can interfere with wood finishes.

Jointing Wood

• 5

  Examine the board you are going to joint and note the direction of the grain. Remembering that the blades turn clockwise, you'll want to push the board through so the blades are turning with the grain direction, not against it. This will reduce chipping and gouging.

• 6

  Hold the board parallel to the ground and examine its cross-section. If it is cupped, mark the the cupping direction by making a semicircle on the end of the board. If you need one flat face, joint the one on which the ends of the semi-circle are pointed to prevent rocking and an imperfect cut.

• 7

  Lay the board on the infeed table with the edge or face you want to joint facing down. Turn on the machine and push the board slowly through the blade. If you are jointing a face, use push blocks to keep your hands away from the blade. A push block has a rubber pad attached to a handle, much like a rubber grouting float.

• 8

  Push the board through at a moderate speed, maintaining a steady downward pressure near the blade and keeping the board in contact with the fence. If you use too much force, though, or push too fast, the blade will create chatter marks on the wood. You may need a little practice with some scrap wood to master the technique before you work with more valuable stock.

• 9

  Turn off the machine as soon as you have pushed the board through and leave it off until you're ready to use it again.