The Different Machines

Here is more about some of the machines.

Planer: This machine cuts right across the wood. The planer levels the top and bottom of your piece of wood. Remember some of these tips when using the planer . . .

1. The cutter heads of the planer should be completely enclosed with solid metal

guards. Ensure that these are in place prior to operation. Check with your

teacher if you think there is a problem.

2. Never place your fingers under the board when feeding stock into the machine;

hold it at the end of the stock away from the infeed table. Always feed stock with

an open vertical palm.

3. Be sure stock is free of foreign materials, nails, other hardware, grit, dirt or

loose knots.

4. The thickness of lumber should be examined before planning. Lumber less

than 1/2” can be planed with teacher supervision, by placing a thin board on

top of a thicker board (at least 3⁄4” thick) and running both boards through the

planer together. Do not plane stock thinner than 1/4" thick (6mm).

5. Do not plane stock shorter than 12” long. Take extra care when planing short

stock as to not get fingers pinched between the table and the stock.

Jointer: This machine ensures that you have perfect right angles on your plank of wood. So, your plank of wood stays flat against the surface.

Some tips to remember when using the jointer would be . . .

1. Ensure the guard is in the proper position and working properly. Never remove

more than 1/16” (1.5mm) in one pass. Never make "free hand" cuts on the

jointer. Always use the fence. Ask for assistance when working with large pieces.

2. Always feed work along the length of the grain (see illustration), from

the in-feed to the out-feed table. Do not plane end grain.

3. Be sure to have firm footing when operating the jointer.

4. Make sure stock is at least 30cm (12") long. Make sure stock is no narrower

than 1" (25.4mm) when edge jointing and 1/2" (12.7mm) when face jointing.

5. Inspect the wood before sending it through the jointer. Use only new stock that

is free of loose knots, splits, cracks and fasteners.