Buying and Using a Jointer

Understanding exact what a Jointer will and won't do will allow you to use a Jointer to its fullest degree, and allow you to produce from the best possible material.

Six Pointers for you Jointer

These simple techniques will ensure that your jointer really earns its keep. You'll not only appreciate this workshop workhorse more, you'll get better results and great production, too. Feeding stock with the grain running "downhill" from the out-feed table and away from the knives rotation produces the best results. If grain runs in several directions, position the board so that most of it runs in that direction. End grain generally should not be jointed because the knives will shatter any unsupported portion of it.

Should You Buy a 6″ or 8″ Jointer?

I am setting up a woodworking hobby shop. Would you recommend a 6 or 8 inch jointer. A 6″ jointer will certainly get you by, so I don’t want you thinking an 8″ jointer is a requirement for high quality work. I know many people who get along quite nicely with small bench top jointers and even some crazy individuals who would rather use their #7 jointer plane to get the job done.

Jointing With A Router

A dedicated jointer will always be the best choice for straightening the edge of a board. With proper setup and technique an edge can be made reasonably straight and square with a router. However, the limitations of relatively short router table fences and the minuscule contact area of a router bit bearing make it nearly impossible for a router to match the accuracy of a real jointer.

Should I Buy A Jointer or Planer First?

A frequent question from new and a surprising number of veteran woodworkers is whether to buy a jointer or planer first. Nearly all want both machines but trying to keep the budget in sight can mean one must come before the other. After reading many opposing views on this dilemma, some based on rather "unusual" justifications, I decided to give common sense a try to come up with an answer.