The length of board that can be jointed on a benchtop jointer will vary depending on the model. Generally, benchtop jointers have infeed and outfeed tables that range from 6 to 8 inches wide. This means that the maximum board length will be equal to the sum of the width of the two tables (e. g.
if the infeed and outfeed tables are 6 inches wide, then the longest boards that can be jointed would be 12 inches long). Some benchtop jointers have extension wings that enable longer boards to be jointed, but these are not as accurate as the main tables and should only be used with shorter length boards.
How do you joint a long board with a jointer?
Using a jointer is the best way to joint a long board. Before starting, make sure the jointer is properly set up, the blades and infeed/outfeed tables should be parallel with one another. Begin by placing the long board onto the in-feed table with the “show” side (the show side will be the one that is visible after the joint is complete) facing down.
Press down gently on the board and slowly guide it over the blades along the out-feed table. Slowly increase the speed as the board gets to the out-feed table and once it is fully over the blades, stop the board and allow it one to one and a half revolutions on the out-feed table before removing it.
After the board has made one revolution, check to see if the joint is correct – any irregularities should be carefully adjusted with a hand planer or scraper. Once the joint is completed the board can be taken off the jointer and moved on to the next step of the woodworking process.
What is the maximum cut on a jointer?
The maximum cut on a jointer is determined by its size and the type of jointer you have. For example, a 4” jointer typically has a 1/8” maximum cut, while an 8” jointer typically has a 1/4” maximum cut.
If you have a larger jointer, its maximum cut can vary depending on the model. Some can reach up to 3/8” or even 1/2”. Additionally, if your jointer is equipped with a spiral cutterhead, the maximum cut can be increased.
For instance, a 4” jointer with a spiral cutterhead can have a maximum cut of 1/4”. Overall, the size of the tool and type of cutterhead you have will determine the maximum cut on your jointer.
How do you join two pieces of wood lengthwise?
The process of joining two pieces of wood lengthwise can be accomplished in several different ways, depending on the desired end result and the tools available. A simple way is to use screws, preferably either wood or metal screws made for the purpose.
This approach requires pre-drilling holes in both pieces of wood, spacing them so that when the screws are inserted and tightened down the two pieces are secured together; the larger the screw the more secure the joint.
Alternatively, you could use a biscuit joiner, which is a power tool that cuts shallow slots into the end of each piece of wood, inserts the biscuit and applies pressure to lock them in place. If a stronger joint is desired, using dowel rods instead of biscuits and wood glue can be effective.
Dowels are cylindrical pieces of wood that are inserted into holes drilled into both pieces of wood, glued together, and then clamped while the glue dries. Another method, one that results in a nearly invisible joint, is splines.
With this approach, slots are cut into the edges of both pieces of wood, and a thin piece of wood is inserted in each slot and glued into place. No matter which approach you use, make sure the wood is straight before you begin, with the edges flush and any chipped or cracked edges sanded and evened out, for the strongest joint possible.
How do you connect two 2×10 together?
Connecting two 2x10s together can be done by either using a lap joint or a scarf joint. For a lap joint, you would cut each 2×10 to the same length, then fasten them with screws or nails, making sure the pieces of wood are flush.
You can also use a biscuit joint if you have a biscuit joiner tool. For a scarf joint, you would use a table saw or a circular saw to cut a diagonal angle on the 2x10s, so that when the pieces are put together, it creates a joint.
To secure the pieces together, use wood glue and screws or nails. Once the pieces are connected, you can add clamps to ensure a tight fit.
How do you join boards together end to end?
Joining boards together end to end requires the use of a biscuit joiner and biscuit joints. A biscuit joiner is a power tool that cuts small slots in both the adjoining boards enabling them to be joined together using a biscuit joint.
To begin, measure and mark out the desired length of the two boards to be joined and cut them to size. Then set the biscuit joiner to the desired depth. Once the biscuit joiner is set, cut slots in both boards at the same location, whether this is the end grain, edge grain or face grain, making sure to keep them aligned.
Place the biscuits into the slots and spread them with a damp cloth. Apply a good quality wood glue to the cut slots and insert the biscuits. Bring the boards together and clamp them. You should leave the boards clamped for at least 30 minutes before using them.
Once the glue is completely dry, sand the outside of the boards to ensure a smooth finish.
How do you straighten long lumber?
Straightening long lumber can be done in a few different ways, depending on the level of accuracy you need. The most common way to straighten long lumber is by using a streak board. Begin by measuring the length of the board and marking any out-of-square ends.
Clamp the board onto the streak board and use a straight edge to check for straightness. If there is any curvature, use clamps to pull the board straight. Joints and splices can be checked with a combination or carpenter’s square.
If the board has knots that complicate the situation, you may be able to joint one side of the board. A belt sander or jointer can be used to help smooth the knots and straighter the board. You will then want to check the board again with a straight edge.
If even greater accuracy is needed, you may want to use machines like a thickness planer or a straight line rip saw. Just be sure to use common sense and take all necessary safety precautions when working with long lumber, as it can easily be cumbersome and difficult to handle.
Should I use a planer or jointer first?
The answer to this question depends on the type of project you are working on, and what kind of finish you are looking to achieve with your woodworking project. Generally, when preparing wood for a project, it is best to first use a jointer to make sure that the boards are straight and all edges are parallel to each other.
This will ensure that any cuts you make with the planer will result in smooth, even boards. Additionally, when cutting thin stock, the jointer can be used to smooth the edge and prevent warping.
When working with fresh cut lumber, a planer can be used to first make sure that each board side is a consistent thickness, and also to reduce cupping and twist. Truing up the face of a board with a planer can usually be done more quickly than with a jointer, and will give you more flexibility in how you use the boards, such as allowing you to precut the edges before gluing pieces together.
Ultimately, it’s best to have both a jointer and a planer in your workshop, especially if you will be dealing with a lot of wood on a regular basis. As a general rule, it’s best to begin with the jointer, and then use the planer to achieve the desired thickness, straightness, and finish.
Do I really need a jointer?
No, you do not need a jointer to start woodworking. A jointer is a machine used to create a flat edge on pieces of wood, which can be helpful for other projects. However, you can achieve similar results through other methods, such as planing and sanding.
Many experienced woodworkers choose to skip a jointer and use these methods instead, as they can be more cost-effective and don’t require the space needed for a jointer. If you’re new to woodworking, you can also practice proper gluing and clamping techniques to flatten wood without a jointer, which can give you the experience needed to decide if a jointer is right for you.
In the end, it all depends on what type of projects you plan to do and how comfortable you feel tackling them without a jointer.
What should you not do with a jointer?
You should not use a jointer to cut sheet materials such as plywood, MDF, or particleboard as these materials contain internal stresses that can be released as the board passes through the jointer, resulting in dangerous kickback.
You should also not use a jointer to plane non-wood materials, such as aluminum, plastic, or brass, as the jointer knives may clog and jam, damaging the woodworking tool and potentially resulting in injury.
Additionally, it is not advised to use a jointer for edges that require multiple passes due to the risk of non-uniform cuts, particularly when removing a large amount of stock in one pass. Finally, you should never join any material that is too wide or too thick, as it is not safe and could potentially cause damage to the jointer as well as yourself.
Will a planer flatten a board?
Yes, a planer can be used to flatten a board. To do this, you’ll need to utilize the planer’s slicing action to remove the uneven surfaces of your board. Begin by feeding the board into the planer, starting on the rough side of the board.
You’ll need to adjust the depth of cut according to the thickness of the board. Carefully guide the board through the cutting rollers with steady pressure and make sure to maintain an even speed. The planer will take off the uneven parts and soon you’ll have a flat board.
Keep in mind that there may be some subtle inaccuracies and you may need to take further steps to ensure the board is perfectly flat. That could involve sanding, running the board through the planer again, or using a jointer.
Does a jointer straighten boards?
Yes, a jointer can straighten boards. This is done by running the board along the flat beds of the jointer, which is equipped with two cutting blades that rotate in opposite directions to ensure even cuts.
The board is held in place and passes from one end to the other where the blades shave off any high or low spots. This leaves a straight and even edge and face of the board. When two boards are jointed together, their edges and faces will fit perfectly and will result in a perfect joint.
Jointer machines are usually used for boards that are too warped or twisted to be flattened any other way.
Is a thickness planer worth it?
Yes, a thickness planer can be a worthwhile investment for a variety of reasons. It is an essential tool for a woodworker, allowing them to smooth, flatten, and square boards of any thickness. It can quickly turn rough lumber into a uniform, square, and smooth surface, saving time and increasing the quality of the finished project.
In addition, thickness planers can save money, as they can be used to convert scrap pieces of lumber into usable stock. Lastly, thickness planers are very versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, such as planing thin boards for veneering, cutting small-scale moldings, sizing parts for a project, or flattening bow or cup-shaped pieces.
The versatility and precision of a thickness planer can be invaluable in any woodwork shop, so it’s definitely worth the investment.
What are 5 safety rules for a jointer?
1. Ensure that the guard and the jointer’s protractor are in good working order and provide sufficient protection.
2. Always use push sticks when operating the jointer to maintain a safe distance from the blades and to keep your hands away from the area where the cutting takes place.
3. Always wear protective goggles and a dust mask when using the jointer.
4. Stand to the side of the jointer, rather than in front, when feeding material through the jointer.
5. Secure the power cord out of the way, so as to prevent tripping or snagging it while operating the jointer.
Why do jointers cut tapers?
Jointers are used to flatten, edge jointing and straighten boards to create smooth surfaces. A taper is a surface that gradually gets thinner as it moves away from a reference point. Jointers are often used to create tapered edges on boards as part of the edge-jointing process.
This allows boards to be connected together in a way that creates a tight fit and also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the finished product. Tapered edges are created with the help of a special type of cutter head called a taper cutter head.
These cutter heads create precise, uniform cuts at both ends of boards that results in surfaces with tapered edges. This allows boards of differing widths to fit together properly, with the boards essentially creating a joint that fits tightly together, forming a strong and solid connection.
Jointers with taper cutter heads are ideal for tasks such as making door or window frames, constructing furniture, and even making boats.
Why am I getting snipe on my jointer?
Snipe on a jointer typically occurs when the workpiece is not firmly supported on both ends as it passes the jointer knives. This can happen when feeding stock onto the jointer using an unsupported or uneven table, or when the leading or trailing edge of the workpiece is lifting as it passes through the knives.
Additionally, if the jointer knives are not properly adjusted or have become dull, snipe can be more likely. To minimize snipe, make sure the workpiece is firmly supported on both ends as it passes through the jointer knives, and ensure the jointer knives are sharp and properly adjusted.
Additionally, it can be helpful to make multiple passes over the material at different locations so the pressure is evenly distributed across the jointer table.
How can I straight my edges without a jointer?
Straightening edges without a jointer can be done in a few different ways. The simplest option is to use a hand plane, which can be used to plane edges down to a straight line. Alternatively, you can use a shooting board, which is a specialized tool for squaring edges.
Finally, you can use a bandsaw or tablesaw with a miter gauge and make multiple cuts, taking away small increments at a time until the edge is straight. Be sure to use a sharp blade when cutting to ensure the best results.
After you have the edge straight, you can use a sandpaper block to smooth the edge. If you need to remove any additional material, you can use a hand plane in small passes.
Can you plane a 2×4 on edge?
Yes, you can plane a 2×4 on edge. Doing so can result in a few advantages, such as achieving a more precise and uniform cut and creating a more consistent edge surface with less chance for splintering.
To plane a 2×4 on edge, you’ll need a handheld or benchtop planer and a pair of clamps to hold the board in place. First, clamp the board firmly in a vice to hold it securely. Position the planer to the edge of the board, being sure to keep it flat and perpendicular so you maintain a consistent angle while planing.
Slowly and precisely run the planer along the edge to get the desired shape and finish. Lastly, finish up with sanding, if necessary.
What is the difference between a joiner and a jointer?
A joiner and a jointer are two different tools used for carpentry and woodworking. A joiner is used to join together two pieces of wood that are at right angles to each other, typically using glue and wooden dowels.
A jointer, sometimes referred to as a planer, is used to flatten rough or uneven surfaces and make them parallel. This makes a perfect edge to join when creating tables, shelves, and other wood joinery projects.
Both of these tools are essential for any woodworking project, but they each have a specific purpose. A joiner is mainly used for making strong corner joints, while a jointer is usually used for preparing boards for the next step in a project.