In addition to competence and skill, woodworking requires essential power tools. Skills and tools are like two sides of the same coin; it doesn’t matter if you only have one or the other. You don’t need to be a pro to work with wood, and like the best jointer for beginners, you can easily excel at woodworking if you have the necessary knowledge and good tools.
When it comes to tools, you can literally buy a wide variety. But are they worth it? That’s because most tools are designed for ultra-professional or basic-level woodworking. Therefore, it is best to get a variety of tools from different manufacturers and build your own personalized tool kit. Cutters are used for edging, flattening, and joining. They create flat surfaces on wooden boards. These tasks are essential for almost all woodworking.
Best Jointer For Beginners
What types of cutters are commercially available?
There are many different types of joinery cutters, also called thicknesses, available on the market. Knowing them will help you choose the best model for your needs. Here is a brief description of each type of joinery planer.
Closed planer
This is a fully enclosed planer that protects the cutter head and motor from dust. The closed part is also protected from injury. The advantage of this type of canner is that the sturdy, substantial base fits as a shock-absorbing unit. In addition, it can shave wood from 6″ to 16″.
Open Gantry Joinery
This cutter has the motor exposed to the outside and offers little safety or shock absorption. They also tend to be noisier than enclosed models.
Table planer
This is a tabletop planer that is usually fixed to a table and has no output surface. It is similar in appearance to a bench planer, but is considerably smaller and is also available in a closed type. It is also preferred that the shaving material be less than 6 inches wide.
Long jointer
This jointer has a very long arm and is used for very fine trimming. With this type of jointer, only the infeed is adjustable.
Manual Jointer
This is the most versatile bench planer, allowing trimming to be started from any position along the length. Conventional woodworking cannas, on the other hand, can only trim from one side.
Best Jointer For Beginners | Comparison Table 2024
[amalinkspro_table id=”5396″ aff-id=”undefined” new-window=”on” nofollow=”on” addtocart=”off” /]Best Jointer For Beginners | Reviews 2024
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B001AZV2OM” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AZV2OM?tag=powertools088-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”40 FOUR-SIDED CARBIDE INSERTS: Provides smoother, quieter cutting and finer finish than conventional systems.~~~66 ADJUSTABLE INFEED AND OUTFEED TABLE: More working surface.~~~FINE/QUICK ADJUSTMENT LEVER: For precision cuts.~~~38 TWO-WAY TILTING FENCE WITH POSITIVE STOPS: Quick positioning for 90° or bevel cuts.~~~LOCKABLE PUSH BUTTON SWITCH: Prevents accidental starting.~~~ Cutterhead, 1HP, 1Ph 115/230V (1791317K)~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]1. Powermatic Best 8 Inch Jointer Helical
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The Powermatic 54HH 6-Inch Jointer is a professional-grade woodworking tool designed to meet the needs of serious woodworkers. The jointer features a 6-inch screen with a smooth surface, making it ideal for working on a variety of woods. With its helical cutter head, the 54HH provides a smoother and quieter cutting experience, delivering a finer finish than conventional systems. The carbide inserts are also durable and long-lasting, ensuring that you’ll be able to use this jointer for years to come.
One of the standout features of the Powermatic 54HH is its adjustable infeed and outfeed tables. Measuring 66 inches in length, these tables provide ample working surface, making it easy to work on even the largest pieces of wood. The fine/quick adjustment lever is another great feature, as it allows for precise cuts, ensuring that your workpiece will always be exactly the right size. The 38-inch two-way tilting fence with positive stops is another great feature, as it makes it easy to position the jointer for 90° or bevel cuts.
In addition to its high-quality features, the Powermatic 54HH is also built with safety in mind. The lockable push button switch prevents accidental starting, and the 21- x 13-inch all-steel base cabinet provides a stable footing, helping to ensure accuracy. The base also contains the dust collection chute, which evacuates debris from below the cutter head via the exterior 4-inch diameter port near the floor, keeping the hose out of the way to prevent tripping accidents. Overall, the Powermatic 54HH 6-Inch Jointer is a great investment for serious woodworkers looking for a high-quality, versatile tool that delivers professional results.
- A helical cutter head with carbide inserts provides smoother and quieter cutting with a finer finish.
- 66″ adjustable infeed and outfeed table offer more working surface.
- Fine/quick adjustment lever for precise cuts.
- 38″ two-way tilting fence with positive stops for quick positioning of 90° or bevel cuts.
- A lockable push button switch prevents accidental starting.
- The product is only pre-wired for 115 volts, so it may need to be converted to use 230-volt power.
- The product is large and heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or store.
- The dust collection chute may require a larger dust collection system to effectively evacuate debris from the cutter head.
2. Grizzly Industrial Parallelogram 8 Inch Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The Grizzly Industrial G0858 Parallelogram Jointer is a high-quality woodworking tool designed for use in home shops. With an 8-inch cutting width and 76-inch length, this jointer provides ample space for a variety of projects. One of the standout features of this jointer is its parallelogram design, which allows for easy adjustment of each table to ensure perfect alignment. Additionally, the arched table travel keeps each table close to the cutter, providing an extra degree of safety during operation.
The G0858 Parallelogram Jointer also includes infeed and outfeed adjustment levers, making it easy to set the desired cutting depth for traditional jointing or rabbeting. With its powerful performance and precise results, this jointer is a true workhorse that is ideal for serious woodworkers. Additionally, the jointer comes with a convenient mobile base built-in, making it easy to move the tool around your shop as needed.
It's important to note that this jointer is designed for use in the US, and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries. Additionally, while it has received positive reviews from many users, it only has a 4.2 out of 5-star rating, so some users may have had issues with the product. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Grizzly Industrial G0858 Parallelogram Jointer is a well-designed and high-quality tool that provides a lot of benefits for serious woodworkers. With its powerful performance, precise results, and convenient mobile base, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their woodworking capabilities.
- Four points of contact for easy table alignment
- Arched table travel for added safety
- Infeed and outfeed adjustment levers for precise cutting depth
- A precise and powerful workhorse for home shops
- Convenient mobile base built-in
- May require an adapter or converter for use in other countries
- The price may be higher for some users
- Only 4.2 out of 5 stars in customer ratings
3. PORTER CABLE Benchtop Porter Cable Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The PORTER-CABLE PC160JT variable speed 6" a jointer is a versatile tool for any woodworking project. This jointer is designed to help you make accurate cuts with ease and control. The variable speed range of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM, with a cutter head speed of 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute, gives you the ability to choose the right speed for the size and hardness of the material you are working with.
The two-knife cutter head with a jack screw knife leveling arrangement and built-in cutter head lock makes it easy to replace or adjust the knives, ensuring that your cuts are precise and accurate. The extra-large table provides ample work support and allows you to surface stock up to a full 6" wide.
With a jointer, you will be able to flatten and square the face of the board, making it easier for you to shape and size wood according to your desired measurements. You will also have the ability to control the speed of the tool, which is essential for making accurate cuts. Whether you're working on DIY projects such as fences, table legs, or cabinets, a jointer can be a valuable tool for you to have in your workshop.
In conclusion, the PORTER-CABLE PC160JT is an excellent option for those who are looking for a versatile, reliable, and easy-to-use jointer. With its variable speed range, two-knife cutter head, and large table, you will be able to make accurate cuts with ease and control.
- A variable speed range of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM allows the user to select the right speed for the size and hardness of the material being cut.
- Two-knife cutter head with jack screw knife leveling arrangement for easy replacement and adjustment of knives.
- Built-in cutter head lock facilitates knife replacement and adjustment.
- The extra-large table provides ample work support for an accurate cut.
- Ideal for edging, flattening, or face jointing.
- A weight of 35 pounds might make it difficult to move around the shop.
- May require some time to get used to the adjustments and speed control.
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial use.
4. RIKON Power Tools Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The RIKON Power Tools Jointer is a high-performance benchtop jointer designed for precise cuts and smooth surface results. The jointer features a 6-row helical-style cutter head with 12 high-speed steel insert cutters for superior cutting performance. The powerful 10 AMP motor provides the speed and power required to handle a range of cutting applications.
One of the key advantages of the RIKON Power Tools Jointer is its all-steel construction, which provides rigid stability and durability. The machined aluminum tables are precisely machined for accuracy and the depth setting mechanism with scale allows for quick and easy adjustments. The adjustable fence can be tilted from 90 degrees to 45 degrees, which provides versatility and precise cuts.
The RIKON Power Tools Jointer is also equipped with a spring-loaded safety guard, which helps to protect the user during operation. The front on/off switch is easy to access, and the two push blocks provide added control when working with the jointer. The 2.5-inch dust port helps to keep the work area free from sawdust, which provides a clean working environment.
In conclusion, the RIKON Power Tools Jointer is an excellent choice for those who demand precise cuts and smooth surfaces. The jointer's powerful motor, high-speed steel insert knives, and all-steel construction make it a solid choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional woodworkers.
- 6-row helical-style cutter head with 12 HSS, 2-insert cutters for the efficient cutting action.
- Powerful 10 AMP motor for high-speed operation.
- All-metal construction for added durability.
- Quick depth setting mechanism with scale for ease of use.
- The adjustable fence tilts from 90° to 45° for accuracy.
- Limited to benchtop use only.
- May require additional accessories for dust collection.
- Higher price point compared to other benchtop jointers.
5. WEN Amp Spiral Benchtop Cabinet Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The WEN JT833H 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is a powerful and versatile tool designed for both amateur and professional woodworkers. With a 10-amp motor, this jointer is capable of rotating the cutter head up to 12,000 times per minute, providing an ultra-fine finish for hard and soft woods. The spiral cutter head system utilizes 16 staggered HSS blades to achieve optimal results.
One of the standout features of the WEN JT833H 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is its spacious 33-by-8-inch table with support arms that can extend up to 51 inches for longer workpieces. This, along with the adjustable infeed table, allows you to remove 0 to 1/8 inch of material with each pass and achieve a reliable depth of cut. The 19-3/4 by 4-1/4-inch fence can be beveled up to 45 degrees, providing the versatility to create angled cuts along the faces of your boards.
In terms of safety, the WEN JT833H 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer includes a spring-loaded blade guard to protect against accidental injury. Additionally, it is equipped with an onboard dust port to minimize cleanup and comes with two push blocks for safer jointing. The jointer is also compatible with the WEN BP510H Replacement Spiral Blades and is backed by WEN's commitment to customer satisfaction, including a stocked inventory of replacement parts and a friendly customer helpline.
In conclusion, the WEN JT833H 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile jointer. With its powerful motor, large table, adjustable fence, and safety features, it is capable of delivering precise and professional results.
- The spiral cutter head system provides an ultra-fine finish to hard and soft woods alike.
- The powerful 10-amp motor provides fast rotations for efficient jointing.
- The 33-by-8-inch table with support arms that extend up to 51 inches provides ample workspace for longer workpieces.
- The adjustable infeed table can remove 0 to 1/8 inches of material with each pass, providing accurate cuts.
- The adjustable 19-3/4 by 4-1/4-inch fence can bevel up to 45 degrees, allowing for angled cuts on workpieces.
- May require frequent blade changes due to the limited life of the HSS blades.
- Some users may find the fence to be difficult to adjust.
- Some users may find the machine to be a bit heavy and cumbersome to move around.
6. Shop Fox Benchtop Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The Shop Fox W1876 6" Benchtop Jointer is a compact and portable machine that is ideal for small to medium-sized woodworking projects. The benchtop design allows you to use it on your workbench or table, freeing up valuable floor space in your workshop. With a 1-1/2 HP, 120V, single-phase, 10A motor, this jointer delivers the power you need to tackle a variety of projects.
The Shop Fox W1876 6" Benchtop Jointer features a 6-inch spiral-style cutter head with 12 inserts that rotate at 12,000 RPM. This cutter head provides a smooth and precise cut, leaving a fine finish on your workpiece. The 6-1/4 x 30-inch table is made of cast iron and is precision machined to ensure accuracy in your cuts. The depth of cut is adjustable up to 1/8 inch, giving you the flexibility to remove just the right amount of material.
One of the standout features of this benchtop jointer is its dust port, which measures 2-1/2 inches. This makes it easy to keep your work area clean and dust-free, reducing the risk of inhaling harmful particulates. The jointer also features an adjustable fence that can be tilted up to 45 degrees, allowing you to make angled cuts. Additionally, the spring-loaded blade guard provides added safety during operation.
- Power motor: The Shop Fox W1876 6″ Benchtop Jointer comes with a 1-1/2 HP, 120V, single-phase, 10A motor that provides ample power to work on different types of wood.
- Large cutting capacity: The maximum width of the cut is 6 inches, and the maximum depth of the cut is 1/8 inch, which allows you to work on large pieces of wood.
- Spiral-style cutter head: The 12-insert spiral-style cutter head provides a smoother and more precise cut compared to traditional knife systems.
- High-speed operation: The cutter head operates at a speed of 12,000 RPM, which enables fast and efficient cutting.
- Dust collection: The 2-1/2 inch dust port allows for effective dust collection and helps keep the work area clean.
- Table size: The 6-1/4 x 30-inch table size might not be large enough for some users.
- Single-phase motor: The single-phase motor might not be suitable for heavy-duty use.
- Limited depth of cut: The maximum depth of cut is 1/8 inch, which might not be enough for some users.
7. CRAFTSMAN Porter Cable Benchtop Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer (CMEW020) is a versatile and powerful tool for all your edging, flattening, and face jointing needs. With a 10-amp motor, it provides ample power to handle both hard and soft woods, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
One of the standout features of this jointer is its variable speed range, which allows you to adjust the RPMs to match the size and hardness of your material. This level of control results in precise cuts and helps to ensure the longevity of your knives. Speaking of knives, the two-knife cutter head and built-in knife lock make knife replacement and adjustment a breeze.
The center-mounted fence of the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer provides stability during use and results in accurate edge jointing. The heavy-duty construction of the motor and overall build quality make this jointer a reliable tool that will last for years to come.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer (CMEW020) is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance tool for their woodworking projects. Its variable speed range, easy knife replacement and adjustment, and sturdy construction make it a great value for DIYers and professionals alike.
- Variable speed range allows for adjusting the speed according to the size and hardness of the material.
- Easy knife replacement and adjustment with the two-knife cutter head and jackscrew knife leveling arrangement.
- Accurate cutting with the center-mounted fence that provides support throughout the cut.
- The heavy-duty 10-amp motor can handle both hard and soft wood.
- Ideal for edging, flattening, and face jointing.
- The limited range of the fence could be an issue for some users.
- The motor may not be strong enough for bigger and tougher materials.
- Some users may find it difficult to maintain the accuracy of cuts.
8. JET Helical Head Best Floor Model Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The Jet JJP-12HH is a versatile machine that combines the functions of a jointer and a planer into one compact bench-top design. It offers a full 12-inch width capacity and 55-inch tables for precision cutting, with a powerful 3-HP induction motor providing consistent power.
One of the standout features of the JJP-12HH is its helical cutter head, which is equipped with 56 indexable carbide inserts. This design results in a superior finish and quieter cuts, while also greatly reducing tearout. The parallelogram design also allows for precise depth-of-cut adjustments, with a large handwheel for quick adjustments of the planer table.
Another advantage of the JJP-12HH is its ability to switch from jointer to planer without the need for tools, making it an efficient choice for projects that require both functions. The machine is constructed with heavy-duty cast iron and steel for strength and durability, and a rugged steel stand is included for added stability.
- Superior finish and quieter cut: Helical cutter head with 56 indexable carbide inserts offers smooth and noise-free cuts.
- Strength and durability: Heavy-duty cast iron and steel construction ensure the machine can handle heavy-duty tasks.
- Consistent power: With a powerful 3-HP induction motor, the JJP-12HH is capable of handling a wide variety of materials.
- Accuracy: Large handwheel for quick and precise adjustments of the planer table, ensuring accuracy in cuts.
- Stability: Heavy-duty, one-piece steel closed stand offers stability and helps prevent any wobbling during operation.
- Size and weight: At 600 pounds, the JJP-12HH is heavy and bulky, which makes it difficult to move around the shop or garage.
- Power source: As a corded electric machine, it requires a power source nearby and has limited mobility.
- Price: As a high-end machine, the JJP-12HH is relatively expensive and may not be suitable for hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts.
9. Wahuda Tools Jointer
[/amalinkspro]Product Overview:
The Wahuda Tools Jointer is a 6-inch benchtop wood jointer designed for easy and convenient use. This portable jointer features a spiral cutterhead with 4-sided carbide inserts, offering sharper and more accurate cuts, especially on tougher or figured woods. The jointer is powered by a 10amp motor that operates at a fixed speed of 12,000 RPM, making it capable of handling a variety of woodworking tasks, such as edging, jointing, flattening, and tapering.
The jointer has cast iron tables that are adjustable and expandable for increased stability during operation, and a fence that tilts from 90 to 135 degrees for greater versatility. Whether you're working on longer, larger pieces or need to tilt the fence for angled cuts, the Wahuda Jointer provides ample support and stability. The jointer is available in 6, 8, and 10-inch sizes, making it a great option for both novice and experienced woodworkers, as well as for use in small shops or job sites.
One of the major benefits of the Wahuda Tools Jointer is its compact and portable design, making it easy to move from one location to another. Additionally, the jointer is easy to set up, with no fuss or mess, and is ready to use right out of the box.
- Perfectly flat surfaces and edges can be created quickly and hassle-free.
- Smoother and more accurate cuts, even on tough or figured woods.
- Equipped with a cutting-edge spiral cutter head with 4-sided carbide inserts for sharper and quieter cutting precision.
- Stable and powerful with adjustable and expandable cast iron tables and a fence that tilts from 90-135° for versatility.
- Available in 6, 8, and 10-inch sizes for convenience and mobility.
- It may not be suitable for heavy-duty, commercial use.
- The 120V motor may not have enough power for some demanding tasks.
- The cost-effective and simple replacement of the standard blade size may not be enough for long-term use.
How To Choose The Best Jointer For Beginners | Ultimate Guide 2024
Power
The power of a jointer determines how easy it is to cut wood. Generally, a powerful jointer will produce a smoother finish on wood than a less powerful model. High-power models are also better at cutting hardwoods and can handle a wider range of cuts.
Six-inch jointers typically have a 1-hp motor, which is powerful enough to handle most softwoods, hardwoods, and many exotic woods; jointers with 8-inch blades require a 2-hp motor. High-end jointers with blades up to 16 inches wide have 3 hp motors.
Materials
For most power tools, the quality of the assembly is important, but this is especially true for fittings. The tool should make the wood perfectly smooth and square, and it should be made of high-quality materials without bends or sags. Look for a jointer with a robust cast-iron feedstock and guides that will stand up to extended use.
Blade and Depth of Cut
The depth of cut determines how many times the wood must be passed through the jointer to finish flat. Blade widths vary from 6" to 16". The wider the blade, the wider the piece of wood the jointer can cut.
Cutting heads are equipped with multiple blades. Smaller jointer heads have two or three blades, while larger ones have up to four blades. The greater the number of blades, the more uniform the cut.
A typical bench cutter can cut up to 215" deep, while commercial cutters can cut up to 1/2" deep. The greater the depth, the fewer passes are needed to flatten a warped or uneven board.
Portability
Being made of cast iron, many cutters are heavy and difficult to transport to the job site. Once the mobile joinery is installed in the workshop, it cannot be easily moved. These huge power tools weigh 250 to 500 pounds.
For joineries, bench planers are the lightest, but even these can weigh up to 60 pounds. Despite their weight, bench planers are small enough to carry to the job site.
Knife Options
When purchasing joinery, you will notice that some models have straight blades, while others have helical or spiral cutting heads. Straight blades use two or more rows of blades that run straight along the cutting head. Tabletop cutters typically use this type of cutting head. They provide an even cutting edge, but they tend to wear out and require frequent replacement and resharpening.
Some cutting heads employ a helical or spiral blade arrangement to create a smoother finish on wood surfaces. Spiral cutting heads have a spiral shape around the cutting cylinder, like the double helix in DNA.
With a spiral cutting head, each blade is kept parallel to the axis of the cutting cylinder. With the helical cutting head, each blade is 14 degrees away from the axis of the cylinder, resulting in a very smooth finish.
Dust Collection
Carpenters remove large amounts of wood to flatten and smooth boards, resulting in large amounts of sawdust. Installing a dust collection system will help keep the work area clean and the air comfortable.
Look for electric joiners with large openings to remove sawdust. Small tabletop jointers have 2" diameter dust collection openings, while large jointers have 4" diameter openings.
Additional Features
Electric cutters are among the safest power tools because they cover the blade with a tree or retractable guard when cutting, but they also have other safety features. Some jointers have added features that improve usability, such as a large knob for quick and easy adjustment of the workbench height and an adjustable cutting angle.
Quality
You can roughly judge the reliability of a jointer by its build quality. In general, a well-made bench canner will last longer, perform better, and be easier to use.
Joiner Worktable Length
The length of the jointer's worktable is another important consideration when purchasing an electric canner. The longer the worktable (consisting of an in-feed table and an out-feed table), the more stable it will be when cutting and joining boards. The most common length is 80 inches. Some people choose joiners with shorter beds, around 60 inches because they do not have much space in their work area. A shorter bed should be fine in many situations, but will not offer the same support.
Best Jointer For Beginners | Infographic
How To Use Jointer For Beginners | Video Explanation
FAQs
What is a jointer and what is its use?
A jointer is a powerful tool that replaces the hand planer. It is a table with a cutting head in the center of the infeed and outfeed table wings. Material is removed by pushing wood into the cutting head. The wood is held in place by a fence and supported by the table wings.
- Flattening the edges.
- Flattening the face.
- Chamfering.
- Joinery.
A tool used to make a flat surface along the edge of a piece of wood. The flattened surface of the edge allows for joining without gaps when butted together. It is indispensable for making box panels and furniture.
Flattening the face of a board is another job that fittings excel at. It can remove arches, warps, and twists in the wood. This cleaning ensures that the wood is straight and ready for use in the project.
Jointers can also make bevel cuts. Adjust the fence at an angle before feeding the wood into the jointer head.
As your woodworking skills improve, you will see other uses for jointers. I have seen carpenters use jointers to cut rabbits. You can also use joiners to chamfer and taper.
Which jointer outperforms the others?
In this jointer review, we looked at a number of models with different jointer benefits and features.
To begin with, this model is a benchtop model. Larger products are best suited for large stores. The countertop model is suitable for smaller stores and spacious work areas. It is also easy to move away from the store for fixture work.
The 15 cm cutter width provides ample space for most jointers. Construction materials and common board sizes used for gluing panels are described.
The product is also equipped with a 2 hp electric motor. More than enough power for your woodworking needs.
Finally, Porter Cable offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and one year of free service on the jointer. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
How are jointer blades sharpened?
You can hire a professional to sharpen the blades, but this can be expensive and may render them unusable for several days or weeks. Also, you may not be satisfied with the results when you return the product.
If you make or purchase a jointer blade jig, you can sharpen the blades yourself.
- Cover the edges of the output table with thick tape to prevent damage during sharpening.
- Once the jig holds the blade in place, the cutting head must be moved to the correct depth for sharpening.
- Place the scrap wood on the cutting table and lower the output table until the blade contacts the wood.
- Using a 600-grit diamond whetstone, begin sharpening by placing the whetstone over the blade and pulling the blade toward the exit table.
- Continue until a small chamfer is made along the entire length of the blade. Examine the blade with a magnifying glass.
- Change to a 1200-grit whetstone and repeat the above process.
- After sharpening the blade, remove the jig, move on to the next blade, replace the jig, and repeat this process until all the blades have been sharpened.
How do I use a jointer?
The proper way to use the joiner is as follows.
- First, use a store square to verify that the joint between the output board and the guide is at exactly 90 degrees. The purpose of the joiner is to create a perfectly square edge. If the join is not at 90 degrees, this will not be possible.
- Adjust the depth dial.
- Place the wood on the input table with the crown face up and turn on the jointer. Always cut the face first, then the edge.
- Hold the piece of wood firmly against the guide and use the push pad to push the piece of wood through the cutter.
- Next, cut the other face and then the ends.
- If this is done correctly, you should have a perfectly square piece of wood, smooth on all four sides.
What is the difference between a jointer and a planer?
Both jointers and planers cut from the sides of the wood, but jointers are used to make straight squares out of crooked or uneven wood. A planer removes more wood by cutting thicker boards to the required thickness. To use a planer, one side of the board must already be flat.
What Is The Best Size Jointer To Buy?
The best size jointer to buy depends on a few factors, such as the size of the lumber you plan to work with and the amount of space you have in your workshop. Here are a few common sizes and their suitability for different tasks:
- 6-inch jointer: A 6-inch joiner is a good option for hobbyists or DIYers who work with smaller pieces of lumber and have limited space in their workshop. This size is also relatively affordable and can still handle most small to medium-sized projects.
- 8-inch jointer: An 8-inch jointer is a popular size that is suitable for most home workshops. This size is capable of handling larger pieces of lumber and can handle most projects with ease. The only downside is that it takes up more space and can be more expensive than a smaller jointer.
- 12-inch jointer: A 12-inch jointer is the largest size commonly available and is suitable for professional woodworkers or those who work with very large pieces of lumber. This size is more expensive and takes up a significant amount of space, but it provides the most versatility and can handle almost any project you throw at it.
Ultimately, the best size jointer for you will depend on your specific needs and the amount of space and money you have to invest in your workshop. Consider the types of projects you will be working on, and choose a size that can handle those projects effectively.
Is A Jointer Better Than A Planer?
A jointer and a planer serve different purposes in the woodworking process and both have their own unique benefits and limitations. A jointer is used to flatten one face of a board and square one edge, while a planer is used to make the opposite face parallel and of a consistent thickness. A jointer is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to work with rough or warped lumber and create a flat, straight surface to build from. On the other hand, a planer is great for removing saw marks and creating a smooth, uniform surface on already flat boards.
In conclusion, neither a jointer nor a planer is inherently better than the other. Both are important tools for any woodworker and should be used in conjunction with each other to achieve the best results. The right tool for the job depends on what you're trying to achieve and what kind of lumber you're working with. If you have the space and budget, it's always best to have both a jointer and a planner in your workshop.
Is A Benchtop Jointer Worth It?
Whether a benchtop jointer is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences as a woodworker. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Space: Benchtop jointers are smaller and more compact than floor-standing models, making them a good option for those with limited workshop space.
- Portability: Benchtop jointers are lighter and more portable than floor-standing models, making them easier to move around and store when not in use.
- Price: Benchtop jointers are generally less expensive than floor-standing models, making them a more affordable option for hobbyists or DIYers on a budget.
- Capability: Benchtop jointers have smaller cutting capacities and bed lengths than floor-standing models, which can limit their ability to handle larger or longer pieces of lumber.
In conclusion, a benchtop jointer can be a good option for those who have limited workshop space, need a portable solution, or are working with a budget. However, if you plan on working with larger pieces of lumber or need a more robust solution, a floor-standing jointer may be a better option for you. Ultimately, the decision to buy a benchtop jointer or a floor-standing model depends on your specific needs and preferences as a woodworker.
What Should You Not Do With A Jointer?
There are several things that you should not do with a jointer to ensure the safe and effective use of the tool. Some of these include:
- Do not join pieces that are too small or too thin. This can result in the workpiece getting caught in the blades or being kicked back toward the operator.
- Do not try to join pieces that are twisted or cupped. This can cause the blades to bind and cause damage to the tool or the workpiece.
- Do not try to join pieces that are not square. This can result in an uneven surface and can cause the blades to bind.
- Do not use dull blades. Dull blades can result in rough surfaces and can cause the blades to bind.
- Do not use a jointer to plane the surface of a board. This is not what the tool was designed for and can cause damage to both the tool and the workpiece.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe and effective use of your jointer and get the best results for your woodworking projects.
Can You Square A Board With Just A Jointer?
Yes, you can square a board with just a jointer, but it can be challenging and may require some patience and skill. To square a board with a jointer, you'll need to first joint one face and one edge of the board to make them flat and square. Then, you'll need to turn the board 90 degrees and joint the other face, making sure to keep the freshly jointed edge against the fence.
Once you have both faces joined, you'll have a board that is square on two opposite faces, but not necessarily on the other two faces. To square the remaining two faces, you'll need to make additional passes over the jointer, adjusting the position of the board each time to ensure that you are removing an equal amount of material from each face.
While it is possible to square a board with just a jointer, it can be a time-consuming process and may not result in the most accurate or efficient method for squaring a board. It's often recommended to use a combination of a jointer and a planer to square a board, as this method can produce more accurate and consistent results in less time.
What Is The Difference Between A Jointer And A Joiner?
The terms "jointer" and "joiner" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different tools in woodworking.
A jointer is a tool that is used to flatten one face of a board and square one edge. It's essentially a long, flat surface with a cutter head that rotates at high speed, allowing the operator to run a board over it to create a flat, straight surface.
A joiner, on the other hand, is a tool that is used to join two pieces of wood together at a 90-degree angle. It typically features a vertical fence that holds the workpiece in place and a cutter head that rotates to cut the end of one board so that it fits snugly against the end of another board.
In conclusion, a jointer is used to prepare a single board, while a joiner is used to join two or more boards together. Both tools are important in the woodworking process and play a crucial role in creating strong, accurate, and well-fitting joints.
How Can I Flatten Without A Jointer?
If you don't have access to a jointer, there are several other methods you can use to flatten a board, including:
- Handplanes: Using a hand plane can be a time-consuming method, but it's a great way to flatten a board without using a jointer. You'll need to start with a board that is relatively flat on one side, and then use a hand plane to remove any high spots on the other side.
- Table Saw: You can use a table saw to flatten a board by making repeated passes over the saw blade while keeping the board against the fence.
- Router Table: A router table can be used in a similar way to a table saw, using a straight bit and a fence to remove material from the board.
- Belt Sander: A belt sander can be used to flatten a board, but it's important to be careful not to remove too much material too quickly, as this can cause the board to become uneven.
While these methods can be used to flatten a board, it's important to note that the results may not be as accurate as using a jointer. Additionally, some methods may not be suitable for all types of boards or for all levels of woodworking experience, so it's important to choose the method that works best for your needs and skills.
Can A Table Saw Replace A Jointer?
A table saw can be used to partially replace a jointer, but it's important to note that it has limitations compared to a jointer. A table saw can be used to flatten one face of a board, but it can be more difficult to get a straight, square edge using a table saw compared to a jointer.
To use a table saw to flatten a board, you'll need to make repeated passes over the blade while keeping the board against the fence. This process can be time-consuming, and it can be difficult to get the same level of accuracy and precision as you would with a jointer.
While a table saw can be used as a substitute for a jointer in a pinch, it's not an ideal solution for frequent or heavy-duty use. If you're serious about woodworking, it's usually best to have both a table saw and a jointer in your shop, as each tool has its own strengths and limitations and can complement each other well.
Conclusion
If you are still on the fence about buying a jointer, read this review again and again. These cutters are among the best on the market and are suitable for all levels of joinery. They are sturdy, long-lasting, and can handle all types of wood. However, they are suitable for beginners or those with limited workspace.
Ultimately, you will need to find the jointer that best jointer suits your needs, but once you check out the power, speed, depth of cut, warranty, and durability, you're all set.