Perfect Edge Joints

Posted November 1, 2011

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A 6-step
tune-up
sets your
jointer
straight.

By Dave Munkittrick

Purchase the complete version of this woodworking technique story from AWBookstore.com.

Jointers are simple machines with
few moving parts, but the two
beds, the fence and the cutterhead
all have to be in alignment
for a jointer to function properly. Few
things are more frustrating or more
common than problems with jointers.
This is especially true when you’re
trying to get straight, square edges
on your boards. I’ve come up with a
six-step tune-up that should set your
jointer straight. It’s easy to do and will
only take an hour or two, depending
on how many problems you unearth.

Common problems

Our tune-up will help you identify and
correct four common jointer problems:

Problem #1.
A table surface that’s
not flat.

Problem #2.
Tables that are not
parallel to each other
across their widths.

Problem #3.
Tables that are not
parallel to each other
along their lengths.

Problem #4.
A cutterhead that’s
not set parallel to
the tables.

Click any image to view a larger version.

Common jointer
problems result
in a sniped or
bowed edge.
Adjusting the outfeed
table height usually
cures the problem.
However, if both tables
and the cutterhead are not in
perfect alignment, the problem
will return when you move the
fence. This tune-up procedure takes
care of all the possible misalignments
that can cause jointer problems.

This story originally appeared in American Woodworker September 2006, issue #123.

September 2006, issue #123

Purchase this back issue.

Purchase the complete version of this woodworking technique story from AWBookstore.com.

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