Jointer

Powermatic jointer

Benchtop jointer

Jointer

Surface planer

Planer

Jointer is a woodworking machine used for flattening and straightening the edges of boards. It operates by running the board over rotating cutterheads or knives that remove material from the wood. Jointers are essential tools in woodworking shops for creating flat surfaces and perfect edges, which are crucial for making tight joints and ensuring the structural integrity of the finished product.

Function

The primary function of a jointer is to produce a flat surface along the length of a board and to square the edges of the board relative to that surface. This is achieved by adjusting the infeed and outfeed tables relative to the cutterhead. The infeed table is set lower than the outfeed table by the amount of material to be removed. As the board is pushed over the cutterhead, the knives remove material, and the outfeed table supports the newly flattened surface.

Components

A jointer consists of several key components:

• Cutterhead: The rotating part that holds the knives or cutting blades. It is responsible for removing material from the wood.
• Infeed table: The table on which the wood is placed before it passes over the cutterhead. It is adjustable to control the depth of cut.
• Outfeed table: The table that supports the wood after it passes the cutterhead. It is set at the height of the top of the cutting circle and does not move.
• Fence: A guide that keeps the board at a consistent angle to the cutterhead, usually adjustable to various angles for bevel cuts.
• Knives: The sharp blades mounted on the cutterhead that cut the wood. They can be straight or helical and are usually made from high-speed steel or carbide.

Types of Jointers

Jointers come in various sizes, typically classified by the width of the cutterhead. Common sizes include 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch models, which refer to the maximum width of board the jointer can handle. There are also portable jointers for hobbyists or small shops and industrial models for professional woodworking operations.

Safety

Safety is a critical concern when operating a jointer. Users should always follow manufacturer guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and hearing protection. Additionally, using push blocks or push sticks to maintain a safe distance from the cutterhead is essential to prevent accidents.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of a jointer includes keeping the knives sharp and properly adjusted, ensuring the tables are parallel, and keeping the machine clean from dust and debris. Proper maintenance is crucial for the jointer's performance and the quality of the finished work.

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