What Are Jointers Used For?

Jointers are one of the most vital pieces of equipment for any woodworker to create exemplary woodworking projects. They are versatile tools that are easy to operate and can help create straight edges on a board’s face, edge joint it for the same plane, and produce dead flat surfaces.

You can use jointers by themselves or in conjunction with a table saw, planer and jointer combo, jointer planer, jointer fence, hand plane, scrub plane, etc.

Let’s take a closer look at what are jointers used for and why you might need one.

What Are Jointers Used For?

Jointers are an essential piece of woodworking machinery used to create perfectly straight and flat edges. They can be used to join two boards together, flatten rough lumber, and adjust the thickness of boards. Jointers are useful in a variety of woodworking projects, including furniture making. 

What Is a Jointer?

A jointer is a power tool used to create flat surfaces and straight edges on rough lumber. It consists of a cutter head, an infeed table, and an outfeed table, which are all mounted on a single base.

It is often used as a substitute for a table saw or hand plane to straighten up twisted boards, flatten edges, and jointing end grain of different boards. 

Using a jointer is helpful for achieving consistent thickness from edge to edge and making wooden boards flat, providing a smooth surface. In addition, jointers are equipped with a jointer fence that, when set properly, will produce flat ends for edge jointing and create jointed edges that fit snugly together. 

How Does a Wood Jointer Work? 

Jointers have three main components — infeed table, outfeed table, and cutter head — that work together to create flat surfaces. 

A jointer works by spinning the cutting head at high speed, which creates a flat and smooth edge on the board.  Jointers also have a rip fence that helps guide the cutter head.

To get an even cut, it’s important to adjust the rip fence evenly so that it’s the same distance from the cutting head all the way down the length of the board. The fence also has a stop that you can set to ensure you only cut as much material as you need.

To use a jointer, place your board on one of the beds and adjust the fence to the appropriate depth and position. This will ensure that you get the desired surface flatness. 

Then, turn on the motorized cutting head and slide your board through in the same direction as the grain direction. If your board has any cupping or bowing, start from one end and work your way to the other to avoid wasting stock. 

To create a perfectly square edge without a woodworking combination square, keep the opposing faces parallel and move the board through. Remember to use little forward pressure on the board and avoid excessive downward pressure to avoid tearing out or leaving unwanted saw marks on the board.

For your safety, keep your hands away from the spinning cutter head at all times in order to avoid injury. It is also important to use the appropriate safety equipment, such as eye and ear protection and push blocks, so you can safely move the board along the outfeed tables. 

What is the Difference Between a Wood Jointer and Planer? 

A planer and a wood jointer are both necessary equipment in every woodworking business. 

Should you buy a planer or a jointer first?

This decision depends on the type of projects you plan to take on. 

If you are working with rough lumber and need to create flat surfaces, then a jointer can be the best tool to invest in first. Jointers can also be used for creating perfectly squared edges, straightened board edges, face jointing, removing cupped boards or bowed boards, and more.

On the other hand, if you’re working with pre-milled stock and just need smooth edges, a thickness planer will do the job nicely. 

Ultimately, both jointers and planers are essential woodworking tools, and having both is ideal. You can also buy jointer-planer combos that have the functionalities of both hand tools. 

What Size Wood Jointer Do I Need? 

Wood jointers are most often available in 6″ or 8″ sizes. The 6″ model is ideal for small-scale projects such as edging and rabbet jointing. An 8″ model is more versatile and can handle larger projects.

If you opt for an 8-inch model, look for one with a longer bed to accommodate broader boards. 

Best Wood Jointers I Need to Know About 

Joining pieces of wood together can be complicated and time-consuming if done manually. To make your job easier, consider getting a wooden jointer to make stronger and more precise joints in no time. 

1. Wahuda Tools Jointer

The Wahuda jointer is a powerful tool that can help you create smooth and precise joints effortlessly! It has a strong motor that can easily handle large volumes of wood while providing control and precision. 

It has sharp blades that are durable and allow for easy jointing. Furthermore, the adjustable fence ensures variable angle cuts, making it easy to tailor the cuts to the demands of your project. 

Finally, the dust collecting system maintains a clean workstation and guarantees a safe working environment. Overall, the Wahuda Tools Jointer is one of the best jointers in the market today.

2. PORTER-CABLE-PC160JT

The PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer has revolutionized the way you can work with wood. It’s an impressive machine that can easily tackle any job. This jointer is ideal for both personal and commercial use because of its strong motor, adjustable fence, and spacious table. 

You can complete your projects faster and more efficiently since it cuts straight edges with the least amount of work. Furthermore, this machine is portable, making it an excellent option for novices working in small spaces. Overall, this jointer is a great buy that will endure for years.

Can You Use a Jointer on Both Sides?

Technically, you can use a jointer on both sides of a board when face jointing, but it is not recommended. 

Once the jointer is set up with the jointer fence, the board can be passed over the blades, leaving a flat edge along one side of the board. To use it on the other side, you must then flip the board over and run it through the jointer again. 

Remember to adjust the jointer fence each time the board is flipped over for a smooth, flat surface on each side. If the fence is not adjusted correctly, it may result in tear-out or uneven surfaces.

However, as the jointer cuts away small amounts of the board to create a flat and straight surface, passing the board through the jointer again can result in the jointer cutting away too much material. This will make the board too thin and possibly warped. It will also not make the two sides parallel to each other. 

Jointer Planer Combos 

A jointer-planer combo is an excellent investment if you’re on a tight budget but still want the full experience of owning a jointer and planer.  Jointer-planer combos integrate the two tools into a single machine, saving you the money of buying them separately.

Most jointer-planer combos are also reasonably priced, so you won’t need to break the bank to get one. Furthermore, several models may have additional features and accessories for enhanced versatility, such as creating flat surfaces as well as straight and rounded edges. 

The combination of a jointer and a planer will allow you to easily build high-quality furniture, making it worthwhile in the long term.

Dewalt Jointer Planer Combo

The Dewalt Jointer Planer Combo is one of the most versatile and dependable tools on the market today. It has a robust 3x 400V 1x 230V motor that’s ideal for demanding jobs, high-speed steel blades for efficient planing, and precision adjustable fences for exact joinery.

The speed range is suitable for any material, from hardwoods to softwoods, with the different settings allowing for optimal performance regardless of the project at hand.

Thanks to its sturdy design and tough parts, you can be confident you’re using a tool that can withstand repeated usage. Overall, the Dewalt Jointer Planer Combo will impress both expert craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts. 

FAQs 

Do I need a jointer? 

A jointer is an important tool for leveling and straightening rough and warped lumber. So, if you’re looking to join two pieces of wood together, then a jointer will be necessary. While it may not be essential in general woodworking projects, it could still be beneficial to keep it handy depending on the project.

What does a jointer planer do?

A jointer planer combines the functions of a jointer and a power planer and is useful for shaping rough lumber into boards with square edges and flat sides. The jointer removes small amounts of material to produce a ripped edge, while the planer smoothens out the wood to create a flat surface. This combination of tools is faster and easier to use than a hand plane.

What is a bench jointer?

A bench jointer, also called a benchtop jointer, is a powerful tool used to create smooth and accurate cuts on boards. It includes a table, a base, and two cutting blades moving in opposite directions. These blades cut into the boards’ ends to create a joint. It helps produce boards with consistent thicknesses and clean square edges.

Can you use a jointer as a planer?

No, you cannot use a jointer as a planer. Jointers are used to make two adjacent edges of boards flat, while planers smoothen the surfaces of the boards and make sure they are of consistent thickness. 

Can a planer be used as a jointer?

No, a planer cannot be used as a jointer. Jointers are primarily used to flatten one side of a board, while planers are mainly used to cut down the thickness of boards. A jointer and a planer serve two different purposes and cannot replace each other.

Why use a planer? 

By using a planer, you can quickly eliminate any inconsistencies that hand planes or jointers may miss and ensure that your boards are perfectly flat and even. A planer will help create a surface that looks polished and well-crafted, making your finished products look professional. 

What should I consider when buying a jointer? 

Before making a purchase, think about what safety features you need in your jointer. Look for machines with guards over blades and safety switches that shut off when covers are removed. A good jointer should also include a dust collection system to catch any debris produced during use. The quality of materials used to build the jointer also matters. Quality jointers typically feature cast iron tables to help reduce vibration, ensuring greater accuracy when cutting, and hardened steel blades that are adjustable to allow for precise cuts.

If you prefer separate dust collectors, here’s our review of the best small shop dust collectors that will help you.

Next, read on: Best screws for fence pickets

Conclusion 

A jointer is an incredibly useful tool that is perfect for evening out the flat side and adjacent edge of different types of wood, allowing you to create a smooth surface that’s ideal for carpentry projects. Not only that, but they are also easy to use and can be an invaluable asset in any workshop.

We hope that this article has provided enough information for you to decide whether a jointer will be useful for your projects. Make sure you do your research and look for safety features when buying a jointer. 

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