Introduction: Controlling the Jointer

About: Autodesk Technology Center San Francisco is a hub for research, development, and demonstration of new manufacturing technologies and workflows relating to configurable microfactories.

Use the jointer together with the planer to create smooth, flat boards.

  1. Joint one face (the bottom).
  2. Joint an adjacent edge to make two perpendicular surfaces.
    • Place the jointed face (#1) against the fence.
  3. Use the planer to make the top face parallel to the bottom.
  4. The second edge should be cut square on the table saw.
    • Cutting 1/16" wider than required will allow making a final pass on the jointer for a perfect edge.

Step 1: How the Jointer Works

The jointer has a set of rotating knives that the material moves across.

The height difference between the infeed table and outfeed table is the depth of cut.

To adjust the depth of cut, raise or lower the infeed table.

Only Shop Staff may adjust the outfeed table.

When moving material through the jointer, pressure should be applied to the outfeed table as soon as it's safe to do so.

Never apply pressure directly on top of the cutters.

Step 2: Control Panel

The control panel contains the table height adjuster, the E-stop and the start/stop switch.

Step 3: Adjusting the Depth of a Cut

When working with an unfamiliar material, start with a depth of cut of 1/32" or less.

Maximum depth of cut is 1/16".

Press the table height adjust button to raise or lower the table.

If the table doesn’t move, check the power switch, E-stop and dust collector.